Cartas formales en ingles

Cuando se escribe una carta formal en inglés hay que tener en cuenta lo siguiente:

• Layout (Diseño)
• Style of language (Estilo)
• Purpose (Objetivo)
  

Read these instructions and tips then click on the links below to see examples of formal letters
(Leer estas instrucciones y consejos o hacer clic en los enlaces al final de la página para acceder a nuestros ejemplos de cartas formales en inglés):

Layout - this is how the letter is set out on the page

1 Write your address in the top right-hand corner

2 Write the date below your address leaving a gap of one line

3 Write the name and address of the person you are writing to starting below the date and aligned to the left

4 Start your letter with Dear Sir/Madam if you don´t know the person´s name or Dear Mr/Miss/Ms/Mrs and their Surname

5 Then write your letter using a new paragraph for each main point

6 Finish with Yours faithfully if you don´t know the person´s name or Yours sincerely if you know their name,

7 Then write your signature below and also print your name below

Tips :

Use Dear Sir/Madam and Yours faithfully if you don´t know the person´s name

Never write your name before your address

Write the house or flat number first followed by the name of the street (using capitals for both the name and street)

If you are enclosing something with the letter write enc or encs (plural) below your printed name)

In the main contents of the letter always give the reason for writing first. Then use a new paragraph for each separate point.

Style of Language

It is important to get the tone and style of language right in a formal letter. Don´t use contractions for example write do not instead of don´t.

Be polite even if it´s a letter of complaint.

Try to be clear and don´t include extra details unless it is necessary

Purpose

There are different types of formal letters in English. You need to think about what you want to achieve by writing your letter.

Click here to see an example of different types of letters with useful expressions (Hacer clic en los enlaces abajo para ver ejemplos de distintas cartas formales con vocubulario y frases útiles)

• Carta formal en inglés para solicitar información:
  Letter of enquiry - Explain clearly what information you require and why.
  
• Carta formal en inglés para formular una queja formal:
  Letter of complaint - Explain the reason for your complaint in the first paragraph and then give details in further paragraphs.
  
• Carta formal en inglés para solictar un puesto de trabajo:
  Letter of application - Explain which post you want to apply for, where you saw it advertised and include any relevant information about yourself.
  
• Carta formal en inglés para disculparse:
  Letter of apology - Express regret and explain why you are apologising.