When is an attention line used

If desired, add an optional subject line that states the letter's purpose. Write out the contents of the letter. The preferred format is an introductory section, at least one body paragraph and a conclusion paragraph. Add a complimentary closing, such "respectfully" or "sincerely," followed by a signature and corresponding job title.

World View. The following explains the process of writing a business letter with an attention line:. The subject line can include a reference number of a process like an order or a project number. I'm asking you to confirm the definition and its common use in English letters, especially in business. The definition is accurate. I use "Subject Line" frequently, this is used in both a letter and the subject line of an email. I haven't used "Attention Line" literally, but have referred to the recipient as "for the attention of".

So in answer to your question, yes the definition is accurate, but the syntax would not be used explicitly. Instead it would be obvious by the placement, for example:. So the letter itself would never refer to an "attention line", it would be obvious because it is addressed to the recipient.

The letter would never refer to "subject line", if anything, it would have RE regarding. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Occasionally these are useful if you don't know the recipient's name or title.

Then you might use a subject line such as, Subject: Letter of application for a marketing intern. Attention lines are most useful if you don't know the name of the person who should receive your letter.

Then it makes sense to write Attention: Director of Marketing. It would look silly to write Dear Director of Marketing. An attention line makes more sense when using the title alone. When you know the recipient's full name and title, it is standard to omit the attention line and just include their name and title both in the company's address line and in the salutation. Only use attention lines when necessary.

They aren't standard practice but can work well if you don't know a recipient's name but do know their title. Heather Skyler is a business journalist and editor who has written for wide variety of publications, including Newsweek.