Parts of a Letter

A letter is a written form of communication. As a writer you are limited by the choice of words, space and time, to convey what you have to say through a letter. Parts of a letter are basically, the divisions you make in a letter, so that it helps you in putting across your point clearly. A letter may be a friendly letter, formal letter, informal letter, condolence letter or a business letter. Nonetheless, the basics of letter writing remain the same and provide you a protocol, which you have to follow to write an effective letter.

Features of a Letter

Date and Address
If you are sending a letter, then your address will be on the top right corner of the page, followed by a date. In the parallel line to the date, will be the addressee's address and the date. The recipient's address is also known as the inside address. It must be written completely and preferably with the recipient's designation and name.

Subject
Just like our e-mails have a subject, a hand written letter, also has an address. Below the addresses, comes the subject line. The subject line will mention the gist of the letter in a line. For instance, 'a letter to the Commissioner of the Police, to inform the infringement security in our area'. A subject line, grabs the reader's attention, induce curiosity and talk about the problem or clear the point in one line.

Reference Number or Code
If it's a business letter, related to a manufacturing unit then, such letters usually have reference numbers. Such numbers help in identifying the previously communicated messages and establishing the link of once again. Usually, letters sent to shareholders have reference numbers.

Greeting or Salutation
A greeting or a salutation, depending on the type of letter can be formal or informal. 'Dear Madam/Sir' and 'Respected Madam/Sir' are examples of informal and formal salutations respectively. Usually, if it is an informal salutation, beginning with 'Dear', then it's followed by the addressee's name.

Body of the Letter

Introduction
The body of the letter begins after the salutation. The first paragraph of the letter's body is known as the 'introduction'. The introduction, does the job of introducing the subject and talking in brief about the previously made communication. If you are sending the letter for the first time, then the introduction will be used to introduce the sender.

Main Body
Once you have written the introduction, it's time to begin scripting the main body of the letter. The main body of the letter is used to clearly express the point of the letter. The main body is the heart of the letter, which has to be written with utmost care and right choice of words. The main body can be more than a paragraph.

Conclusion
This is the last paragraph of the letter. This part of a letter is used, to thank the reader for devoting his/her precious time for reading the letter. It's also meant to suggest a follow-up.

Complimentary Close
A complimentary close is use of polite words like, 'Yours Sincerely', in formal cases and 'Yours Lovingly', in informal cases to sign off.

Signature Line
Two spaces below (space for signature) the complimentary close, comes the signature line. This line is used to write the sender's name below the signature.

Parts of a business or formal letter. A letter is a written document for expressing your thoughts. It has to be written in a clear and a concise way, so that the reader does not waste time in understanding it. Keep in touch!