Useful phrases for a Formal Email

Beginning of a letter / email

The first thing you have to do is stating the reason why you are writing. This sometimes implies referring to a previous action or contact.

• I am writing in connection with…
• I am writing to enquire about... (i.e. your writing courses)
• With reference to your advertisement in... (i.e. the Times)
• With reference to your letter of (i.e. 16 April)
• Thank you for enquiring about vacancies in your letter of... (i.e. 16 April)

Body of a formal letter / email

Now is the time to get into details.

• I am very disappointed because…
• I am sorry to have to inform you that…
• I wish to complain about...
• Unfortunately, your product (service) was…
• On using this product I discovered… faults…
• According to…, but…
• Despite my request for…
• …is not what I expected
• I am particularly unhappy about…
• I regret to tell you that I cannot offer you a refund.
• Please, find enclosed a stamped addressed envelope.
• Please, could you replace the goods as soon as possible.
• I would be grateful if you could send me information about your college.
• Unless this is done, we will be forced to complain to the manager.
• What would suit me best is…

Ending a formal letter / email

Here you tell the person you are writing what you expect from him or her.

• I look forward to receiving your email.
• I hope that we can overcome this difficulty…
• I hope that this information will help you.
• Please, feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
• I look forward to hearing from you soon.
• We hope that this has not caused you any inconvenience.