Useful phrases and vocabulary 1

The register of an email ( how formal or informal it is) depends on the type of the message you are
writing and who you are writing to. The words and expressions used in an email can make it formal or
informal. Whether a phrase is too formal or too informal depends on the context of the email and your
writing style.

Salutations

When you don’t know the name of the person you can use the following:

Dear Sir or Madam (formal)

To whom it may concern (standard)

Hello (informal)

When you know the name of the person you can use the following:

Dear Mr, Mrs, Ms …. (formal)

Dear John (standard)

Hello John

Hi John ( informal)

When writing to a group:

Dear all ( standard)

Hi everyone (informal)

Opening sentences

Replying to an email:

Thank you for your email (standard)

This is to say thanks for your email (standard)

Giving a reason:

I’m writing to request/ follow up on

Just a quick note to clarify/ confirm /inform you

Attaching files

I’m sending you / attaching ….

I’ve attached …

Please find attached …

I’m sending you the document as an attachment.

Making enquires

I’m interested in receiving …

I would like to receive …

Could you please send me…?

Would you be able to …?

I’d appreciate a reply asap.

Replying to an enquiry

Thank you for your interest.

I’m pleased to send you …

Please find the requested information attached.

Thanks for choosing ….