Bussiness letters

Correspondence phrases
Style
There are three major styles of writing:
• Formal
• Standard
• Informal

Most business correspondence uses a standard style, with elements of

the other two styles, depending on the reader.
Formal language
• Old-fashioned phrases
• Long, elaborate word
• Impersonal and indirect tone
• Highly structured
• Perfect grammar/ponctuation
Standard Professional Language
• More direct phrases
• Less formal vocabulary
• More personal and direct in style
• Structured
• Perfect grammar/ponctuation
Informal Language
• Conversational expressions
• Everiday words
• Personal style – close to reader
• Less structure
• Less than perfect grammar and pronunciation is acceptable
Which style is the best?
• Write according to your reader!
• Don´t be too formal!
• Don´t be too informal!
• Be professional!
 Starting
• With reference to your letter dated 12 January...
• Further to our meeting last week...
• Thank you for your letter of... (date)
• Re your fax...
Reason for writing
Request
• We are writing to... Confirm
• I´m just writing to... Inform
• Just a short note to... Ask
Check
Giving good news
• We are delighted to inform you that...
• You will be pleased to hear that...
• You´ll be happy to learn that...
Giving bad news
• We regret to inform you that...
• I am afraid that.../Unfortunately, …
• I´m sorry but...
Making a request
• We would appreciate it if you could...?
• I´d be grateful if you could...?
• Could you...?
Offering help
• If you wish we woul be happy to...
• Would you like me to...?/Shall I...?
• Do you want me to...?
Apologizing
• We must apologize for (not)…/We deeply regret...
• I do apologize for …(any inconvenience caused.)
• I´m really sorry for/about...
Enclosing documents
• We are enclosing.../We enclose...
• Please find enclosed...
• I´m enclosing.../I´ve enclosed
Closing remarks
• Do not hesitate to contact us again if you need further assistance.
• If you have any further questions, please contact me.
• Let me Know if you need any more help.
• Thank you for you help.
Positive future reference
• We look forward to meeting/seeing you next week.
• We look forward to hearing from you.
After writing checklist!
• Clear objective
• Good organization
• Professional layout
• Clear, concise language
• Right style
• Correct facts and figures
• All questions answered
• Positive ending
• Right grammar, spelling and punctuation