The correct way to write a formal letter in English

English as a global language

English is a global language and knowing it opens doors for us on a personal and professional level. Therefore, it is essential to learn English from the beginning in a formal way, including grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Not only will it allow us to communicate correctly, but it will also help us better understand the language and adapt to different contexts.

Mastery of the English language in its formal form is essential to function in academic and professional situations, as well as to establish solid and respectful interpersonal relationships. In a globalized world, where it is increasingly common to work with people from different countries and cultures, having adequate communication skills in English can make a difference in our work and personal lives.

A key aspect in formal communication in English is knowing how to write a formal letter in English and a formal email in English. These skills are especially relevant in situations such as applying to a school for our children, submitting a formal petition to an institution, writing a letter to the town hall or sending work emails to native English speakers.

Abbreviations and use of the language in popular jargon

In today's world, where speed and immediacy are protagonists in our communication, we tend to abbreviate and shorten words in popular jargon. This is true of both British English and American English. Examples of this practice include using "pls" instead of "please", "thx" instead of "thanks", or "u" instead of "you".

This language simplification practice, while it may be useful in some informal contexts, should not be applied in formal or professional situations. It is important to learn the correct ways to write and communicate in English in a formal way to make a good impression and avoid misunderstandings.

In addition to the tendency to abbreviate words in popular jargon, the digital world has also influenced the way we communicate. Social networks, messaging applications and online forums have accustomed us to writing quick and concise messages, which can sometimes lead us to neglect important aspects of formal language.

On the other hand, it is also relevant to note that English is a language that is very rich in nuances and idiomatic expressions, which can vary depending on the region. For example, British English and American English differ in vocabulary, pronunciation, and in some cases grammatical structures. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the particularities of each variant of English and adapt our formal communication depending on the context and the interlocutor.

In the next block, we will explain in detail the perfect way to write a formal English letter and an English formal email, with all its parts and the right words to use in each section.

How to write a formal letter in English

1. Heading: Include your address and the date at the top right of the letter. Next, write the recipient's address on the left side, below the date.
2. Salutation: Begins with "Dear" followed by the recipient's title and last name (for example, "Dear Mr. Smith").
3. Introduction: Present the purpose of the letter briefly and clearly.
4. Body: Develop important points in an orderly and coherent manner. Use paragraphs to separate different ideas.
5. Conclusion: Summarize the main points and mention the next steps or actions you expect from the recipient.
6. Farewell: Use formulas such as "Yours sincerely" (when you know the addressee) or "Yours faithfully" (when you don't know him) followed by your name and signature.

How to write a formal email in English

1. Subject: Choose a clear and concise subject that describes the purpose of the email.
2. Salutation: As in the letter, begin with "Dear" followed by the recipient's title and last name.
3. Introduction, body and conclusion: Follow the same structure as in the formal letter, but adapted to the email format. Use clear and simple language, and avoid abusing abbreviations.
4. Farewell: Opt for formulas such as "Best regards" or "Kind regards" followed by your name and contact information.

Now that we know the proper structure and words to use in a formal English letter and a formal English email, it's important to remember that practice makes perfect. The more we practice and strive to improve our formal communication in English, the easier it will be for us to face situations that require these skills.

In conclusion, mastering the writing of formal letters and emails in English is essential to successfully function professionally and personally. Let's not forget the importance of learning English from the beginning in a formal way and of continuing to enrich our vocabulary and knowledge throughout our lives.

It is essential to keep up to date with the rules and conventions of formal writing in English, since these can evolve over time and adapt to the new realities of communication, so it is important to be up to date with any changes. Participating in English courses abroad and living with host families in English-speaking countries, such as Ireland, will provide us with linguistic and cultural immersion that will help us improve our communication skills in an effective and enriching way.

Finally, we should not underestimate the importance of continuous learning and feedback in the process of perfecting our formal writing in English. Requesting the opinion of classmates, teachers or native speakers of the language will allow us to identify areas for improvement and broaden our linguistic horizons. In this way, we will be increasingly prepared to face any situation that requires formal communication in English with confidence and ease.

Finally, investing time and effort in mastering the writing of formal letters and emails in English will provide us with multiple benefits throughout our lives, both professionally and personally. With dedication and perseverance, we will be able to reach a level of competence that allows us to communicate effectively and successfully in any formal context that comes our way.