A semi-block style letter is a less formal version of a block or full-block letter, with the sender's address, date, reference or attention line, and complementary close being the only variations. In addition, signature lines and indented paragraphs are placed immediately in the center or slightly to the right of the center. Semi-block letters are used when you want to give important information about the recipient that does not require a full block of space.
The basic format for a semi-block letter is header, body, footer. The header includes the name of the company, its address, and the phone number if available. This information usually takes up one page in most business letters. If there is more than one page of header material, then they are separated by blank pages.
After the header comes the body of the letter. The body can be as long or short as you like it to be. It should include all the information necessary for the recipient to understand your message and act on it. Usually, this is just one side of a single sheet of paper. If you want to make two points in your letter, write one side of the sheet and fold it in half to use for the second point. There is no limit to how many points you can have in your letter as long as they do not exceed one page.
At the end of the letter, you will find a footer which provides information about identity, volume, and date.
Semi-block letters are similar to "modified block letters," except that the paragraphs are indented. Modified semi-block business letters are less formal than full-block business letters. The Block Format is the most frequent form for a professional business letter (or "Full Block").
The Half-Block Format is used for two types of letters: credit applications and other informal documents. The indentation on both sides distinguishes this format from block style letters.
Business Letter in Semi-Block The first line of each paragraph is indented, which distinguishes this style of letter from others. Semi-block format business letters are less formal than block format letters but slightly more formal than modified block format letters.
In semi-block format letters, all paragraphs are indentured, meaning that the first line of each paragraph is left blank or filled with a small indentation. A horizontal rule can be used to divide the body of the letter into sections or to provide a visual break between topics. Examples of horizontal rules include a line divided into four squares (one for each paragraph) or a line with a dot every few inches.
The second issue of business letter writing course is Block Format. In block format letters, each paragraph is given its own indentation. Thus, the first line of the first paragraph is not connected to the first line of the second paragraph; instead, it forms its own independent unit. This separation makes block format letters look more official than semi-block format letters. They are also easier to read because there are no awkward connections where one sentence ends and another begins without any punctuation to connect them.
Block format letters are commonly used for correspondence regarding matters such as contracts or legal documents. Because they are so formal, block format letters require careful attention to detail.
Full Block Style: A letter format in which all text is justified to the left margin is known as full block style. Semi-Block Design The date line is aligned with, or slightly to the right of, dead center in this letter style. The receiver's name and the recipient's address are centered on the page with some space around them.
Full block letters are used to show formal correspondence. The sender shows respect by using a full block letter format, so should the recipient. Formal letters should be kept short and to the point for easy reading and understanding by those who may not be familiar with all the details of a contract or agreement.
Semi-block letters are used to show casual correspondence or notes. The date line is aligned with, or slightly above, dead center on the page. Semi-block letters are easier to read than full block letters because there is more room between words and lines of text. These letters can also be used when you want to include your personal touch by adding blank spaces around the lettering or coloring inside the letter itself.
Using semi-block letters saves paper because less space is taken up by the text. This is particularly important if you are trying to reduce your environmental impact or are working with limited resources.
Wiki is the answer. The "semi-block" design was previously known as the "indented style." For the last 50–60 years, it has been regarded a casual business correspondence style.
It is divided into two parts: the body and the footer. The body consists of a single paragraph and is separated from the footer by a horizontal line.
The footer contains the address(es) of the recipient and sometimes an opening quotation or two. It may also include a signature block with space for all the recipients' signatures.
The body of the letter should contain one simple sentence which gives the main point of the message being sent. There should be no more than three sentences in the body of the letter.
All letters should be written on only one side of the page. If you write on both sides of the paper, you will have to fold the paper in half to read it.
The usual font size for semi-block letters is 10 points. However, since this is a casual business correspondence style, 12 points is becoming popular.
Color is used extensively in formal letters but is not necessary for semi-block letters.
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