Page 14 - Success Plus English Language and Literature Class 10

Writing

8. Complimentary close: A phrase used to courteously sign off. Any of the following might be
used:

• Yours faithfully • Yours sincerely
• Sincerely • Sincerely yours
• Yours truly • Regards
• With gratitude • With appreciation
• With sincere appreciation • With sincere thanks
• Best wishes • Best regards
• Best

If you strictly follow the conventions of commercial and official correspondence, a letter that
begins with ‘Dear Sir’ or ‘Dear Madam’ should have the complimentary close ‘Yours faithfully’.
‘Yours sincerely’ is used when the letter begins with a personal name (for example, ‘Dear Prof.
Arunachalam’).

9. Signature: The signature, complete name and designation of the sender, each in a separate line.
10. Enclosure(s): A list of the attachments that the sender might be sending along with the letter –
a CV, photographs, documents, cheques, invoices, etc.
11. Carbon Copy (cc): A list of names and designations of people to whom the letter is being sent
apart from the actual recipient, for record, information or ensuring necessary action.

12. Postscript (PS): A piece of information that could not be included in the main body but needs
to be conveyed. It is inadvisable to include a postscript (often indicative of tardiness) as most
formal letters are computer typewritten and any relevant information should find place in the
body.

Some Useful Phrases Used in Formal Letters

• Thank you for your letter dated 12 January 2019 ...
• I am writing to inform you that ...

• I am writing to inquire about ...

• I am pleased to inform you that ...
• I regret to inform you that ...

• Thank you for the help.
• Do share your views on the matter.

• I will be happy to answer your queries.
• I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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