 We write 

semi-formal letters to people that we do not know very

well but know by name and with whom we have a professional or
business relationship with, for instance, your teacher, host family,
boss, etc .
 Semi-formal letters are usually more polite than informal letters
and are written in a neutral style.
 The surname should be used when addressing people – Dear
Mrs.Thomas, Dear Mr Jones, 
 When signing off the letter, ‘Yours truly’, ‘Sincerely
yours’ and ‘Yours faithfully’ would be used for semi-
formal or formal letters.
 In semi-formal letters, you can also use – ‘With best wishes’,
‘Cordial regards’, ‘With best personal regards’ and ‘With
regards’.
 It is important that you do not omit the opening and closing
statements.
 Opening remarks: I am writing to tell you … It was very kind of
you … It is very kind … I am writing to request  …
 Closing remarks: Thank you very much for your … I am looking
forwad to … I would be very grateful if you could …
 Semi-formal or neutral style is characterized by: a polite, respectful
tone; less colloquial language; less frequent use of short forms,
phrasal verbs and idioms.
 i.e.  = I’m going to explain what I mean using different words. 
e.g. = I am going to give an example. Etc. = and other similar
things.
 In semi-formal letter writing you can use contracted forms, e.g.
it’s, won’t, don’t. etc. but this depends on who you are writing to
and the overall formality of the letter.
 Don’t forget to use linking words.
Compare some expressions of informal and semi-formal letters:

 Informal: Why not phone the secretary and ask her?

 Semi-formal: It would be a good idea if you phoned the
secretary and ask her.
 Informal: I’m sorry, but I can’t come on Friday night.
 Semi-formal: I’m afraid I won’t be able to come on Friday in
the evening.
 Informal: I didn’t like the food.
 Semi-formal: I was dissatisfied with the food.
 Informal: What do you need?
 Semi-formal: Please let us know your requirements
 Informal: Many thanks for … Thanks for your letter.
 Semi-formal: Thank you for your letter.
 Informal: Sorry, I can’t make it to the …
 Semi-formal: I am sorry but I will not be able to come to … .
Please accept my apologies for … .
 Informal: (I’m) So sorry to tell you that … .
 Semi-formal: I am sorry to say that I / we  … .
 Informal: I promise to +verb or I promise + that clause
 Semi-formal: I / we can assure you that … .
 Informal: Could / Would you … ?
 Semi-formal: I was wondering if you could / would … ?
 Informal: Don’t forget … .
 Semi formal: We/ I would like to remind you that … .
 Informal: But …  Also…  So…
 Semi-formal: However, In addition, Therefore, …
 Informal: Can you … , please … ?
 Semi-formal: Could you please … ? 
 Informal: I’m sorry for putting you out.
 Semi-formal: I am sorry for inconveniencing you.
 Informal: I thought I’d drop you a line to ask about …
 Semi-formal: I am writing to request information about
 Informal: Can you …
 Semi-formal: I was wondering if you could ...
Compare some expressions of informal and semi-formal letters:
 
Informal: Why not phone the secretary and ask her?
Semi-formal: It would be a good idea if you phoned the secretary and
ask her.
 
Informal: I'm sorry, but I can't come on Friday night.
Semi-formal: I'm afraid I won't be able to come on Friday in the
evening.
 
Informal: I didn't like the food.
Semi-formal: I was dissatisfied with the food.
I’m available on Friday morning.
Semi-formal: “Hello, how are you?”
Semi-formal: “The conference was great!”
“Could you please call me later?”

You’re wrong. I’m afraid you’re mistaken

.I disagree. I’m of a different opinion. / I see it differently.

I don’t like it. I don’t really care for it.

formal  Neutral/ Semi-formal  Formal 

What do you need? Please let us know your requirements Please inform us of your requirements
Many thanks for .. Thank you for your letter Thank you for your letter dated 12th  May
 

Thanks for your

letter
Sorry, I can’t make I am sorry but I will not be able to come to …. I am afraid I will be unable to attend the …./
it to the ….. Please accept my apologies for …… please accept my sincere apologies for …
(I’m) So sorry to tell I am sorry to say that I/we    …….. We/I regret to inform you that ….
you that …
I promise to +verb. I/ we can assure you that ….. Please be assured that …..
 

I promise + that
clause
Could / would you I was wondering if you could / would……..? We would greatly appreciate your help/
……? assistance in this matter.
Don’t forget ….. We/ I would like to remind you that ….. We/ I would like to remind you that …..
But …. Also…. However, In addition, Therefore, However, In addition, Therefore,
So….
Can you …… Could you please ……? I would be grateful if you could…..
please…..?
I’m sorry for putting I am sorry for inconveniencing you Please accept our/ my apologies for…. (any
you out. inconvenience)
Dear Mr and Mrs Brown,

Thank you very much for your letter. Since I left England, a lot has happened.

To begin with, I have been very busy with my studies. Now that I am in the last year of
university, we seem to have one exam after another! I also have to look for a job. Next
week I have an interview with a psychologist firm. I hope it will be successful.

Furthermore, I am still fond of running and doing high jumping. Next year I am going
to take part in competitions.

My month in England with you really seems to have improved my English. According
to my teacher I hardly make any mistakes in grammar. And my English conversations
are now at a high level. Once again I would like to say how grateful I am for your
kindness and hospitality.

Thank you once again for your letter.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,

Ann
You are working for a company. You need to take some time off  and want to ask
your manager about this.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

 explain why you want to take time off

 give details of the amount of time you need
 suggest how your work could be covered while you are away.

Dear Mr Jones,

I am writing to request a few days of unpaid leave in March.

It is my parents’ wedding anniversary on 22nd March and they are planning to

celebrate their special day with their children and grandchildren in a cottage, which
they have rented to accommodate all the family.

To participate in this special occasion I would need to be away from work for four
days, from Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd. My schedule for that week is relatively light
apart from two meetings with clients. Anna would be able to attend the meetings in
my place, as she has dealt with both of these clients in the past. I have no other
meetings nor any other urgent work that needs to be completed at that time.

I would be very grateful if you could allow me to take these four days off as it is very
important to my parents that I attend and I would appreciate it if you could let me
know by the end of the week.

Kind regards,

Tom Watson