How to Type a Modified Block Letter

Antique word processor

All types of business letters can be formatted using the modified block style. It is one of three commonly used formats that dictate the width of the page margins, the spacing between paragraphs and sentences, and a letter's content. Though the exact measurements may vary, the format outlined below approximates a modified block style.

Things You'll Need

• Paper Printer Word processor

Instructions

1. Use 1-inch page margins all around, single-space your sentences and double-space your paragraphs.

2. Type the sender's address as you would on an envelope, starting five spaces to the right of the center margin. Do not center the address as you might a document title, but simply begin typing five spaces past the center of the page.

3. Type the date the letter is written or sent directly below the sender's address---do not allow a space to come between---five spaces from the center as well.

4. Press "Return" or "Enter" four times and starting at the LEFT margin, type the recipient's name and address as you would on an envelope. Leave one blank line before typing the salutation: Dear Mr. Roger Peters, for example.

5. Leave another blank line before beginning the body of the letter, remembering to keep the sentences single-spaced and leaving one blank line between paragraphs. Left-justify the first line of every paragraph.

6. Separate the final paragraph from the closing with one blank line. Type the closing five spaces from the center (Sincerely, Thank you, etc.) and leave four blank lines before typing the sender's name and title (also five spaces from the center). Have the sender sign his or her name between the closing and the typed name.

References

• Purdue's Online Writing Lab
• Essentials of Business Communication, fifth edition; Mary Ellen Guffey; 2001
• Sample Modified Block Letter