Differences between British and American Letters

British Opening Salutations 1) Dear Sirs - to a company 2) Dear Sir - to a man 3) Dear Madam - to a woman 4) Dear Sir or Madam - if you do not know the sex of the reader 5) Dear Mr Baker or Ms Bellow 6) Dear John Smith/Dear John -informal Closing Salutations 1-4 Yours faithfully 5 Yours sincerely 6 Kind regards Best wishes

American 1) Dear … (Representative) - if you do not know the name 2) Gentlemen - to men 3) Dear Mr. Bell or Ms Jacobs - when you know the name 4) Dear John - informal - when you know the name 1-2 Yours faithfully, Yours truly, 3 Sincerely yours, Sincerely, 4 Best regards,

Very often British people type a comma after the salutations, but an increasing number of firms are eliminating this. In American letters colons are used after formal opening salutations and commas after informal ones. After a closing salutation they always use a comma.

DISCUSSION

I. Read the extracts and discuss the questions:

1.Where are the extracts taken from?

2.What is the purpose of each letter?

3.How do they differ?

4.Which extracts are examples of formal letters?

5.How is the reader addressed in a formal letter?

6.What are the closing remarks*for formal letters?

7.What is the salutation in a friendly letter?

8.How would you end extracts 1, 2 and 3?

9.How would you begin the extracts 4 and 5?

Dear Mr. Miller, I received your kind invitation to the reception. Unfortunately, owing to other commitments, I will be unable to attend...

Dear Ralph, I just got your invitation to the company's event I'm afraid I can't make it because I've already made plans which I can't change ...

Dear Sirs, I am writing to complain about the poor quality of the items which I received from your company: I have no other alternative but to cancel the order which I placed earlier this week...

... thus, I recommend that you accept this advice on the matter. I am sure that the suggestion offered is the best solution. Please let me know if this was helpful. Yours sincerely, Lee Jones

... I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience. I look forward to meeting you to discuss employment opportunities. Yours faithfully, Nicole Porter

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
LETTERS	\|	II. Put an F for formal and an I for informal language. Give reasons.

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