Style in Letters

The characteristics of formal style in letters are:

- The greeting (Dear Mr. Rudd, Dear Sir);

- Frequent use of passive voice;

- Formal language (complex sentences, non-colloquial English);

- No abbreviated forms;

- The closing remark (Your sincerely; Yours faithfully, Mary Hill).

The characteristics of informal style in letters are:

- The greeting (Dear John, Dear Mum);

- Informal language and style (idioms, colloquial English);

- Abbreviated forms, pronouns omitted;

- The closing remark (Yours; Love; Best Wishes; Regards, Michael).

3. Read the following sentences and put an F for formal and I for informal language. Then say: a) which sentences can start or end a letter and b) what kind of letter each sentence belongs to.

1) I am writing to request your advice on a business matter.

2) I look forward to receiving any information which might be of help.

3) I’m writing to say how sorry I am for the misunderstanding.

4) I trust this matter will receive your immediate attention.

5) Well, that’s all my news for now. Write back soon.

6) Thank you again for the invitation and I hope we can get together some other time.

7) Once again, thanks for all your help.

8) I am writing to inform you that new courses will commence on July 4^th.

9) Hope this advice has helped.

10) I’m writing to invite you to our house-warming party.

4. Read the two letters and reason why they have been written. Then, compare and contrast them to find characteristics of formal and informal style. How many addresses are in each letter? Why? Which letter involves a detailed character description? Why?

24, Lancaster Terrace,

Heath field,

W. Sussex

16 January, 1997

Dear John,

Just thought I’d drop you a line to congratulate you on your promotion. Lynda told me about it yesterday, and I can only say how pleased I am – though not surprised.

Considering what a hard-working and dedicated policeman you’ve been, it’s only logical that they should decide to promote you to Detective Sergeant. I’m sure your part in solving that series of burglaries had an influence as well. It takes a special talent to solve a complicated case like that, and obviously you have it. I hope in your new role you’ll have the chance to prove yourself again and again – not that I hope there’s lots of crime, but you know what I mean.

Once more, congratulations. Hopefully we can get together soon and celebrate a bit. Give my love to Delia and kids, and write soon.

Regards,

Dave

2, Mission Street,

Huntersville,

17 January, 1997

Paul Harvey, President

Safetec Security Services,

Bristol

Dear Mr. Harvey,

I have received your letter dated 12^th November, which requests a reference for Mr. Dean Guthrie. I am pleased to comply with your request and to provide the following information.

Mr. Dean Guthrie has been employed at Millibank in Huntersville for five years, where he has held the position of Head of Security. Mr. Guthrie has decided to leave this post, as he is moving to Bristol.

After twenty years of dedicated service in the London Metropolitan Police Force, Mr. Guthrie came to us in June, 1990. Using his excellent skills and training, he helped to design the bank’s security system. Mr. Guthrie is very good at dealing with difficult situations, and is a patient, tactful man. His achievements include successfully managing a staff of fifteen security guards.

Mr. Guthrie is modest, and friendly. His professionalism, honesty and loyalty have made him a model employee.

I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Guthrie for any position in security or indeed for any post which requires his many admirable qualities.

Your sincerely,

John Smith, (General Manager)

5. Match the beginnings with the endings, then identify the type of letter:

BEGINNINGS:

1) I’m writing to complain about the items which I ordered from your catalogue last month.

2) I would be grateful if you could send me further information concerning your summer courses in computer programming.

3) I’m writing to ask your advice on a small problem I’ve got.

4) I am writing to apply for the post of junior manager.

5) I regret to inform you that you have not been accepted the course.

6) I was pleased to get you letter, and I’ll tell you what I think you should go.

ENDINGS:

1) I hope you will consider my application and I look forward to hearing from you.

2) I hope that the matter will be resolved quickly and that my money will be promptly refunded.

3) Hope my advice is useful, and let me know how everything turns out.

4) I’m really anxious to hear your suggestions. Write soon.

5) Thank you in advance for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you.

6) Please do not hesitate to contact us again should you wish to reapply in the future.

6. Read Karen’s letter and answer the following questions: A) what kind of letter is it? B) How does it begin and end? C) Where and when will the event take place?

Dear Emily,

I’m writing to invite you to my birthday celebration on Friday, 15 June. It’s going to be an all-day affair, so you should be here by eleven o’clock in the morning.

Since it’s my sixteen birthday, my parents want it to be a very special day, so this is what we’re going to do. First we’re going to take everyone to the stables and hire horses. Then we’re going to ride to the Elmington Estate and have a picnic there. When we get back, there will be games and refreshments in the garden, and in the evening there’ll be supper and dancing. I just hope the weather is fine.

Let me know if you can come, and tell me your news as well. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Lots of love

Karen

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