FORMAL EXPRESSIONS FOR WRITING

BEGGINIG

 Beginning a letter that is requesting information -> I am writing to enquire about courses at
your college
 Beginning a letter of reply -> I am writing in connection with your advertisement

With reference to your advertisement in the Times

With reference to your letter of 16 April

Thank you for your letter of 16 June enquiring about vacancies

THE BODY

 Giving somebody good news -> I am delighted to inform you that …

 Giving somebody bad news -> I regret to tell you that …
 Explaining that something is included in the letter -> Please find enclosed a stamped addressed
envelope
 Apologising for something you have done wrong -> Please allow me to apologise for the
problems you have had
 Requesting, quite strongly, that action is taken -> Please could you replace the goods as soon
as possible
 Asking for information -> I would be grateful if you could send me info about your college
 Warning or threatening someone -> Unless this is done we will be forced to complain to the
manager

ENDING A LETTER…

 … that requires a reply -> I look forward to receiving your reply

I look forward to hearing from you soon

 … that has supplied information -> I hope that this information will help you

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further

information

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further

questions

 … when you have done something wrong -> We hope that this has not caused you any
inconvenience