How to Write a Formal Letter: Start to End

Writing a formal letter may seem old-fashioned in today’s digital age, yet it remains a powerful way to communicate with institutions, employers, or government offices. Whether you’re applying for a job, requesting information, or submitting an official complaint, knowing how to write a formal letter is essential.

In this comprehensive guide by Assignment Station, we’ll walk you through every step—from the correct formal letter format to how to end a formal letter with impact. So, let’s dive in!

Why Learning to Write a Formal Letter Still Matters

First and foremost, formal letters are a reflection of professionalism. Although emails dominate communication, many organisations still require formal letters for official correspondence. Hence, mastering this skill boosts your credibility, especially in academic and professional settings.

Moreover, schools, colleges, and universities across the UK often assign tasks requiring formal letters. Therefore, learning the right format not only improves your writing skills but also contributes to academic success. For students looking for a little extra help, turning to an assignment help service like Assignment Station can make the process easier and more effective.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write a Formal Letter

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Letter

Before you begin, clearly define why you’re writing the letter. Is it a complaint, a request, or an application? Identifying the purpose helps you choose the right tone, vocabulary, and structure. For instance, an application letter should sound confident and respectful, whereas a complaint letter may require assertiveness without being aggressive.

Once the purpose is clear, you’re ready to proceed with the structure.

2. Follow the Proper Formal Letter Format

Using the correct formal letter format is essential to ensure your message is well-received. Here’s a general layout to follow:

a) Sender’s Address

Start with your address on the top-left corner of the page. Include your full name, street address, city, and postcode.

b) Date

Skip a line and add the date. Use the proper format—23 July 2025, not numeric styles like 23/07/25.

c) Recipient’s Address

Below the date, include the recipient’s full name, job title (if applicable), company or institution name, and address.

d) Salutation or Greeting

This is where you formally address the recipient. Use:

Dear Sir/Madam (if the name is unknown)
Dear Mr. Williams / Ms. Clarke (if the name is known)

Avoid informal greetings like “Hi” or “Hello” in formal writing.

e) Subject Line (Optional but Useful)

A subject line helps the recipient understand the purpose of your letter at a glance. For example:

Subject: Application for Marketing Internship – Summer 2025

3. Compose the Body of the Letter

With the structure in place, now focus on the core of your letter—the body. Typically, it consists of three main paragraphs:

i) Introduction

Introduce yourself and briefly state the reason for writing. Be clear and polite.

“I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Internship role at your organisation, as advertised on your website.”

ii) Main Content

In this section, elaborate on your message or request. Keep your sentences structured and your ideas logically connected. Use transition words like furthermore, moreover, in addition, and therefore to create a smooth narrative.

“I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Business and Marketing. Furthermore, I completed an internship where I managed digital marketing campaigns for small businesses.”

iii) Conclusion

Summarise your main point and include a courteous call to action.

“I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your team. Please let me know if any further documentation is required.”

4. Know How to End a Formal Letter

Understanding how to end a formal letter appropriately adds a final touch of professionalism. Consider using the following closings:

Yours sincerely (if the recipient’s name is known)
Yours faithfully (if the name is unknown)
Kind regards
With respect

Leave a few spaces for a signature if you are printing the letter, then write your full name underneath.

5. Proofread Before Sending

Proofreading is crucial. A few careless errors can damage the impression you intend to make. Make sure to:

Check spelling and grammar
Review punctuation
Ensure consistency in tone and format
Verify the recipient’s information

Reading the letter aloud is a great way to spot issues with flow or clarity.

6. Format Presentation for Impact

Presentation greatly influences how your message is perceived. Therefore:

Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12
Set 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins all around
Avoid decorative fonts, emojis, or coloured text

If you’re submitting the letter digitally, export it as a PDF to preserve the formatting.

Tips to Keep in Mind While Writing a Formal Letter

To further improve your formal writing, keep these tips in mind:

Maintain a respectful and confident tone
Limit the letter to one A4 page
Use transition words to guide the reader
Avoid contractions like can’t or won’t
Focus on facts and stay away from emotional or dramatic language

A well-written formal letter reflects clarity, respect, and purpose.

Sample Formal Letter

Here’s an example of a well-formatted formal letter for UK-based communication:

Sender’s Address
74 Baker Street
London
W1U 6RF

Date: 23 July 2025

Recipient’s Address
The Hiring Manager
Bright Communications Ltd
20 Oxford Road
Manchester
M1 5QA

Subject: Application for Internship Opportunity

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship opportunity listed on your company’s website. I am currently pursuing my BA in Business and Marketing and am keen to gain experience in a professional marketing environment.

Throughout my academic journey, I have developed strong communication and analytical skills. In addition, I have completed an internship at a local agency, where I managed content strategies and assisted with client outreach.

I believe my enthusiasm, academic background, and practical experience make me a suitable candidate for this opportunity. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Emma Collins

How Assignment Station Can Help You Write Better Letters

At Assignment Station, we understand that students across the UK often struggle with formal writing assignments. Whether it’s crafting the perfect formal letter, structuring academic essays, or submitting flawless applications, our expert team is here to help.

With our assignment help service, you gain access to professional guidance tailored to UK academic standards. We assist you at every stage—be it proofreading, formatting, or full writing support—ensuring your work stands out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to write a formal letter is a vital skill for students and professionals alike. By following the correct formal letter format, maintaining a respectful tone, and understanding how to end a formal letter, you can make a confident impression.

If you’re unsure about grammar, structure, or simply want your work reviewed, trust Assignment Station—a reliable assignment help service committed to your academic success in the UK.