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Phrases for Formal Letters
Here are some useful expressions for different types of formal letters. You don’t need to learn all of these expressions. However, it is a good idea to learn one opener and one closer for each letter type.
Opener
- I am writing to request…
- I was wondering if you could…
- I’m writing to enquire about…
- I look forward to hearing from you soon, and thank you for your attention to this matter.
- Please reply to confirm the … at your earliest convenience.
- I very much look forward to your reply, and than you in advance for your help.
Opener
- I am writing to request permission to…
- I would appreciate your approval to…
- I was writing to ask if I might be allowed to …
Closer
- Thank you for considering this matter.
- Thank you for your consideration of this request.
- Please let me know when you come to a decision.
Opener
- Thank you for your letter regarding … I would be happy to give you some advice/ suggestions/ recommendations.
- Thank you for your letter requesting information about … I hope the following advice/ suggestions/ recommendations will be of some help to you.
Closer
- I hope that you found these suggestions/ recommendations of use. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions.
- I trust that these suggestions will prove to be of assistance. I would be happy to offer you any additional information you may require.
Opener
- I wanted to write to explain what happened regarding…
- I am writing to offer an explanation for the events of Friday 13th of April.
- I am writing to offer my account regarding …
Closer
- I hope this letter has made the situation clear, but please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further details.
- I hope that this letter will clear up any remaining queries regarding the event. However, should you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Opener
- I am writing to apologise for…
- I would like to apologise for…
- I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for…
Closer
- Please accept my sincerest apologies once more.
- Once again, I am sorry for any inconvenience caused.
- I hope that you will accept my apologies.
Opener
- I am writing to extend my sincerest thanks for…
- I am writing to express my gratitude for…
- I would like to express my deepest thanks for…
Closer
- Once again, please accept my warmest thanks for…
- Once again, I am very grateful for…
Opener
- I am writing to invite you to attend…
- It gives me great pleasure to invite you to attend…
- I am writing to extend an invitation to …
Closer
- I hope that you will be able to attend the …
- I hope that you are able to accept this invitation, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Opener
- I am writing to express my concern about…
- I would like to draw your attention to…
- I am writing to express my disappointment with…
Closer
- I look forward to a quick resolution of this matter.
- Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Opener
- I am writing to apply for the position of (language teacher) as advertised (on your website) on March 3rd.
- I am writing in response to your recent advertisement for a (language teacher) as advertised in the New York Times on (the 3rd of March).
Closer
- Please find attached a copy of my CV. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
- If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
- Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.