Formal letters Formal letters are usually written to someone you do not know personally.
Features
Formal language is used in more serious situations or when speaking to people that we do not know well.
Language
Hello. I am interested in applying for a job with your company. I was wondering if it would be possible to leave my C.V. with you?
The main differences between personal and formal letters are as follows.
Personal letters
Formal letters
You should begin your letter with the greeting ‘Dear’ and
address the recipient by their proper title (Mr, Ms, Dr, etc.). If you do not know the name of your recipient, you may begin your letter with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’.
If you know the name of the person you are writing to, close your letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.
If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, close the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.
