How should I start a professional letter?
Asked by: Lucile Lakin | Last update: September 3, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (2 votes)
The standard professional greeting is “Dear,” but many people also use the recipient's name alone. Either way, follow the person's name with a colon. If you do not know the specific name of the person you are sending your letter to, you can use their title instead.
How do I start off a professional letter?
For the salutation, “Dear [name]:” is most common, although some writers choose to omit “Dear.” Do your best to identify the name of the person to whom you're sending the letter; “To Whom It May Concern” is outdated. If you don't know the name, you can use the person's title (e.g., “Dear Hiring Manager”).
What is a good start for a formal letter?
In a formal letter, the standard salutation is “Dear” followed by the recipient's title and last name. Begin your letter with “Dear [recipient's name]” and add a comma after the name. When you cannot determine the recipient's name, you may address the letter to their title.
What is the best opening sentence for a letter?
- I am writing to inform you about ...
- I am writing to ask/inquire about ...
- I am writing to ask about information for small businesses.
- I am writing to inform you that we have not yet received payment for ...
What is the most respectful way to start a letter?
Addressing the reader in a personal letter should always be done with the word “Dear," followed by their name and a comma. The name should be how you most often address the recipient in conversations. The salutation should be placed on the left side of the page, two lines lower than the date.
IELTS Task 1 Formal Letters - Ultimate Guide
How do I politely start a letter?
Use the appropriate level of formality, ensure the recipient's name is correct, and include a contact name whenever possible. Acceptable greetings for a professional letter include using titles and names (e.g., "Dear Mr. Bhumpol") or addressing specific roles (e.g., "Dear Hiring Manager").
What is the best greeting for a professional letter?
The salutation (or greeting) in a business letter is always formal. It often begins with “Dear {Person's name}.” Once again, be sure to include the person's title if you know it (such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr). If you're unsure about the person's title or gender then just use their first name.
What is a strong opening sentence?
Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”
What is the first line of a formal letter?
The best option for an opening line in a formal letter is to tell the person why you are writing the letter: --Dear Mrs. Smith, --I am writing to + verb.... The sentence should state your reason---I am writing to inform you...
What are some good first lines?
- "Here is a small fact: You are going to die." ...
- “All this happened, more or less." ...
- “It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.” ...
- “It was a pleasure to burn.” ...
- “We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.”
What is a sentence opener for a formal letter?
I am contacting you for the following reason. I recently read/heard about . . . and would like to know . . . Having seen your advertisement in ... , I would like to ... I received your address from ... and would like to ...
How do you start an effective letter?
Directly under the date, write the recipient's title, name, company, address and contact information. Start with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Mr. Henderson," followed by a colon. You can address them by their full name or their last name.
What is the best opening sentence of a letter of recommendation?
The introduction, which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “it is my pleasure to recommend…”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is. The overview, or a description of the applicant's top skills, attributes, and strengths.
How to begin a formal letter?
Most formal letters will start with 'Dear' before the name of the person that you are writing to. You can choose to use first name and surname, or title. and surname. However, if you don't know the name of the person you are writing to, you must use 'Dear Sir or Madam,'.
What is a professional greeting?
A “dear” greeting is more professional than “Hey/hi”. Use this greeting when a more formal tone needs to precede your email. To make it even more formal, you can use “Dear Mr./Ms./ Mrs.”
How to start an open letter?
You could start with a provocative question, a powerful quote, or a vivid anecdote. Clear addressing. If your letter is directed toward a specific person or entity, make this clear upfront. Traditional open letter format includes a formal salutation like “Dear [Name],.”
What is the best opening for a letter?
“Dear [Name], …”
Use this salutation when you're addressing someone or sending business documents such as a cover letter to show your respect, professionalism, and politeness. In this case, you can use “Dear” followed by a person's title (Mr., Ms.) and their last name: “Dear Mr.
How to start a letter to someone professionally?
The standard professional greeting is “Dear,” but many people also use the recipient's name alone. Either way, follow the person's name with a colon. If you do not know the specific name of the person you are sending your letter to, you can use their title instead.
What does a formal letter always start with?
Formal letters always begin with the sender and recipient's addresses, contact information, the date and a salutation. Knowing how to address a formal letter is important for professional or official communications. Documents that typically include a formal letter address include: Job applications and cover letters.
What is a strong sentence opener?
Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful. This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included …
How to make an eye catching first sentence?
- Provoke the reader's emotions. ...
- Ask a question. ...
- Tell the reader what they will learn or discover. ...
- Give character background information that interests the reader.
How to write a killer first line?
- Full stops are your friends. Short, clear sentences will grab your readers' attention.
- Use language that will add weight to your sentences.
- Use your verbs correctly, and your adjectives sparingly.
- Opening lines don't have to be loud, subtlety is just as effective.
How do you introduce yourself in a letter?
- Your name and job title,
- A brief description of what you do,
- The reason you're reaching out,
- Any mutual connections you share with the person you're talking to, and.
- The value you can offer to the person in question (if you're walking into a job interview).
How to start a letter without using dear?
Instead of "Dear," you can use alternatives like "Hello," "Greetings," or "Salutations" to start a letter. You can merely use the name, with no modifier, in informal correspondence.