HOW TO WRITE A FORMAL EMAIL

DO’S DON’T´S

GREETING GREETING

Formal: To whom it may concern, (it can be

informal)
• Dear sir/madam
• Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. Perez. Do not write long emails.

I hope this email fins you well. Do not make this mistake!
I hope you are well.
I hope all is well in … (place or city) Iw
̶ ̶ri̶ ̶te
̶ ̶ y̶ ̶ou
̶ ̶ about my homework…

Thank you for taking the time to speak to me Informal:

on the phone thus morning…
• I’m just emailing to confirm the
Get to the point: appointment.
• I’m just following up on our recent
I am writing regarding…
I am writing in regards to… meeting.
Following up on our recent phone call
• I was wondering if you could give me more
If you want to ask for someting: information about …

I would like to ask you about…
Attaching:
Please find the file attached.
• As requested, please find the document
attached in this email.
• Please find my CV attached in this email.
Do not use passive voice on emails,
they can be impersonal
A language conference will be held in
Cambridge next week and it would be a
great chance to meet you in person.
Informal language needed along with
some collages:

Please keep me posted

I am writing regarding a possible Let me know what you think
collaboration…
People on copy: this should be an
It has come to our attention that you have Informal way
recently published a new book. We would be
• I’ve cc’d my colleague Mary.
delighted to feature it on us in exchange for
some free copies to give away to our students.• I’ve cc’ed Susan.

Do mentioned people on copy: Less formal:

I have put on my collage (Peter) on copy.
 If you have any question, I will be happy to
Do mention your attachments: help you

Please find (the document) attached. Drop me a line if you have any
questions.(nice expression)
If you want to make an appointment use
active voice: Closing

The British Council are holding a language Do not make this mistake:
conference next week…
I look forward t̶ o
̶ ̶h
̶ e
̶ a
̶ r̶ ̶ from you.
If you are on a hurry, this sound pretty
formal: Informal:
• Best,
Could you please get back to me by the end of
this week? • Thanks for your help,

I would really appreciate it if you could let me • Many thanks,

know by tomorrow.
Bonus informal phrases:
I await your response at the earliest
convenience. • Looking forward (to Friday)

I appreciate your help in this matter. • May coffee be with you

• Keep up the good work!
Please keep me informed of any updates.
• Good vibes!
If you have any question please let me know. • You’re killing it!
Should you have any questions, please feel
free to reach out.

Closing:

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

I look forward to working with you

I am looking forward to seeing you next week.

I look forward to meeting you in person.

I look forward to your reply.

If you have already written someone’s name at

the beginning you must write:

Dear Mr Perez,
…
Yours sincerely,
Write yours faithfully only if you do not the
name of the person:

Dear Sir or Madam

…
Yours faithfully,

Do not forget proofreading: you should

always re read your email before you send
it to check for mistakes.

Less formal

Best regards,
Kind wishes,
Best wishes,