Writing a Formal Email

Dear Ms. Alvarez, I am writing to enquire about…

Notice

  • Dear Ms. Alvarez, I am writing to enquire about the upcoming workshop.
  • I would be grateful if you could send further details.
  • Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
  • I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, [Name]

Rule

A formal email at B2 uses set opening phrases (‘I am writing to…’), polite requests (‘I would be grateful if…’, ‘Could you possibly…’), and a formal closing (‘I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards,’). Avoid contractions and overly casual phrasing throughout.

Practice

  1. Rewrite formally: ‘Can you send me the info?’
    Answer: Could you possibly send me the information? / I would be grateful if you could send me the information.
  2. Write a formal opening line asking about a job vacancy.
    Answer: Personal answer, e.g. ‘I am writing to enquire about the marketing position advertised on your website.’
  3. Write a formal closing line.
    Answer: ‘I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, [Name]’
  4. Correct the error: ‘Thanks a lot, see you soon!’ in a formal email closing.
    Answer: Thank you very much. I look forward to your reply.

Connect

Practise spotting register errors in formal emails.

Try Error Correction →

CEFR: Writing — write clear, appropriately formal correspondence.

Azizul Hakim
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