Indented Style Letter Format: A Comprehensive Guide
The indented style letter format is a classic and traditional way to format business correspondence. It's characterized by its distinct indentation of each paragraph, creating a visually appealing and structured document. This guide will walk you through the key elements and formatting guidelines of an indented style letter.
Key Components of an Indented Style Letter:
1. Heading:
- Sender's Address: Begin with your complete address (street address, city, state, zip code). Align the address to the right side of the page.
- Date: Place the date two lines below the sender's address, aligned to the right side of the page.
2. Inside Address:
- Recipient's Name: Start with the recipient's name, followed by their job title (if applicable).
- Recipient's Address: Include the complete address of the recipient, starting two lines below the date. Align the inside address to the left side of the page.
3. Salutation:
- Formal Salutation: Use "Dear [Recipient's Name]," followed by a colon.
- Informal Salutation: If you are on a first-name basis with the recipient, use "Dear [Recipient's First Name]," followed by a comma.
4. Body:
- Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by five spaces. This creates the characteristic indented style.
- Single Spacing: Use single spacing within paragraphs.
- Double Spacing: Leave two blank lines between paragraphs for better readability.
5. Closing:
- Complimentary Close: Start the closing two lines below the last paragraph, aligned to the left side of the page. Use a formal closing like "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by a comma.
- Signature: Sign your name in ink above your typed name. Leave four lines between the closing and your typed name.
6. Enclosures:
- Optional: If you are including any additional documents with your letter, note it below your typed name. Use the phrase "Enclosure" or "Enclosures," followed by the number of enclosures.
Example of an Indented Style Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient's Name]
[Recipient's Job Title]
[Recipient's Company Name]
[Recipient's Address]
[Recipient's City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
This letter is to [state the purpose of the letter].
[Write the body of your letter, starting each paragraph with an indentation of five spaces.]
[Write the final paragraph of your letter.]
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Enclosure
Tips for Writing an Indented Style Letter:
- Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon and unnecessary technical terms.
- Proofread carefully for any errors. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes.
- Choose a professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
- Maintain a consistent font size and style throughout the letter.
- Print on high-quality paper.
The indented style letter format remains a versatile and timeless option for formal correspondence. By following these guidelines, you can craft professional and visually appealing letters that communicate effectively.
