Some tips for writing letters.
Types of letters in Task 1
1. Complaint letters
2. Letters of apology
3. Request or inquiry letters
4. Invitation letters
5. Thank you letters
For the beginning and the ending of your letter, there are some options:
Beginning Ending
If you don’t know the Dear Sir, Yours faithfully
name of the addressee Dear Madam,
Dear Sir/Madam,
If you know the Dear Mr. Jenkins, Yours sincerely,
surname of the person Dear Ms. Lang,
but he or she is not a Dear Dr. Spock,
close friend
If the person is a Dear Sue, Best regards,
friend Dear Michael, Best wishes,
Love,
Appropriate Language in Letter Writing
In English, there are certain standard words and phrases that can be used
when you want to make a request, suggestion, complaint, and so on. These are
called functions. You should learn some of the common functions. Some
examples are featured in the table below.
Formal Informal
Apology I am terribly sorry, but … I’m very sorry but …
I am afraid I … I’m sorry about (not)
I must apologize about _______ing …
(not) _______ing …
Complaint I must complain about … (no informal forms)
I am not satisfied with …
I feel something should
be done about …
Request Could you please … Could you …
Could you possibly … Can you …
Would it be grateful if I’d like you to …
you would … Would you mind
Would you mind ______ing …
_____ing …
I wonder if you could …
Making suggestions I’d like to suggest that … How about …
May I suggest that … What about …
Perhaps we could … Why don’t we …
Could you please … Let’s …
Formal Vs. Informal
Informal letter:
1 Beginning: Dear + first name
2 Friendly greeting: I hope this letter finds you well.
3 Contractions: I'm, didn't, couldn't, there's...
4 Questions: Do you remember...? Why don't you...?
5 Exclamation: ...earlier than I thought it was!
6 Linking: Well, Anyway, so, and
7 Phrases: had a great time, couldn't have asked for, working flat out,
back to normal
8 Ending: Hope to see you soon + first name
Formal letter:
1 Beginning: Dear Sir or Madam
2 No greeting necessary
3 No contractions: I am, did not...
4 Normally avoid direct questions: "I would like" instead of "Can I
have?"
5 No exclamation marks (!)
6 Linking: However, Consequently, and, also
7 Phrases and vocabulary: with regard to, appliance, it was installed,
the following day, failed to (meaning "didn't"), procedure, he assured
me, report the issue, contacted, under warranty, I am entitled to,
replacement, phone me personally
8 Ending: I await your prompt response, Yours faithfully + full name
Note: Both letters also contain 'neutral' vocabulary that can be used in any
type of letter. For example, words like 'hosts', 'deadline' or 'assignment' are
not highlighted because they could be used in both formal and informal
contexts.
The Introductory Paragraph
In the introductory paragraph, there are several things you can do. Look at the
sample sentences and phrases below. Don’t make it complicated. Write to the
point and make it short and quick.
Formal Informal
Dear Jack,
Greet the addressee if Hi. How are you?
he or she is your friend
Dear Annie,
Hello! I hope things are
fine with you
Dear Sir/Madam,
I was a guest at your
Tell the addressee who hotel from 23 to 25 of
you are if he or she does May.
not know you
Dear Mr. Parker,
I am a student at your
college, enrolled in the
cookery course
Dear Ms. Lopez, Dear Peter,
Thank the addressee if Thank you for your Thanks for the invitation.
he or she has sent you a invitation to the reunion
letter or done party of January 15 th Dear Alan,
something else for you . Thanks for your letter. It
Dear Mr. Hendrix, was nice to hear from
Thank you for your letter you.
asking me about
studying in Australia.
Explain your reason for I am writing to advise I must tell you about the
writing you of the loss of my new movie I saw last
credit card. week.
I’d like to inquire about Listen! You have no idea
course details. what happened to me
yesterday Can you help
I am writing to complain me?
about the poor service at I am very sorry I forgot
your restaurant. to send you a birthday
card.
I’d like to inform you
about the defective item Let me tell you about
I bought from one your this perfect concert last
stores downtown. week.
The Closing Paragraph
The content of the closing paragraph depends on what you have written in the
rest of your letter, but some possibilities are listed in the following table.
Formal Informal
If your letter is making a Thank you for your
request, mention what attention to this matter. Thanks for your help.
the addressee will do
I look forward to your Please write soon.
prompt response.
If your letter is giving an Once again, I am sorry I hope I didn’t cause you
apology, make a final for any inconvenience too much trouble.
apology caused.
Sorry again!
Please accept my
apologies.
If your letter is making a I expect to hear from
complaint, mention you very soon.
what the addressee will
do Please give this matter
your immediate
attention.
If your letter is giving I hope this information I hope all this helps.
information, say you will help you.
hope you have been If I can tell you anything
helpful or offer more Please feel free to contact else, please call me.
information me for more information.
If your letter is making I trust these suggestions I hope these suggestions
suggestions, say you have been useful. help.
hope you have been Please let me know if I If there is anything else I
helpful or offer more can help any further. can do, just let me know
help
Teacher:
Davronova Nigina