Semi-formal letter is usually sent to people you do not know very well, or to people / situations which require more sensitive approach. Typical examples are letters parents send to school principal, to teachers, to your landlord, boss, etc.

Thus, these letters are written in a more polite tone than informal letters. Here are some tips of what a semi-formal letter should consist of:

Main features of semi – formal letters are as follows:

1. Salutation

Like in formal letter, you should greet the person with Dear [Title] Last name. Title varies depending on the status of the person. So unmarried girl hold a Miss title, marries women Mrs. Title, man should be saluted with Mr. , while women which marriage status is unknown Ms. If the person is holding an academic or royal title, you should place it before his/her last name: Dear Dr Jones.

2. Address and date

Address and date are placed on the top right of the page. Date should be written in DD, Month, YYYY format.

3. The body

Each paragraph should be indented at the beginning. Usual practice is to divide body of the letter in up to 3 paragraphs: introduction, main body and conclusion.

4. The style used

This is the main feature that distinguishes formal form semi-formal letters. In semi – formal letters language used is similar to ordinary speech. Therefore you may use even exclamation marks.

5. Conclusion – Ending

Ending of the letter should round off the letter and suggest the action that will follow. For example: See you soon, looking forward to your call, See you on next Monday, Call me if you need anything, etc.

For complementary close you should use Your sincerely, followed with the signature, because It is reassumed that you already know the person.