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Have you received an award or honor and want to write an appreciative letter? Have your employees, colleagues, teachers, family, or friends achieved an accomplishment? Has someone done a job well? Have you received financial contributions or scholarships and want to express your gratitude?

Here are some tips on how to write your appreciation letter in a thoughtful way.

Other reasons to write an appreciation letter:

  • Group efforts
  • Introductions
  • Invitations to speak
  • Helpful advice or suggestions
  • Personal favors
  • Recommendations
  • References
  • Sympathy
  • Volunteers

Guidelines for writing appreciation letters:

State what you appreciate and briefly explain why. Do not add other news or information not related to the appreciative gesture. The message of appreciation should stand alone. Be brief, warm, and sincere. Postcards may be used for short notes. Personal notes should be handwritten. Business letters should be typed on letterhead stationary or memo paper. Helpful words you can use: Click on each word to get definitions and examples from WordNet 1.6 Vocabulary Helper.

Admire Appreciate Approve Commend
Delighted Delightful Elegant Encourage
Encouraging Generous Gracious Happy
Honor Impress Inspirational Inspire
Interesting Marvelous Praise Prize
Recognize Recommend Remarkable Respect
Satisfy Sensational Superb Surprise
Terrific Thrilled / Thrilling Touch Treasure
Triumph Unique Valuable Value
Welcome

Financial Contributions

Dear Dr. Emma Hour
I am very grateful for the numerous financial contributions you have made in support of my education. Without your help, I may never have been able to complete my studies. Your generosity and help have been an inspiration to me.
Again, thank you for your encouragement and financial support.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your typed Name

Awards/Honors

To Mr. Mick E. Mouse,
We would like to express our appreciation for your remarkable service as a member of the Rodents for Education Club. The contributions you have made to our club over the past two years have been invaluable to us. We wish you much luck in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your typed Name

Recommendations

To Dr. Frank N. Stein,
I am applying to Oxford University’s Graduate School of Bio-Engineering. I would appreciate it if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. Enclosed is a form that outlines what the recommendation should include, my resume, and a self-addressed stamped envelope in which to send your recommendation.
I appreciate you taking the time to do this for me. If for some reason you are unable to complete the recommendation for me, please let me know via email (youremail@email.com) or phone.
Thank you,
Your Signature
Your typed Name
Email: youremail@email.com
Phone: (111) 111 – 1111

Reply to a Sympathy Card

Dear Ms. Angela Cloud,
Thank you so much for your lovely card. I appreciate your thoughtfulness at this time of sadness in my life. I will contact you again once things change for the better.
With Love,
Your Signature
Your typed Name

Sourced by Janel Muyesseroglu

Back to How to Write Letters

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