A full block letter is a type of business letter where every component of the letter is aligned to the left. This includes the heading, address, salutation, body, closing, signature, identification, and enclosures. Unlike other types of business letters, there is no indentation of the first sentences of paragraphs in a full block letter.
The purpose of using a full block format is to create a clean and professional appearance for the letter. By aligning everything to the left, it creates a consistent and organized look. This format is commonly used in formal business correspondence, such as cover letters, complaint letters, or formal requests.
In a full block letter, the heading appears at the top of the letter and includes the sender’s name, address, city, state, and zip code. The recipient’s address is then positioned below the heading. The salutation, which is the greeting used to address the recipient, follows the recipient’s address.
Next, the body of the letter starts. The body is where the main content of the letter is written. In a full block letter, the paragraphs are not indented. Each paragraph should be separated by a single line space to enhance readability.
The closing, which is a polite way to end the letter, is positioned below the body. Common closings include “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours faithfully.” The closing is followed by the sender’s signature and their printed name. The sender’s identification, such as job title or company name, is typically placed below the signature.
If there are any enclosures, such as additional documents or attachments, they are listed below the sender’s identification. Each enclosure should be numbered or labeled accordingly.
The full block letter format is a professional and widely accepted style for business correspondence. It provides a clean and organized layout, making it easy for the reader to follow the content of the letter. By aligning everything to the left and not indenting paragraphs, it creates a consistent and formal appearance.