Business English 6.- Format and Mechanics of letters and E-mails Messages/Block-left Format/Modified Block-left format

Format and Mechanics of letters and E-mails Messages

Block-left Format

The most common format for business letters is called block left.

Guidelines –

– Line up everything you type on the left.

– Also do this when using letterhead stationery (stationery printed with a company´s name and address).

– Skip one line between the date, inside address, greeting, paragraphs in the body of the letter, and closing.

– Write the body of the letter in paragraphs, not as separate sentences.

– Leave four lines for your signature.

Modified Block-left format

Another format is called modified block-left.

Guidelines

–  Line up the return address and/or date, closing, and signature block a little to the right of the center.

–  Leave one space between all the central parts of the letter: date, inside address, greeting, body, and closing.

– Write the body of the letter in paragraphs, not as separate sentences.

– Leave four lines for your signature.