BUSINESS LETTER

A business letter is a letter written in formal language, usually used when writing from one business organization to another, or for correspondence between such organizations and their customers, clients and other external parties. The overall style of letter will depend on the relationship between the parties concerned. There are many reasons to write a business letter. It could be to request direct information or action from another party, to order supplies from a supplier, to identify a mistake that was committed, to reply directly to a request, to apologize for a wrong or simply to convey goodwill. Even today, the business letter is still very useful because it produces a permanent record, is confidential, formal and delivers persuasive, well-considered messages.

Components of business letter :

1.          The Heading
2.           The Inside Address
3.           The Greeting
4.           The Body
5.           The Complimentary Close
6.           The Signature Line
7.           The Subject Line

The Differences of Full block and Semi block Style:

-          Full Block

Block format features all elements of the letter aligned to the left margin of the page. It has a neat and simple appearance. Paragraphs are separated by a double line space.

-          Semi Block Style

Semi-block (also called a modified block) style business letter is justified at the left margin with the exception of the return address (if not using letterhead), the reference line, and your closing, signature, and printed name. These are tabbed about one third to the right of the page.

Examples of full block style and semi block style

a. Semi Block Style

b. Full Block Style

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/words/letter-formats-block-modified-block-and-semi-block-american

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