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Writing an informal letter

post #1 of 10
2/15/11 at 12:47pm
Thread Starter 
When writing an informal letter (to someone who doesn't have my contact info), I understand that my address and the date should go in the upper right corner. Where do I put my home and cell phone numbers?

Some sources say it should go directly under my address. Other sources say it should go at the bottom of the letter, under my name. Which one is proper? It doesn't really make sense to put my contact info in two separate places. But if I put everything at the upper right corner, that's basically 5 lines, which makes it longer than the body of the letter.
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post #2 of 10
2/15/11 at 12:55pm
I don't know if there is a "proper" form for letters any more. It's certainly changed from when I took a typing class in high school. I use a letterhead with all my contact information centered at the top of the page.
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post #3 of 10
2/15/11 at 12:56pm
I think telephone numbers are optional. In view of that, I would put them at the bottom of the letter under my name.
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post #4 of 10
2/15/11 at 1:14pm
Thread Starter 
Should my signature be printed or in cursive? In my letter it's typed, but then I know I need to actually handwrite my name. I just don't know if it's supposed to be in cursive or not. It seems like it should be, but different sources say different things.
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post #5 of 10
2/15/11 at 1:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kh2b1 View Post
Should my signature be printed or in cursive? In my letter it's typed, but then I know I need to actually handwrite my name. I just don't know if it's supposed to be in cursive or not. It seems like it should be, but different sources say different things.
It should be your actual signature. As for my info, I always put it in the upper left hand corner. such as:

Name
address
city,state, zip
phone #
email if required (optional)

I was taught to do it that way in college if there was not a letterhead.
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post #6 of 10
2/15/11 at 2:19pm
Thread Starter 
I thought the address only went on the left if it's a formal letter. I wonder if there is a proper format anymore or if anything goes.
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post #7 of 10
2/15/11 at 2:26pm
maybe you should google it. I don't think it really matters anymore as I have seen it both ways. On the left is easier on the eyes though.
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post #8 of 10
2/15/11 at 2:49pm
If it is informal I wouldn't worry too terribly much I would just put them under your signature (which yes, should be cursive).
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post #9 of 10
2/15/11 at 3:03pm
I think pretty much anyhing goes these days, especially if its informal. I usually put the address information in the upper right (including phone if I'm giving it) and sign my name in cursive. I've been told that they aren't even teaching cursive in the schools anymore, so maybe that's passe now too.
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post #10 of 10
2/15/11 at 3:29pm
Check out these templates

http://businessletterformat.org/wp-c...ter-format.jpg

http://businessletterformat.org/wp-c...ter-format.jpg

For me, I put my name, address and phone number at the top in the centre. Then I leave a couple spaces and do the following:

Date

Recipent's name
address

Dear Sir/Madam <or use their name>

Re:

Body of letter

Salutation



My name
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