The basics of good business letter writing are easy to learn. The following guide provides the phrases that are usually found in any standard business letter. These phrases are used as a kind of frame and introduction to the content of business letters. At the end of this guide, you will find links to sites that give tips on the difficult part of writing successful business letters – arguing your business objective. By using these standard phrases, you can give a professional tone to your English business letters.

The Start

• Dear Personnel Director,

• Dear Sir or Madam: (use if you don't know who you are writing to)

• Dear Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms Smith: (use if you know who you are writing to, and have a formal relationship with - VERY IMPORTANT use “Ms” for women unless asked to use Mrs or Miss)

• Dear Frank: (use if the person is a close business contact or friend)