English Vocabulary in Use Pre-intermediate and Intermediate » Unit 98: Formal letters and emails
I am2_____ in3_____ to your letter of 10 February 4_____ the delivery of the Maxwell dining table and four chairs that you ordered.
In the middle of January there was a fire at the factory and it had to close down for almost a week. The recent heavy snow has caused further problems, and coming so soon after the busy Christmas period, we 5_____ to inform you that there are 6_____ of up to four weeks on most orders.
We promise to do everything we can to speed up deliveries, but in the meantime we would like to 7_____ for the obvious inconvenience this has caused.
Yours 8_____,
Dear Sir or Madam1
I am writing2 in response to3 your advertisement about job opportunities for graduates4. I have just completed a degree in Economics at Durham University, and I would be grateful if you could5 send me further details6 of the graduate training schemes you mention. I am available7 for interview at any time.
I look forward to hearing from you.8
Yours faithfully9
1 use this beginning if you don’t know the person’s name
2 This is a common way to start a letter.
3 in reply to
4 people with a university degree
5 this is slightly more polite/formal than Please could you…
6 information about something (plural noun)
7 free
8 This sentence is often used to close a letter when you expect a reply.
9 Use this ending if you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to. If you know the name, end the letter with Yours sincerely, or Kind regards.
10 Writing your name like this in a particular way is a signature. It is normal at the end of a formal letter to sign your name first [write your signature], and then print it, e.g. Nicole Drew.
Thank you for your letter regarding [about] the damage to your vehicle.
I regret to inform you [I am sorry to say] that your application [official request for something] has not been successful.
I am pleased to inform you that your application has been successful. [I am happy to say]
I am writing to enquire about English courses at your school. [ask about]
You will need to confirm the booking in writing [write to say that the booking is certain].
We would like to thank you for offering your support [say thank you for offering your help].
We would like to apologise for [say sorry for] the delay [when something arrives later than expected]. OR Please accept our apologies for the delay.
I enclose a cheque for £100. [I am sending a cheque for £ 100 in the same envelope as this letter.]
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for elementary level (A2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 60 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for Upper-intermediate level (B2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for advanced level (C1 to C2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.