Formal Expressions for Letter Writing Aim to give

Formal Expressions for Letter Writing Aim: to give you a list of useful expressions used in formal letter writing.

A) Beginning a letter: 1 When offering information 2 When replying to someone 3 When asking for information

When asking for information I am writing to enquire about. . . We are writing in connection with. . . I am interested in. . . and would like to know. . . Could you please send me details of. . .

2 When replying to someone Further to your letter of (date) concerning. . . I am writing in connection with your letter of (date) concerning. . . Thank you for your letter of (date) enquiring about. . . With reference to your letter of (date) concerning. . .

When offering information We are writing to inform you that. . . We are writing to notify you of. . .

B The body of the letter 1 Asking for information 2 Expressing concern or annoyance 3 Reporting what somebody has told you 4 Requesting, quite strongly, that action is taken 5 Explaining that you have included something with the letter 6 Giving reasons for something you have/haven’t done 7 Giving somebody good news 8 Warning or threatening somebody 9 Giving somebody bad news 10 Saying sorry for something you have/haven't done

1 Asking for information l I would be grateful if you could send me. . . l We would like to know if. . . l I was wondering if you could. . .

2 Expressing concern or annoyance l I was rather disappointed to hear that. . . l I am a little concerned to hear that. . . l I was rather unhappy with. . .

3 Reporting what somebody has told you l. I have been notified. . . l. I have been advised. . .

4 Requesting, quite strongly, that action is taken l Please could you. . . as soon as possible. l We would be grateful if you could. . . without delay. l We would appreciate it if you could. . . immediately.

5 Explaining that you have included something with the letter l Please l find enclosed. . . Enclosed you will find. . . l. I have pleasure in enclosing. . .

6 Giving reasons for something you have/haven’t done l This is due to the fact that. . . l This is because of. . .

7 Giving somebody good news l. I am delighted to inform you that. . . l. I am pleased to tell you that. . . l. I am happy to advise you that. . .

8 Warning or threatening somebody l Unless (state action required), we will be forced to. . . l If (action is not taken) we will be forced to. . . l Unless (state action required), we will have no alternative but to. . .

9 Giving somebody bad news l. I regret to tell you that. . . l. I am sorry to inform you that. . . l We are sorry to say that. . .

10 Saying sorry for something you have/haven't done l We apologize for. . . l We are extremely sorry for. . . l Please allow me to apologize for. . .

Ending a letter 1 When you have asked for something 2 When you have done something wrong 3 When you have given somebody information

1 When you have asked for something I look forward to receiving your reply. I look forward to hearing from you soon. I hope to hear from you soon.

2 When you have done something wrong l Please l accept our apologies once again. With apologies once again. l We hope that this has not caused you any inconvenience.

3 When you have given somebody information l I hope that this information will help you. l Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information. l Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. l If there is any further information you require, please contact us.