Definition Definition

Format of Business Letter

The company’s house style will also include rules on the layout of its business letters and will probably use one of the following:

  • Fully blocked – all the typed entries begin at the left-hand margin, forming a vertical line down the page.
  • Semi-blocked – the date is displayed near the right-hand margin and the complimentary close to the right of a central position. Otherwise as for ‘fully blocked’.
  • Indented – the date and complimentary close are situated to the right of centre and each paragraph is intended.

Traditionally the ‘intended’ format was used for business letters, but as a result of word processing, the ‘fully blocked’ format is more commonly used now. This has come about for a number of reasons:

  • Less time is spent setting up tabs and indents.
  • Letters look more streamlined and tidy.
  • Easy to read: the eye is ‘drawn down’ page with no visual interruptions.
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