Fillable Printable Block Letter Format Example
Fillable Printable Block Letter Format Example
Block Letter Format Example
FULL-BLOCK
LETTER FORMAT
Mr. Cleôn M. McLean
Department of English
Ontario High School
901 West Francis Street
Ontario, California 91762
September 14
th
, 2015
Chaffey Joint Union High School District
211 West Fifth Street
Ontario, California 91762
To Whom It May Concern:
A full block letter format is the most formal of the three letter formats, i.e., full block, modified
block, and semi-block. With the full block format, everything except the letterhead begins at the
left margin.
The date of the letter, the name and address of the receiver, the salutation, all paragraphs, the
complimentary close, and the signature block all begin at the left margin. Fewer keystrokes and
other adjustments are required with full block. As a result, we may see full block becoming the
most common format over the next five years.
Some writers prefer full block because they see it as a crisper, cleaner look. In some cases,
these writers will also choose right margin justification as a personal choice, although it is not
required for the full block format.
Cordially,
Cleon M. McLean
Cleon M. McLean
SEMI-BLOCK
LETTER FORMAT
Cleôn M. McLean
Department of English
Ontario High School
901 West Francis Street
Ontario, California 91762
September 14
th
, 2015
Mrs. Veronica Partida
Chaffey Joint Union High School District
211 West Fifth Street
Ontario, California 91762
Dear Mrs. Partida,
A semi-block letter format is the most personal and old-fashioned of the three letter
formats in business today. Oftentimes the semi-block format is used for more social notes than
for common business purposes.
With the semi-block format, the date, the complimentary close, and the signature
block begin near the center of the page or a little to the right. In addition, all the paragraphs are
indented approximately one-half inch. Only the inside address, the salutation, and the reference
notes begin at the left margin. As with the modified block format, make sure that the date, the
closure, and the signature block line up with each other, beginning in the center or a little to the
right of center.
With all three letter formats, position the letter in the visual center of the page. A short
letter should begin lower on the page to create a pleasant visual effect. Do not use right margin
justification with the semi-block format because it is contradictory to the style.
Sincerely,
Cleon M. McLean
Cleôn M. McLean
MODIFIED BLOCK
LETTER FORMAT
Cleôn M. McLean
Department of English
Ontario High School
901 West Francis Street
Ontario, California 91762
September 14
th
, 2015
Mrs. Veronica Partida
Chaffey Joint Union High School District
211 West Fifth Street
Ontario, California 91762
Dear Mrs. Partida,
A modified block letter format is the most common of the three letter formats in business today.
Most people prefer it because it has more visual balance than the full block format and is easier
to work with than the semi-block format. With the modified block format, the date, the
complimentary close, and the signature block begin near the center of the page or a little to the
right.
All other elements, the inside address, the salutation, the paragraphs, and reference notes all
begin at the left margin. When you use the modified block format, be sure the date, the closure,
and the signature block line up with each other. You do not want one beginning three inches
from the left margin and the other beginning four inches to the right. Avoid aligning the date and
closure with the far right margin and creating a ragged left line.
If you are unsure about which format to use and you have no handy example of the receiver’s
style, use the modified block format. Right margin justification is a personal choice and is not
required for any of the letter formats.
Respectfully,
Cleon M. McLean
Cleôn M. McLean
Mr. Cleôn M. McLean
Department of English
Ontario High School
ORGANIZATION MODEL OF A BUSINESS LETTER
INTRODUCTION
explain what and why you are writing (do NOT say “I am writing, because…”)
establish a reader-reason for the communication
summarize your message and conclusion
BODY
explain/present your message as clearly and specifically as possible
follow a logical pattern
include appropriate details and examples
anticipate (and perhaps answer) the reader’s questions
CONCLUSION
rephrase or move towards your purpose
specify who (you, your reader, or someone else) should take what action next
indicates deadline(s) if applicable
include courtesies
Note: In addition to business letters, this model can also be used for short memos and long
reports. To note, the ability to summarize your message in the introduction will make
you stand out as an effective writer.
