WRITING EMAILS

First of all, …
Dear Sir, dear Madam,
Dear Mr …/Dear Mrs…/Dear Miss…/Dear Ms …
To whom it may concern
How to start?
Might I take a moment of your time…
Please may I introduce myself…
I am writing to enquire about …
I am writing in reference to …

Less formal: I hope my email finds you well

Answering a previous email or letter
Thank you for contacting ….
Thank you for your prompt reply/Thanks for getting back to me
I am writing in reply to your letter of [date]
Further to our conversation, …
Asking for help
I would appreciate your help in this matter.
I would be grateful if you could ….
I would be grateful if you could attend to this matter as soon as possible.
Would you happen to know if…?

Less formal: Could you look into this?

Would you mind checking it out for me?
Thanks in advance.
Asking a question/waiting for an answer
In reference to my email of June 20th …
I await a response at your earliest convenience.
I would be grateful if you could confirm safe receipt of this message.
When you get a moment, could you drop me a line about my last email?
Your prompt reply would be appreciated.
Less formal: Can you drop me a quick word so I know you’ve received this?
Just wondered if you got my email (June 20th)?
Apologising
I apologise for the delay in replying.
I apologise for the inconvenience. / I apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Please accept my sincere apologies.
I am afraid I will not be able to attend.
I’m afraid there may be a slight delay.

Less formal: Sorry for the delay in replying.

Sorry for the late answer
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Sorry for any trouble caused.
Giving bad news
I regret that ….
I regret to inform you that ….
I am afraid that I must inform you of/that ….

Less formal: Unfortunately, ….

I am sorry to have to tell you that ….
Complaining
I wish to draw your attention to ….
I am writing to complain about ….
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ….
I would appreciate your immediate attention to the matter.
Less formal: I wanted to inform you/to complain about ….
How to end?
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you would like any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to let me know
Many thanks again for your time.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation
Thank you for your consideration
I look forward to hearing from you
Last but not least…
Yours sincerely (only if you didn’t start with Dear Sir or dear Madam)
Yours faithfully
Yours truly
Many thanks
Less formal: Best regards
Kind regards
Best wishes/Best regards
All the best
Best