Formal Letter Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the correct formal salutation when you don’t know the recipient’s name?
Dear Sir/Madam
This salutation is used in formal correspondence when the recipient’s name is unknown.
What salutation do you use when writing to a man whose name you know?
Dear Mr [Surname] (e.g. Dear Mr Daniels)
This is the appropriate salutation for addressing a known male recipient.
What is the correct salutation for a woman when you are not sure if she is married?
Dear Ms [Surname] (e.g. Dear Ms Naidoo)
‘Ms’ is used to avoid indicating marital status.
What salutation do you use for a married woman?
Dear Mrs [Surname] (e.g. Dear Mrs Smith)
‘Mrs’ is used specifically for married women.
What salutation is used for someone with a doctorate or medical title?
Dear Dr [Surname] (e.g. Dear Dr Mokoena)
‘Dr’ is a title that indicates the person holds a doctorate degree.
What formal greeting do you use if you truly don’t know who will read your letter?
To Whom It May Concern
This phrase is often used for generic correspondence when the specific recipient is not known.
What valediction do you use if you know the recipient’s name?
Yours sincerely
This is a standard closing in formal correspondence when the recipient’s name is known.
What valediction do you use if you do NOT know the recipient’s name?
Yours faithfully
This closing is appropriate when addressing someone without knowing their name.
What is a polite way to end a formal letter before your name and signature?
With a closing such as Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully, depending on whether you know the name.
This sets the tone for the conclusion of the letter.
Should you include your signature and printed name in a formal letter?
Yes, always sign the letter and write your full name clearly below your signature.
This is important for authenticity and identification.
What formal word can you use instead of ‘ask’?
Request, inquire, or seek.
What can you say instead of ‘say’ or ‘tell’ in formal writing?
Inform, state, advise, or notify.
What formal words can replace ‘help’?
Assist, support, or provide aid.
What word can you use instead of ‘need’?
Require, demand, or be in need of.
What is a formal word for ‘get’?
Receive, obtain, or acquire.
What can you say instead of ‘give’ in formal writing?
Provide, offer, or deliver.
What formal word can replace ‘buy’?
Purchase or acquire.
What are some formal words for ‘fix’?
Repair, resolve (for problems), or rectify (for errors).
What phrase can you use to start a formal letter?
I am writing to inform you that…
What can you say instead of ‘about’ in a formal letter?
With regard to…
How can you express a concern in formal writing?
I would like to express my concern about…
How do you politely ask for something in a formal letter?
I would appreciate it if…
What is a polite way to invite further communication?
Please do not hesitate to contact me…
How can you close a formal letter politely?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
