You do not want to write a business letter that accidently causes confusion, annoyance, or amusement. Your letter represents you and you deserve respect.

Although it is important to write a letter that sounds natural and is not long-winded, remember that the tone of a business letter should be more formal than normal, conversational English. You want the reader to imagine that you are are educated so it is important to avoid using slang, terms that the reader may not understand and idiomatic expressions.

Run-on sentences may have a negative effect on the reader, as well. If you crowd too many ideas into one sentence, the reader may become lost in the tangle of words. Each sentence should hold one basic idea.

After skimming the first few sentences, a reader may slow down and read a well-written letter more closely. That is ideal! On the other hand, your letter may be rejected if it is difficult to read or has an unprofessional tone. My Writing Resources can help if you are having trouble with tone. Help

Next: The Three-stage Proofreading Cycle

• Writing A Letter of Complaint
• Sample Letter of Complaint

If you would like assistance on any topic covered on the site, please feel free to contact me via e-mail. My e-mail address is inquiry@mywritingresources.com.

Writing/editing services are also available at a reasonable price.