How to Write a Modified Block Style Letter

Use modified block letters for business correspondence.

Modified block style is one of the traditional ways to write a formal business letter. This type of letter can be written for both print and email correspondence. What makes this letter style different from block style is the justification of the header and closing signature.

Some examples of letters written in modified block style include cover letters, thank you letters, letters of resignation and sales letters.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing software
• Printer
• Black or blue ink pen

Instructions

1. Create the header. To do this, tab to the center of the page. If you use a company letterhead, then your header will simply consist of the date. If you do not use a letterhead, type your name (optional), return address and the date. Once this is typed, follow it with four, blank, single lines. An example of a header is:
   Jane Doe
   123 Main Street
   Anywhere, CA 12345
   June 4, 2010

2. Write the inside address. Type this section left-justified. It should contain the name of the individual to whom you are writing, his formal title, the company name and business address. If you do not know the name of the person or his title, then you can substitute the company name. Follow the section with two, blank single lines. An example for an inside address is:
   Mr. John Smith
   Human Resource Manager
   Company Name
   123 Smith Lane
   Anywhere, CA 12345

3. Create the salutation. Type the greeting to the recipient of the letter followed by a colon. Follow it with two, single, blank lines. A salutation example is:
   Dear Mr. Smith:

4. Type the body of your letter in paragraph form. Do not indent the paragraphs. Single space the content in the paragraphs, and double-space between paragraphs. Leave two, blank, single lines when you are at the end of the body text.

5. Write a complimentary close. To do this, tab to the center of the page. Type your closing phrase, such as "Sincerely," followed by a comma. Follow the complimentary close with four, blank, single lines.

6. Type the signature line. Tab to the center of the page. Then type your name followed by your title on the next line. In the four blank spaces above the typed signature, you will sign your name with a pen in black or blue ink after printing the page.

7. Include an enclosure or carbon copy line if necessary. Type two single lines below the signature line. These items will be left-justified.

References

• DocStoc: The Business Letter: Modified Block Format
• Savvy-Business-Correspondence.com: Modified Block Business Letter