Business Letter Vocabulary

word meaning

attachment extra document or image that is added to an email

block format most common business letter format, single spaced, all paragraphs begin at the
left margin

body the content of the letter; between the salutation and signature

bullet points, small dark dots used to set off items in a list
bullets

certified mail important letters that sender pays extra postage for in order to receive a notice
of receipt

coherent logical; easy to understand

concise gets to the point quickly

confidential, private
personal

diplomacy, demonstrating consideration and kindness

diplomatic

direct mail, junk marketing letters addressed to a large audience

mail

double space format where one blank line is left between lines of text

enclosure extra document or image included with a letter

formal uses set formatting and business language, opposite of casual

format the set up or organization of a document

heading a word or phrase that indicates what the text below will be about
word meaning

indent extra spaces (usually 5) at the beginning of a paragraph

informal casual

inside address recipient's mailing information

justified margins straight and even text, always begins at the same place

letterhead specialized paper with a (company) logo or name printed at the top

logo symbol or image that identifies a specific organization

margin a blank space that borders the edge of the text

memo, document sent within a company (internal), presented in short form

memorandum

modified block left justified as block format, but date and closing are centered
format

on arrival notation notice to recipient that appears on an envelope (e.g. "confidential")

postage the cost of sending a letter through the Post Office

proofread read through a finished document to check for mistakes

punctuation marks used within or after sentences and phrases (e.g. periods, commas)

reader-friendly easy to read

recipient the person who receives the letter

right ragged format in which text on the right side of the document ends at slightly different
points (not justified)

salutation greeting in a letter (e.g. "Dear Mr Jones")

sensitive content in a letter that may cause the receiver to feel upset; confidential or
 word meaning

information secret content

semi-block format paragraphs are indented, not left-justified

sincerely term used before a name when formally closing a letter

single spaced format where no blanks lines are left in-between lines of text

spacing blank area between words or lines of text

tone the feeling of the language (e.g. serious, enthusiastic)

transitions words or phrases used to make a letter flow naturally (e.g. "furthermore", "on
the other hand")

Useful Words for Business Letters

word meaning

apologize say "sorry"

verb

approach method or style of doing something

noun

attitude outlook on life

noun

by invitation only only those who are asked to come will be allowed in

commence start
verb
word meaning

complimentary free
adjective

concerns problems, issues

noun

confidential private
adjective

conscientious cares about quality of work

adjective

contribution individual effort or support in a group

noun

convenient suitable, favourable, makes life easy

adjective

cooperation the act of working together

noun

coordinator person who organizes something

noun

dedication a lot of effort put into something

noun

dependable can be trusted

adjective

disregard ignore, pay no attention to

verb

do not hesitate don't wait

dropped fell to a lower amount

word meaning

verb

effective produces a positive response

adjective

efficient performs well

adjective

enclosed included inside

adjective

encouraged persuaded or inspired

verb

enquire (BrE) looking for information

inquire (AmE)
verb

extravaganza exciting and rare event

noun

formal following set requirements

adjective

grateful thankful
adjective

guarantee promise
verb

impact effect
noun

indicates shows
verb
word meaning

invoice document detailing purchases and money owed

noun

latest most modern

adjective

lay-off take a job away from an employee (when employee is not at fault)
verb

notice document that indicates a change or event

noun

outstanding balance money still owed

adjective

postpone delay until later

verb

preferred customer buyer who comes back often

noun

present award something to someone

verb

professional exhibits suitable behaviour on the job

adjective

profound deep
adjective

punctual always on time

adjective

reach me find and talk to me

verb
word meaning

records files that keep track of business matters

noun

regarding being about

verb

regret verb feel bad

reliable adj dependable

replacement someone who fills the position of another

noun

representative a person who acts on behalf of another person, company, policy...

noun

Resignation the act of leaving a job position

noun

respected considered good and honest

adj

retirement a permanent leave from the workplace (usually due to aging)

noun

senior staff employees who hold high positions or have been working at the same
noun place for a long time

severance money paid to make up for a separation

noun

sharp exactly (in reference to time)

adverb

skyrocketed went up higher very quickly

verb
word meaning

stock share in ownership

noun

struggle work at with difficulty

verb

sufficient enough
adj

support financial help

noun

T.B.A To Be Announced

versatile with a variety of skills and abilities

adj