How to Write an Effective Formal Email: Format, Tips, and Examples (2024)

When writing a formal email, You need to consider several things. The formatting, tone, and information you’re trying to convey must be on point, or you might need clarification.

You don’t want a customer to find the information shared confusing or a business partner to feel that you’re being rude.

I’m sharing some tips you can implement below to ace formal email communication. These tips help you communicate with stakeholders effectively and elicit the desired action from the recipient.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

• What is a formal email?
• What is the format of a Formal email?
• How to write a formal email?
  • 1. Craft a Clear Subject Line
  • 2. Use a polite salutation
  • 3. Write a strong opening paragraph
  • 4. Be clear and concise in the body of your email
  • 5. Conclude with a Polite Closing Paragraph
  • 6. Include a Professional Closing
  • 7. Add a Signature
• Complete formal email example
• More examples of formal emails
  • 1. Requesting a Meeting
  • 2. Submitting a Report
  • 3. Requesting Information
  • 4. Providing Instructions
  • 5. Formal follow-up email
• Write professional emails on the go.

What is a formal email?

A formal email is a type of email typically used in professional or official contexts. It is used for professional communication, such as business inquiries, job applications, official notifications, or correspondence with clients, colleagues, or superiors.

The language used in formal emails is usually polite, professional, and free of slang or informal expressions. The tone is respectful and neutral, aiming to convey information or requests clearly and straightforwardly.

What is the format of a Formal email?

In a formal email, the structure is essential for clarity and professionalism. Here’s a standard format you can use:

Subject Line:

• Clearly states the purpose of the email.
• Example: “Meeting Request: Project Update Discussion”

Salutation:

• A polite greeting that addresses the recipient by their title and last name if known, or a general salutation if not.
• Example: “Dear Mr. Smith” or “To Whom It May Concern”
  

Opening Paragraph:

• Briefly introduce yourself (if necessary) and state the purpose of the email.
• Example: “I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inquire about…”

Body:

• Detailed information, organized into clear paragraphs.
• Address the main points of your message, providing necessary details or context.
• Be concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary jargon or lengthy explanations.

Closing Paragraph:

• Summarize the main point, express appreciation, or indicate any next steps.
• Example: “Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.”

Closing:

• A polite sign-off followed by your name.
• Typical closings include “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours faithfully,”
• Example: “Sincerely, [Your Name]”

Signature:

• Include your full name, job title, company name, and contact information.

Attachments (if any):

• Mention any attached files in the body of the email.
• Example: “Please find the attached report for your review.”
• This format helps ensure your email is clear, professional, and easy to read.

Recommended Reading: 119 Email Phrases to Help You Get the Desired Response

How to write a formal email?

For some people, writing professional emails comes naturally. But for those who find it difficult to draft such emails, here are some tips you can apply the next time you write an email to a customer, vendor, or colleague.:

1. Craft a Clear Subject Line

Remember to use a clear subject line in your email. A clear subject line helps the recipient understand the email’s purpose and decide how to prioritize it. It sets the tone for the email and determines whether or not the recipient will open it.

Example: “Request for Meeting to Discuss Q3 Marketing Strategy”

ProTip: If the matter requires immediate attention, using “urgent” in the subject line can help convey the seriousness of the situation. For example, “Urgent: Immediate Action Required for Compliance Issue.”

2. Use a polite salutation

A polite salutation in a formal email is essential for setting a professional tone and respecting the recipient. Unless you have an established relationship or have been invited to use their first name, stick to their title and last name—for example, Dear Professor Brown.

Examples:

• If you know the recipient’s name: “Dear Mr. Smith,”
  
• If you don’t know the recipient’s name: “To Whom It May Concern,”

ProTip: If you are unsure of the recipient’s gender or prefer a gender-neutral approach, you can use “Dear Taylor Jordan” or “Dear Alex Morgan.”

3. Write a strong opening paragraph

Start your email with a polite greeting. If you are writing to someone for the first time or someone who may not know you well, briefly introduce yourself and your position. Then, clearly state the purpose of your email. Avoid unnecessary details at the start and focus on why you’re writing the email.

Example:

“Dear Ms. Johnson,

I hope this email finds you well.

My name is Jane Doe, and I am the Marketing Manager at XYZ Corporation.

I am requesting a meeting to discuss the upcoming changes to our project timeline.”

4. Be clear and concise in the body of your email

Break your email into distinct paragraphs, each focusing on a single point or idea. This makes your email easier to read and understand.

You can follow this structure:

• Paragraph 1: State the main point or request.
  
• Paragraph 2: Provide any necessary details, background information, or context.
  
• Paragraph 3: Offer a solution or propose the next steps.

Consider usingbullet points or numbered lists if you have several points to make. Avoid adding irrelevant details that may confuse the recipient.

For example,instead of writing, “As you know, the meeting is an important part of our project planning and will include various stakeholders,” you could say, “The meeting is crucial for project planning and will include key stakeholders.”

Additionally, mention any actions you want the recipient to take. Make sure to include deadlines if applicable.

Example body:

ProTip: Use bold and italics to emphasize key points or introduce a term you want to stand out. For instance, “Please submit your report by Friday, August 25th,” or “The project must be completed on time to ensure client satisfaction.”

5. Conclude with a Polite Closing Paragraph

The purpose of a closing paragraph is to summarize the email and express appreciation.

If your email contains multiple points or requests, briefly recap them in the closing paragraph to reinforce your message. For instance, “I would appreciate your feedback on the report and confirmation for next Tuesday’s meeting.” A simple “Thank you for your time and consideration of this request ” goes a long way.

Example: “Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and hope we can arrange a suitable time for the meeting.”

6. Include a Professional Closing

Choose a closing phrase that suits the formality of your email. Common options include:

• “Sincerely,”
  
• “Best regards,”
  
• “Yours faithfully,”

Example: “Sincerely, John Doe”

7. Add a Signature

Sign off with your full name to maintain professionalism, especially if this is your first time contacting the recipient. Depending on the context, you may include your position, company name, or additional contact details.

For example:

John Doe

Marketing Manager

XYZ Corporation

Email: [emailprotected]

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Complete formal email example

More examples of formal emails

Here are a few examples of formal emails for different scenarios, demonstrating various levels of formality and purpose:

1. Requesting a Meeting

2. Submitting a Report

3. Requesting Information

4. Providing Instructions

5. Formal follow-up email

Write professional emails on the go.

In a world where our attention spans are slowly decreasing, it’s essential to communicate smartly and effectively.

That’s why mastering the art of drafting an email in the professional world is a critical skill. The tips and examples in this guide will help you improve your email writing skills and make a positive impression on your recipients.

But if you are pressed for time, Hiver’s AI Email Writer is here to help. Simply enter a prompt – mention what you want the email to be about and its tone and length – to draft impactful emails in seconds.