The basics of good business letter
Posted on Tuesday, 15 January 2013
The basics
of good business letter writing are easy to learn. The following guide provides
the phrases that are usually found in any standard business letter. These
phrases are used as a kind of frame and introduction to the content of business
letters. At the end of this guide, you will find links to sites that give tips
on the difficult part of writing successful business letters – arguing your
business objective. By using these standard phrases, you can give a
professional tone to your English business letters.
The Start
Dear Personnel
Director,
Dear Sir or Madam:
(use if you don't know who you are writing to)
Dear Dr, Mr., Mrs.,
Miss or Ms Smith: (use if you know who you are writing to, and have a formal
relationship with - VERY IMPORTANT
use Ms for women unless asked to use Mrs. or Miss)
Dear Frank: (use if
the person is a close business contact or friend)
The Reference
With reference to your
advertisement in the Times, your letter of 23 rd
March,
your phone call today,
Thank you for your letter of March 5 th .
your phone call today,
Thank you for your letter of March 5 th .
The Reason for Writing
I am writing to…
inquire about
apologize for
confirm
apologize for
confirm
Requesting
Could you possibly?
I would be grateful if you could
I would be grateful if you could
Agreeing to Requests
I would be
delighted to…
Giving Bad News
Unfortunately ………
I am afraid that………
I am afraid that………
Enclosing Documents
I am enclosing
…
Please find enclosed….
Enclosed you will find ….
Please find enclosed….
Enclosed you will find ….
Closing Remarks
Thank you for your
help. Please contact us again if.. we can help in any way.
there are any problems.
you have any questions. Feel free to contact us any time.
there are any problems.
you have any questions. Feel free to contact us any time.
Reference to Future Contact
I look forward to ...
hearing from you soon.
meeting you next Tuesday.
seeing you next Thursday.
hearing from you soon.
meeting you next Tuesday.
seeing you next Thursday.
The Finish
Yours faithfully, (If
you don't know the name of the person you're writing to)
Yours sincerely, (If
you know the name of the person you're writing to)
Best wishes,
Best
regards, (If the person is a close business contact or friend)
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