General Rules

The fundamentals of writing clear, effective letters for any situation or purpose. Topics include formatting, addressing recipients, grammar basics, and techniques for complaints and persuasive writing.

'Call to Action' in Letters

A call to action in letters tells readers what to do next and why it matters to them, with clear instructions and a deadline.

Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation

Poor spelling and grammar in your writing can cost you job opportunities and damage how others perceive your professionalism.

How to Address Someone in a Letter

Get the right salutation for any letter, whether you're writing to a friend or a business contact.

How to Write a Memo

A memo is a brief written message used to inform staff or colleagues about important business information quickly and clearly.

How to Write an Email

Get the basics of writing effective emails for work and personal communication.

Letter Writing Styles

How your tone and language shift depending on whether you're writing a formal business letter or an informal one to friends and family.

Planning a Letter

Think through what you want to say and how you want to say it before you start writing your letter.

Questionnaire: How Well Do You Communicate in a Letter?

Test your letter-writing skills with this quick questionnaire to see if your messages actually land the way you intend.

Questionnaire: Is Your Vocabulary Right for Recipients?

Check whether your letter vocabulary matches what your readers can actually understand with this quick self-assessment questionnaire.

The Layout of a Letter

A well-formatted letter makes a stronger impression than email, so here's how to structure one correctly depending on who you're writing to.

Writing an Effective Letter of Complaint

How to write a complaint letter that gets results by sticking to facts, staying professional, and clearly stating what you want.