Different style, formats of a letter

Different style formats of a letter

Style/Formats of letters:

There are different styles or formats of letter.

1. Full block format
2. Modified block
3. Semi block
4. AMS simplified

1. Full block Format:

Here all elements of a letter begin at the left margin. This format can save typing time and reduced typing errors. Full block format is as follows:

Full Block Style

12 to 14 lines from top of the page 4 to 10 lines below Double space Double space Double space Double space 4 lines of space Double space

Date line Inside address …………………………….. …………………………….. Salutation: …………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………….. Complimentary  close Name / Title Initials Encl, CC:

Fig.-7: Full Block Style.

2. Modified Block:

The modified block style is more balanced in its graphic layout than the full block format. In this case each part of the letter begins at the left margin except the date, complementary close and signature block.

Modified block style is illustrated in the following figure:

Modified Block Style

12 to 14 lines from top of the page 4 to 10 lines below date line Double space Double space Double space Indent to Double space

Date line Inside address ………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………… Salutation: ……………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………............ ………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………. Complimentary close                           Name                         Title Initials Encls. CC:

Double space 4 lines of space

Fig -08: Modified block style.

3. Semi block format/Indented paragraph format:

The main difference between modified block style and semi block style is, in semiblock format paragraphs are indented. Semiblock format is less formal and basically used for personal messages:

Semiblock format is as follows:

Semiblock style

12 to 14 lines form top of the page 4 to 10 lines below date line Double space Double space Indent 5 space for paragraph Double space Double space

Date line Inside address …………………………… ………………………….. Salutation:                ……………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………..                      …………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………….. Complimentary close,                                                  Name                         Title Initial Encl. CC:

Double space 4 lines of space

Fig-09: Semiblock style

4. AMS Simplified style:

The Administrative Management Society (AMS) has proposed a simplified letter format which is known as AMS simplified letter format. In this format salutations and complementary close are eliminated. Here a subject line (in capital letters) is included in the letter. This format can be depicted as follows:

AMS Letter Style

12 to 14 lines from top of paper 4 to 10 lines below date line Triple space subject line Triple space Double space 4 line of space Double space

Date line Inside address ………………………………… ………………………………… REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………                                                         No Complimentary                                Close Name Title Initials Encl. CC.

Fig- 10: AMS Simplified Style

Related Post Link:

http://communication-business.blogspot.com/2011/10/advantages-and-disadvantages-of.html

These are the most popular letter formats which are widely used in the business world.