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How do I Write a Letter in MLA Format?

MLA does not have a specific format for writing letters. Elements of MLA formatting can, however, be applied to a letter. These elements include double-spacing the document, using one space after a period, indenting the first line of a paragraph, using 12-point font and setting the margins to 1 inch. You may want to begin with your address a few spaces below the top margin, especially if your letter is less than one page.

Things You'll Need

  • Word processor
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Instructions

  1. Typing a Letter

    • 1

      Type your address. If you do not have letterhead, type your address at the top of the page. It should be aligned on the right-hand side of the paper as you look at the page. The address should include your street address on the first line and your city, state and zip code on the second line. There is no need to include your name since it is given at the end of the letter.

    • 2

      Type the date of the letter. There should be one full line between your address and the date. If you are indenting the first line of each paragraph of the letter, center the date on the page. The format should consist of the month spelled out, the date, a comma and the year. For example: August 10, 2010. MLA recommends indenting the first line of paragraphs by half an inch.

    • 3

      Type the address of the recipient. There should be one full line between the date and the recipient's address. Include the proper title of the person, such as Ms., Mr., Dr., etc. The address should be three or more lines--the first for the title and name of the person, the second for the street address and the third for the city, state and zip code of the recipient. If there is a suite number or apartment number, insert it in a separate line after the street address and before the city, state and zip code.

    • 4

      Type the salutation on the second line below the recipient's address. Type "Dear" and then the personal title of the recipient, followed by the full name of the person. A colon should be used at the end of the salutation. This line should be flush to the left margin. Leave a blank line between the salutation and the text of the letter.

    • 5

      Begin typing the body of the letter on the second line below the salutation. You may either indent the first line of the paragraph or have the paragraph flush to the left margin. Remember, the format you use dictates where the date is placed earlier in the letter. If you are following the MLA format, the letter should be double-spaced.

    • 6

      When typing the closing of your letter, there should be at least one space between the end of the body of your letter and the closing of the letter. At least four spaces after the closing, type your full name. These four lines will be the space in which you sign the letter. For example:

      Sincerely,

      Jane Doe

    • 7

      Type "Enc." in the bottom right corner of the document if you are including enclosures.

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