How To Write Address

How to Write an Address in Standard American English

When writing an address in Standard American English, there are specific formatting rules that must be followed to ensure clarity and accuracy. These rules govern the order of the address elements, line breaks, punctuation, and capitalization. By adhering to these conventions, you can ensure that your address is easily understood and processed.

Address Elements

An address typically consists of the following elements:

Recipient’s Name
Street Address
Apartment or Unit Number (if applicable)
City
State (two-letter abbreviation)
ZIP Code

Formatting Guidelines

Line Breaks:

The recipient’s name is written on the first line.
The street address is written on the second line.
The apartment or unit number (if applicable) is written on the third line.
The city and state are written on the fourth line.
The ZIP Code is written on the fifth line.

Punctuation:

Do not use a comma after the recipient’s name.
Use a comma to separate the city and state.
Do not use a period after the state abbreviation or ZIP Code.

Capitalization:

Capitalize the first letter of the recipient’s name, street name, city, and state.
Do not capitalize the apartment or unit number or the ZIP Code.

Example Address

The following is an example of a properly formatted address:

John Smith
123 Main Street
Apt. 3B
Anytown, CA 91234

Specific Rules

Recipient’s Name:

Write the recipient’s full name, including first and last name.
For businesses, write the full company name.

Street Address:

Include the street number and street name.
Use the full street name, not an abbreviation (e.g., "Street" instead of "St.").
Include any directional indicators (e.g., "North", "South", "East", "West").

Apartment or Unit Number:

If applicable, include the apartment or unit number on a separate line after the street address.
Use the abbreviation "Apt." or "Unit" followed by the number.

City:

Capitalize the first letter of the city name.
Use the full city name, not an abbreviation.

State:

Use the two-letter postal abbreviation for the state.
Capitalize both letters.

ZIP Code:

Write the full ZIP Code, including the five-digit code and optional four-digit extension (e.g., 91234-5678).

Special Cases

Rural Routes:

For addresses on rural routes, write "RR" followed by the route number before the street address (e.g., "RR 1 Box 123").

Post Office Boxes:

For post office box addresses, write "PO Box" followed by the box number on the second line (e.g., "PO Box 456").

International Addresses:

For international addresses, follow the formatting rules for the specific country.
Include the country name on a separate line below the ZIP Code.

Additional Tips

Use standard fonts and font sizes for clarity.
Proofread your address carefully before sending it.
Consult the United States Postal Service website or other reliable sources for additional guidance.

FAQ

1. Can I use abbreviations in an address?

Yes, but only in the following cases:
- Apartment or unit number ("Apt.", "Unit")
- Directional indicators (e.g., "N.", "S.", "E.", "W.")
- State abbreviations (e.g., "CA", "NY")

2. Do I need to include a period at the end of the address?

No, do not use a period after the ZIP Code.

3. How do I format an address for a business?

Follow the same formatting rules as for a personal address.
Write the business name on the first line.
If applicable, include the department or contact name on the second line.

4. How do I write an address on an envelope?

Write the recipient’s name and address on the front of the envelope, centered between the left and right margins.
Write the return address on the back flap of the envelope, in the upper left corner.

5. What is the difference between a street address and a mailing address?

A street address is the physical location of a property.
A mailing address is the address where mail should be delivered, which may be different from the physical address.

6. How do I find my ZIP Code?