The header, complementing closure, signature, and identity are all oriented to the right in a modified block business letter. The address, greeting, body, and attachments are all on the left side of the page. Paragraphs' opening sentences are indented. Each paragraph should have an indentation of at least one half inch (1.5 cm). A hanging indent applies the indent to the last line of text in a paragraph.
To write a modified block style letter, start with a standard block letter and follow these steps:
1. Place the heading over the top or side of the page. If you place it over the top, use double spacing before and after the heading; if you place it on the bottom, use single spacing. The heading should be centered under the largest type title possible while still being readable. There should be no margin below the first paragraph heading, and the typeface should be legible at eight points.
2. Begin the letter with the identification section on the left side of the page. Include the name and address of each recipient on the letter. Type the names and addresses in alphabetical order.
3. Include a closing statement in your letter. These can be included either at the end of the letter, after the attachment section, or both.
Every component of a full-block business letter (title, address, salutation, content, salutation, signature, identification, and attachments) is aligned to the left. Their closing sentences are left without indentation.
Each paragraph inside the body of the letter should be single spaced and justified to the left in block and modified block styles. Each paragraph should be separated by a blank line. When drafting a business letter, keep in mind that conciseness is essential. Consider a welcoming beginning followed by a declaration of the key topic in the first paragraph. Then follow up with supporting details included in subsequent paragraphs.
To write a business letter in block format, start with the general structure of a formal letter and then modify it according to your needs. For example, you can include a greeting for each recipient or not, depending on who you are writing to. You can also add reference numbers or not, as desired. Finally, you can write your letter in the first person or not, as appropriate for your situation. An example of a block letter with a greeting for all recipients is shown below:
Dear Mr. Smith,
This letter is to confirm our agreement for me to provide consulting services to your company for a period of six months. The rate agreed upon is $15,000 per month, which will be paid directly to me through your office accounting system. I look forward to working with you and hope we can sign the contract soon.
Yours sincerely,
John Doe
You can read more about how to write a business letter at Our Business Letters page.
Modified Block Format Business Letter Template Full block letters are a little more formal than modified block letters. The sender's address, closure, signature, and signature block all begin at the center of the page. The recipient's address, however, begins at the top of the page, not the center.
Modified Block Letters are used when you want to send a brief letter that does not require a full block format. These letters can be sent via email or printed on paper. They are most commonly used for sales notifications or general information requests. Examples of use include credit card applications, survey invitations, and subscription request forms.
Full block letters are a little more formal than modified block letters. The recipient's address begins at the top of the page, not the center. Recipients may also ask you to return a completed form by mail, which will require a full block letter.
These letters are used when you want to send a formal letter that requires a full block format. Examples include hiring notices, invoices, and thank you notes.
Formal letters should be sent using full block letters because they give the letter more prominence.
Block has been modified. In a modified-block format letter, all text (save the author's address, date, and closure) is left aligned; paragraphs are not indented; and the author's address, date, and closing begin at the center point. The word "block" is printed in large, bold type below the title page.
"Block format" is the most frequent arrangement for a business letter. Except for the double space between paragraphs, the whole letter is left justified and single-spaced in this style. The modified block format is another popular format. In this version, each paragraph has its own indentation level. "List format" is used when you want to give a list of items or ideas within the letter. These lists may be numbered or unnumbered.
Numbering lists allows you to provide sequential numbers within your letter that can be referred to elsewhere in the text. This is useful if you need to refer back to certain points during writing the letter. Unnumbered lists are simply lists without any indication as to their order. They can be helpful if you are giving several alternatives from which your reader can choose or if there is much information to cover but no way to indicate which parts are more important than others.
The legal format is used when you want to present documents in a formal manner. All letters should be written on letterhead containing your name, address, and telephone number. You should also include your company's website address if you have one.
The traditional format is still used today in some contexts. It is usually considered outdated now, although it is still seen in older letters. This format consists of an opening line, followed by a body, and ending with a closing line.
When drafting a business letter, a modified block style letter is a frequent structure. It differs somewhat from a block-style letter in the positioning of the return address, date, and complimenting closure. A modified block letter has the return address at the top center of the page followed by the date and closing.
The advantage of using a modified block letter is that it allows for more space above and below the text on the page. This can be useful if you need to include a large photo or slogan along with the letter.
There are two main types of modified block letters: the direct and the indirect. In a direct modified block letter, the return address, date, and closing all appear on the same line. In an indirect modified block letter, these elements are separated onto separate lines of the letter.
To create a direct modified block letter, start by writing your return address at the top center of the page. Next, write the date on the bottom left corner of the page and finally, type your closing phrase on the bottom right corner of the page.
To create an indirect modified block letter, first write your return address on one line followed by your date on another line. Finally, put your closing phrase on yet another line.
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