How to Write a Letter of Appreciation

We receive favors all the time, people help us in exchange for some compensation, and others we know achieve success.  Regardless of which type of help we get or what success was achieved, it is important to express gratitude.  One way to do this is by writing a letter of appreciation.  If you don't know how to write a letter of appreciation or just need a reminder about how to write one, keep reading for tips and a sample letter of appreciation from WhiteSmoke, your ultimate writing solution.

You may be writing an employee appreciation letter, a teacher appreciation letter, or an appreciation of business letter.  No matter the type, good reasons to write a letter of appreciation include:

-    Encouraging future opportunities for working together
-    Creating or strengthening personal and business relationships
-    Giving praise for a stand-out performance or work completed
-    Thanking someone for a contribution or help
-    Motivating someone to reach goals
-    Acknowledging receipt of an important document or a gift

When you are writing your letter of appreciation, keep in mind the following tips:

-    Don't forget the point of writing the letter - explain why you are showing your thanks!
-    Be honest - people usually know when you're not being sincere.
-    Use a handwritten note or letter for a personal appreciation letter, or company letterhead and sharp printing for a business letter.
-    Be direct and concise in your writing.
-    Only thank someone for something already done; to thank in advance is presumptuous.
-    Be prompt in sending your appreciation letter.
-    Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person.

Remember the above guidelines when you think about how to write your letter of appreciation, and consider using the sample appreciation letter found below as a template for writing a business-related note.  You can use the same appreciation letter example as a guide for a personal note, too; simply lighten the tone a little and change the information to what is relevant.

Don't forget the crucial last step in writing a letter of appreciation!  Proofreading.  Even the letter sent with the best of intentions will not be well-received if it contains errors in English grammar, spelling, or punctuation.  Use WhiteSmoke's innovative writing software, and with one easy click access a grammar check, spell check, and punctuation check for perfect English writing in your appreciation letter.  Use impressive vocabulary from our online dictionary, synonyms from our thesaurus, or context-based adjectives and adverbs suggested by our patented enrichment feature.  Edit with all of these writing tools and more instantly, only with WhiteSmoke online writing software.

Sample Recognition and Appreciation Letter for a Business:

Dear Marjorie,
Congratulations, employee of the month! We are proud to present you with this plaque and bonus as symbols of our appreciation for your exemplary work.
I would also like to extend my personal congratulations. We were all encouraged and supported this month by your hard work and positive attitude in the middle of this month's hiring crunch. Volunteering to help out on Friday with catching up is just one example of how you are always willing to put in extra effort.
You are a real asset to our company.
Yours Truly,
Signature
Mark Johnson
Manager