Download Article
Download Article
In most countries, anyone can write a letter to their prime minister. When writing your letter there are certain rules of etiquette that you should follow. It is best practice to address the envelope and letter using the correct titles and a formal writing style. Following these recommendations shows respect for the Prime Minister and will make your letter easier to read.
Steps
-
Address the envelope to “The Right Honourable”. The first line of the envelope should read “The Right Honourable”, followed by the first and last names of the Prime Minister. Below this, write “Prime Minister of” followed by the relevant country. Write the relevant parliament address of the Prime Minister underneath. For example:
- The Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern
- Prime Minister of New Zealand
- Parliament Buildings
- Private Bag 18041
- Wellington 6160
- Note that the address “The Right Honourable” should still be used if you are addressing a former Prime Minister. [1] X Research source
-
Begin the letter with “Dear Prime Minister”. This polite opening is the expected salutation for all written communication to the Prime Minister. If you are writing an email it is still appropriate to begin with “Dear Prime Minister”.
- If you are writing to a former prime minister begin with "Dear Sir/Madam," or "Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. Lastname." [2] X Research source
Advertisement -
Finish your letter with “Most respectfully”. This complimentary closing remark shows your respect and indicates the end of your message. Thank the Prime Minister for taking time to read your letter. Then, place a comma at the end of “Most respectfully” and sign and print your name below.
- If you are writing the letter on a computer leave space for you to sign your name under the closing remark. [3] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Avoid using abbreviations or contractions. Contractions and abbreviations can come across as lazy and aren’t appropriate for a formal letter. Abbreviations aren’t always clear to the reader so it is best practice to spell out the full meaning of the abbreviation. Similarly with contractions, it is appropriate to write the full words instead of using an apostrophe to create one word.
- For example, use “do not” instead of “don’t”.
- Try using “New York” instead of “NY”. [4] X Research source
-
Use formal language. Substitute slang or colloquial words for more proper alternatives. Using formal language in your letter will help you to be taken more seriously. Pay particular attention to using formal adjectives as describing words set a strong tone in written communication.
- For example, use “excellent” or “enjoyable” instead of “rad” or awesome”.
- Replace "weird" with "unusual", or "hated" with "strongly disliked". [5] X Research source
-
Write concisely. Avoid repeating yourself in your letter. If you want to emphasise a point try adding extra supporting information instead of repeating the same point in different words. Keep your sentences to a limit of 2 lines. Wordy sentences can be confusing and difficult to read. [6] X Research source
- The Prime Minister is more likely to read your whole letter if it is clear and to the point.
- Avoid adding extra sentences that don’t contain necessary information.
-
Check your spelling and grammar. Read over your letter and carefully check for any spelling or grammar errors. If you have written your letter on a computer, use a spell-checker to check your work.
- Poor spelling and grammar will make your letter harder to read and will make your work look rushed.
- Ask a friend to check over your letter for any typos or mistakes before you send it.
Advertisement
Sample Letter
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do I sign off a letter?Community AnswerLike the way they signed off above. You could write: "Most Respectfully, ."
-
QuestionCan an emoji be used?Community AnswerNo, you shouldn't use any emojis.
-
QuestionCan I address him/her with the word "you" in the letter?Community AnswerYes, there is no problem with addressing them using the word "you" if it suits the context.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- You can address the prime minister as "The Honorable," instead of writing "Dear prime minister."
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ http://www.peacemakers.ca/research/Canada/FormsOfAddress.html
- ↑ https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/have-your-say/contact-an-mp/
- ↑ http://www.etiquettetrainer.com/how-to-address-president-trump-and-barack-obama/
- ↑ . https://www.skillsyouneed.com/write/formal-or-informal.html
- ↑ . https://www.skillsyouneed.com/write/formal-or-informal.html
- ↑ https://www.skillsyouneed.com/write/formal-or-informal.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you want to address a prime minister in a letter, start with “Dear Prime Minister,” which is the expected salutation for all written communication with them. When you’ve finished your letter, sign off with “Most respectfully,” followed by your name. After you’ve completed your letter, address the envelope to “The Right Honourable,” followed by the Prime Minister’s first and last names. Underneath that, write “Prime Minister of,” and then the country they serve. For example, if you were writing to the leader of New Zealand, you would put, “The Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern. Prime Minister of New Zealand.” For more tips, including how to use formal language when writing a letter to a prime minister, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 346,271 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I was unable to write a letter to the PM, but thanks to this site, I have written the letter in a good way and I am feeling so good. Thank you so much, I appreciate it." ..." more
Advertisement
"I was unable to write a letter to the PM, but thanks to this site, I have written the letter in a good way and I am feeling so good. Thank you so much, I appreciate it."
..."
more
"I have posted this type of letter to the prime minister. Yet the results are to come but I felt happy first time sending letter."
..."
more
"It is quite helpful not only for this particular topic, but for writing formal letters. Thank you."
"This has helped me write a letter with my friend to our Prime Minister. Thank you wikiHow!"
"The steps of what to write properly helped make me confident enough to write."
