A letter needs an envelope the post office can read. Addressing it well uses what you learned about titles and names, plus a layout every U.S. mail carrier expects.
Key idea
The recipient's name and address go in the center, your return address in the upper left, and the stamp in the upper right. Use titles and full names, and include the ZIP code.
Why it works
Mail is sorted by machines and people who read the center block first, so the delivery address belongs there, with the ZIP code on the last line. The return address in the corner lets an undeliverable letter come back to you. The stamp goes in the upper right, where the canceling machines expect it. A title and full name are a courtesy to the reader, and they help the letter reach the right person in a shared home.
Worked example: A wedding thank-you
Ruby is mailing a thank-you note to Dr. Ada Bell. What goes where?
- Center: "Dr. Ada Bell," then the street address, then city, state and ZIP.
- Upper left: Ruby's own name and address.
- Upper right: the stamp.
Answer: Delivery address in the center, return address upper left, stamp upper right.
Worked example: A family
Sam is sending a holiday card to the Hale family. How might he address it?
- For a couple: "Mr. and Mrs. Walt Hale" or "June and Walt Hale," as they prefer.
- For the whole household: "The Hale Family."
- The street and city lines follow, with the ZIP code.
Answer: "The Hale Family" or the couple's names, then the address.
Common mistake
Writing the return address in the center or the stamp on the left, or leaving off the ZIP code. The post office reads the center block. Quick check: does the center hold only the person you are writing to, with the ZIP code on the last line?