In a business letter, the format has six (6) parts:

Heading

The heading includes the date and YOUR address.

Inside Address

The inside address mirrors the address you put on a mailing envelope.  It is your RECIPIENT’S address.

Greeting

Greetings on business letters are formal.  We use titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Dr., Rev., Sr., Br., Fr., Prof.  We don’t say, “Dear Mary,”

We say, “Dear Ms. Poppins:

 

Use a COLON : after your recipient’s name.

Body

The body of a business letter should be free of unnecessary detail.  The message of your letter should be direct and to the point.  If you can say what you want in one clear paragraph, go for it!

Complimentary Close

Again, politeness counts.  We use phrases such as Sincerely, Best Regards, Best Wishes, and Mrs. Gann’s favorite, Very Truly Yours.

Signature

In the business world, many industries want original letters to be signed in blue ink.  Why do you think this is?

For our purposes, you may sign your letters in blue OR black ink.