A personal (friendly) letter
Letters in England and other English-speaking countries are arranged in a certain way which differs in some respects from practice in Russia. Details of English arrangement (or lay-out) are given below, together with formulas used in letter writing and other relevant information.
A personal letter consists of the following:
1. The address of the sender.
It is written in the top right-hand corner of the page.
2. The date.
It is written under the address in full.
3. The greeting.
It is set close to the left-hand margin.
4. The opening paragraph.
It may contain a reference to an event that has prompted the writing of the present letter or a reference to a letter that has been received.
5. The body of the letter.
It is the main part of a letter. It begins to the right of and below the end of the greeting (or an opening paragraph) and is not arranged according to set rules.
6. The conclusion of the main body.
It is usually a polite wish, to round off the letter.
7. The closing phrase.
It is a phrase of a complementary character with which a letter ends.
8. The signature.
It comes under the closing phrase.
9. One or more postscripts (if necessary).
A postscript is an afterthought.
(1) 17 Linden St.
Petersfield
Hants GU314LN
Great Britain
(2) 10th October 2012
or October 10, 2012
or October 10th, 2012
or Oct. 10, 2012
(3) Dear John,
(4) I want to apologize for not having answered your letter sooner, but I have been away on a trip and just returned today.
(5) Hearty congratulations on your marriage. I wish I could have been at your wedding. I’m sure you’re very lucky, and I look forward to meeting your wife soon. It’s great you’ve decided to get married...
(6) With my very best wishes,
(7) Lots of love,
(8) Tom
(9) P.S.
Ann is coming to London next week and she will be meeting Lucy and Phil next Sunday.