Letter Writing Tools

Many of the Letter Writing Tools that are available are free or part of the software supplied with your computer.

The main writing tools needed to get started are:

• A Word Processor or Text Editor.
• A Spell checker.
• A Dictionary.
• A Thesaurus

The most commonly used word processor is Microsoft Word which has a built in spelling and grammar checker, as well as a Dictionary and a Thesaurus.

Before you use the spell checker go to the tools menu and make sure the language is set for the English spelling you use ie US English or UK English.

If you do not have Microsoft Word or another word processor on your computer there is an excellent free program called OpenOffice available from Sun Microsystems.

Whichever system you are using before you send your document always:

• Run a spelling and grammar check (even the best of us make typing errors).
• If you think your wording can be improved or varied use the Thesaurus to find alternatives.
• If you are uncertain of the meaning of a word look it up in the Dictionary.

Finally read you document out aloud and see if it sound right to you or others.

You may prefer to have an online dictionary such as Dictionary.com open when you are writing as well as the online Thesaurus.com

Using a letter writing tool will help avoid the obvious pitfalls, such as misspellings, that so many writers fall into.

Go to our Personal Letter Writing or Business Letter Writing pages for a description of a good format depending on the type of letter you are writing.

Return from Letter Writing Tools to Home Page