Basic Phrases for Business Letters

Question 1

Starting:

We are writing to

Answer 1

request that
apologise for
advise/inform about
complain about

Question 2

Making reference:

With reference to
Referring to
Further to

Answer 2

your letter of
your enquiry of
our telephone call

Question 3

Good news:

I am delighted/pleased to be able
You will be pleased to know that

Answer 3

to offer you

to let you know

Question 4

Bad news:

We regret to tell/inform you
Unfortunately, we will not be able to…

Answer 4

-

Question 5

Making request:

I would be grateful/pleased
I would appreciate it
It would be much appreciated

Answer 5

if you could

Question 6

Offering help:

On request,
If you wish,

Answer 6

we can

Question 7

Apologising:

I apologise
I would like to apologise
Please accept my apologies

Answer 7

for being unable to…

for any inconvenience this may cause

Question 8

Enclosing Documents:

Please find enclosed/attached
I have enclosed/attached

Answer 8

our latest price list/brochure

Question 9

Closing remarks:

Should you require any further information
If we can be of any further assistance

Answer 9

please do nkt hesitate to ask
please let us know
please contact us

Question 10

Future contact:

I/We look forward to
I/We are looking forward to

Answer 10

hearing from you soon
seeing you next week

entering into a business relationship with your company