Formal Letter Tips
FORMAL LETTER * To whom it may concern, (…)
-.Style.-
* Formal greetings and endings; * Formal language.- * Complex sentences. * Frequent use of the passive. * Advanced vocabulary. * No abbreviated forms.
-.Paragraphs.-
* Paragraph 1.- * Reason(s) for writing. * Paragraphs 2, 3, 4.- * Development of the subject. * Final paragraph.- * Conclusion.
-.Useful language for letters of request.-
To begin letters: * I am writing to.- ask if you would be so kind/generous as to (…) Request your assistance concerning the matter of (…) * I wonder if you could possibly/if it would be possible for you to help me (…) * I would (greatly) appreciate it if you could (…) * I am writing to ask/enquire if/whether you could possibly tell/inform me (…) * I am writing to.-ask/enquire if/whether you could possibly tell/inform me (…) Request your (kind) permission for (…)/ (for me) to (…) * I wonder if I might ask you for/request your valuable advice on/concerning (…)
To end letters: * I hope that my request will not inconvenience you too much. * I must apologise for troubling you with this matter. / I hope that you will forgive me for taking up your valuable time. * I look forward to hearing from you/receiving your reply as soon as possible. * Thank(ing) you in anticipation of your/in advance for your kind cooperation.
-.Giving information.-
To begin letters: * I am writing to inform you that/advise you of/let you know that (…) * I regret/am delighted/would like/feel obligated to inform you (…) * I am writing: in response to/in reply to/with regard to/in connection with: your letter requesting information about (…)/ your enquiry about (…)/ our telephone conversation concerning (…) * I am writing (to you) on behalf of (…)/in my capacity as (…)
To end letters: * I hope that this information will be of some assistance (…) * I hope/trust that I have been able to answer
-.Style.-
* Formal greetings and endings; * Formal language.- * Complex sentences. * Frequent use of the passive. * Advanced vocabulary. * No abbreviated forms.
-.Paragraphs.-
* Paragraph 1.- * Reason(s) for writing. * Paragraphs 2, 3, 4.- * Development of the subject. * Final paragraph.- * Conclusion.
-.Useful language for letters of request.-
To begin letters: * I am writing to.- ask if you would be so kind/generous as to (…) Request your assistance concerning the matter of (…) * I wonder if you could possibly/if it would be possible for you to help me (…) * I would (greatly) appreciate it if you could (…) * I am writing to ask/enquire if/whether you could possibly tell/inform me (…) * I am writing to.-ask/enquire if/whether you could possibly tell/inform me (…) Request your (kind) permission for (…)/ (for me) to (…) * I wonder if I might ask you for/request your valuable advice on/concerning (…)
To end letters: * I hope that my request will not inconvenience you too much. * I must apologise for troubling you with this matter. / I hope that you will forgive me for taking up your valuable time. * I look forward to hearing from you/receiving your reply as soon as possible. * Thank(ing) you in anticipation of your/in advance for your kind cooperation.
-.Giving information.-
To begin letters: * I am writing to inform you that/advise you of/let you know that (…) * I regret/am delighted/would like/feel obligated to inform you (…) * I am writing: in response to/in reply to/with regard to/in connection with: your letter requesting information about (…)/ your enquiry about (…)/ our telephone conversation concerning (…) * I am writing (to you) on behalf of (…)/in my capacity as (…)
To end letters: * I hope that this information will be of some assistance (…) * I hope/trust that I have been able to answer