The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in humanities disciplines for research papers and documentation. While primarily associated with essays, it’s also crucial for formatting formal letters. Understanding the specific requirements for MLA-style letters ensures professional and academic communication. This article provides 22 diverse examples to help you master MLA letter formatting, covering everything from business correspondence to personal inquiries.
Key elements of an MLA letter include proper heading information, a clear and concise subject line (if applicable), a professional salutation, a well-structured body, and an appropriate closing. The heading contains the sender’s name and address, followed by the date. The body of the letter should be single-spaced with double spacing between paragraphs. This guide will meticulously demonstrate each of these components through the following practical samples.
Sample Letters in MLA Style
Example 1: Letter of Inquiry
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
[Recipient City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to inquire about [specific inquiry]. I am currently [brief explanation of your situation]. I would be grateful if you could provide me with [specific information you need].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Letter of Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My skills and experience align well with the requirements outlined in the job description. I am particularly proficient in [mention 2-3 relevant skills].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Letter of Recommendation Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Professor/Recommender Name]
[Professor/Recommender Title]
[Department]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[University City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Professor [Professor/Recommender Last Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I greatly appreciate your support. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf and if there is any additional information I can provide.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Thank You Letter (Interview)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Interviewer Name]
[Interviewer Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Date]. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.
I am very interested in this opportunity and believe my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team. Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Business Letter – Complaint
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with [product/service] that I purchased on [Date]. [Explain the problem clearly and concisely].
I am requesting [specific action, e.g., refund, replacement]. I have attached a copy of my receipt as proof of purchase. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt resolution.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Business Letter – Request for Information
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request information about [specific topic]. I am particularly interested in [specific details].
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know how I can obtain this information. I appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Letter of Resignation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Manager Name]
[Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Manager Name],
Please accept this letter as notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Your Last Day of Employment].
Thank you for the opportunity to work at [Company Name] for the past [Number] years. I wish you and the company all the best in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 8: Formal Apology Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
[Recipient City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name],
Please accept this letter as a sincere apology for [describe the action or event]. I understand that my actions caused [explain the consequences].
I take full responsibility for my behavior and am committed to making amends. I value our relationship and hope that you can accept my apology.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 9: Friendly Letter (Thank You)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Address]
[Recipient City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name],
Thank you so much for [specific reason for thanks – e.g., the lovely gift, your hospitality]. It was truly [positive adjective – e.g., thoughtful, wonderful] and I really appreciate it.
I hope we can [future activity – e.g., get together again soon, catch up again soon]. Thanks again for everything!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 10: Letter to the Editor
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
The Editor
[Newspaper Name]
[Newspaper Address]
[Newspaper City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the article [Article Title] published on [Date]. [State your main point – e.g., I strongly agree with the author’s argument that…].
[Explain your reasoning and supporting evidence]. Thank you for providing a forum for discussion on this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 11: Letter of Complaint (Neighborhood Issue)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Homeowner Association]
[Recipient Address]
[Recipient City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name/Homeowner Association],
I am writing to express my concern regarding [describe the issue – e.g., excessive noise, unkempt yard] at [address or location of the issue]. This has been occurring since [date/timeframe].
[Explain the impact of the issue on you/your family]. I would appreciate it if you could address this matter as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 12: Letter Requesting Donation
[Your Name/Organization Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Address]
[Recipient City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name],
We are writing to you today to request your support for [Cause/Organization]. [Explain the cause and its importance – e.g., We are dedicated to providing shelter and care for homeless animals in our community.].
Your donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in the lives of [who you are helping]. Thank you for considering our request. Information on how to donate is enclosed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Organization Representative]
Example 13: Letter to a Politician (Support/Opposition)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Politician Name]
[Politician Title]
[Office Address]
[Office City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Politician Name],
I am writing to express my [support/opposition] for [specific bill/policy] [Bill number or name, if known]. [State your position clearly and concisely.].
[Explain your reasoning and the impact of the bill/policy]. Thank you for your time and consideration of my views. I urge you to [action you want them to take – e.g., vote in favor of this bill, reconsider your stance on this policy].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 14: Letter of Introduction
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to introduce myself. My name is [Your Name] and I am [Your profession/background]. I was referred to you by [Name of person who referred you], who suggested I contact you regarding [reason for contact].
I am particularly interested in [mention specific interest]. I would be grateful for the opportunity to speak with you further about this. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 15: Letter of Explanation (Academic)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Professor Name]
[Professor Title]
[Department]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[University City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Professor [Professor Last Name],
I am writing to explain [reason for explanation – e.g., my absence from class on [Date], the late submission of my assignment]. [Provide a clear and concise explanation].
I understand the importance of [attendance/timely submission] and I apologize for any inconvenience my [absence/delay] may have caused. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 16: Letter Regarding a Mistake on a Bill
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Customer Service Department,
I am writing to dispute an error on my recent bill (Account Number: [Your Account Number]). The bill includes a charge of [Amount] for [Item/Service] that I did not authorize/receive.
I have attached a copy of the bill. I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and correct the error. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 17: Letter of Acceptance (Job Offer)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to formally accept your offer for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I am very excited to join your team and look forward to starting on [Start Date].
Thank you again for this opportunity. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 18: Follow-up Letter (After Applying for a Job)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I submitted on [Date]. I am very interested in this opportunity and believe my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 19: Letter of Congratulations
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Address]
[Recipient City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to offer my sincere congratulations on [achievement – e.g., your graduation, your new job, your award]. That is a fantastic accomplishment!
I am so proud of you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Congratulations again!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 20: Letter to a Landlord (Request for Repairs)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Landlord Name/Property Management Company]
[Landlord Address/Company Address]
[Landlord City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Landlord Name/Property Management Company],
I am writing to request repairs to the following items in my apartment at [Your Address/Apartment Number]: [List the items needing repair – e.g., leaking faucet in the bathroom, broken window in the living room].
These issues are causing [explain the consequences – e.g., water damage, drafts]. I would appreciate it if you could arrange for these repairs to be completed as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 21: Letter to a Teacher (Introduction of a Student)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Teacher Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[School City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Teacher Name],
I am writing to introduce myself as the parent of [Student Name], who will be in your [Grade Level] class this year. [Optional: Briefly mention something positive about your child – e.g., [Student Name] is very excited to be starting [Grade Level] and enjoys reading.].
I look forward to partnering with you to ensure [Student Name]’s success this year. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your dedication to your students.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 22: Letter of Authorization
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Organization Name]
[Recipient Address]
[Recipient City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], hereby authorize [Authorized Person’s Full Name] to [Specify what they are authorized to do – e.g., pick up my prescription from [Pharmacy Name], access my medical records, act on my behalf in matters relating to [Specific Issue]].
This authorization is valid from [Start Date] to [End Date, if applicable]. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you have any questions. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature]
By studying these 22 examples, you should have a solid understanding of how to format various types of letters in MLA style. Remember to adapt the samples to your specific needs, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in all your written communications. Mastering MLA letter formatting contributes significantly to your credibility and academic success.