Full block style is a letter format in which all text is justified to the left margin. In block letter style, standard punctuation is placed after salutations and in other headings. Open punctuation, however, refers to a modification of style where all nonessential punctuation is omitted. A few key factors will help you understand block style format and the difference that open punctuation makes.
Block Format Headings
In block letter format, all text is flush with the left margin. The sender's address is written at the top of the page, unless the letter is written on letterhead. After the sender's address or logo, a space is entered, followed by the date. After the date, another space is entered, and the recipient's full name and address are typed. For example:
Joe Smith 123 Pine Road Fayettville, Georgia 33889
July 16, 2012
Mr. Richard Jones 456 Oak Lane Farmville, Georgia 33888
If you are using open punctuation, omit the punctuation from the address lines and write the addresses in all capital letters. For example:
JOE SMITH 123 PINE ROAD FAYETTVILLE GEORGIA 33889
In block letter style, the salutation should begin with "Dear" and should be followed with the proper prefix and last name of the recipient. Although many letter writers are used to following a salutation with a comma, the salutation is followed by a colon in block letter format. For example:
Dear Ms. Smith:
In open punctuation, the colon is omitted because all punctuation is left open on headings and salutations. For example:
Dear Ms. Smith
Because the colon is not essential after "Smith," the punctuation mark is omitted.
The body of a block letter is written in single-spaced paragraphs aligned to the left margin. A single space is placed between paragraphs. Even in open punctuation, periods and commas are still necessary within paragraphs to separate sentences. However, if you include a list of bullet points in the letter, omit the punctuation. For example:
Your recent order has been shipped. It will arrive on July 28th. Your order contains the following items:
three end tables two dining chairs one lamp one table setting
Because punctuation was necessary for meaning within the sentences, it was included. Punctuation was omitted from the list because the spacing makes it clear that the items are separate.
In the closing of a block style letter, a formal salutation is again aligned against the left margin. In regular block format, a comma is placed after the closing. For example:
In open block style, the comma is omitted because the space indicates the necessary separation between words. For example:
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