Email Etiquette
On this page you can learn how to format and write formal email
Students can interact effectively with their instructors, classmates, and other school officials by composing emails to them. However, using the right email writing format will help you communicate effectively. Here are some pointers for students on how to compose an email in an organized, precise, and formal style.
To write a formal email, keep these tips in mind.
Use a greeting
Use a professional, courteous tone.
Use proper grammar and punctuation.
Avoid abbreviations and acronyms.
Keep it concise.
Include a formal closing message
Mr. Oxford, in the process of sending an email on his extra large keyboard
The Subject Line
Your email's subject line should be concise and direct, the purpose of the subject is to help the reader understand the subject of the email.
In the subject line of an email to your teacher regarding a homework assignment, for instance, you can put "Homework question from Tuesday."
The Greeting
Depending on who you are writing to and the level of formality, your email greeting will vary. Begin emails addressed to teachers or other school officials with "Dear," or "Good morning," followed by their name.
Simply beginning your email with "Hi" or "Hello" will do for less formal conversations, such as emails to classmates.
The Body of the Email
Your email's opening should get right to the point. You can use a statement outlining the goal of your email or a question that closely pertains to the point you're trying to make.
Your body should then elaborate on this knowledge, offering specifics and corroborating data as needed. Avoid using emojis, slang, or overly casual language, and keep your voice professional.
Closing and Signature
After you have written your email, you need to close off the message. Writing something like "Sincerely," followed by your name is the most common, or expression appreciation or urgency. Consider the examples below:
"Eagerly awaiting your reply,": This example closing message communicates to the reader, in a formal way, that you the message you sent requires a reply; one that should be sent as soon as possible.
"Thank you for your consideration,": This closer is a formal way to conclude the email with thanking the reader for reading your message or for their time. Being formal is also being very polite!
"Enjoy your break!": The example closer is getting close to being informal, because of the exclamation point. Exclamation points should be excluded from formal writing as a rule, but it also helps communicate a sense of sincerity.