Formal Letter Opener

Question 1

REQUEST / ENQUIRY

Answer 1

I am writing to request…
I was wondering if you could…
I am writing to enquire about…

Question 2

PERMISSION

Answer 2

I am writing to request permission to…
I would appreciate your approval to…
I was writing to ask if I might be allowed to …

Question 3

Advice/ suggestions/ recommendations

Answer 3

Thank you for your letter requesting information about … I hope the following advice/ suggestions/ recommendations will be of some help to you.

Question 4

Give an explanation

Answer 4

I am writing to offer an explanation for the events of Friday 13th of April.
I am writing to offer my account regarding …

Question 5

Apology

Answer 5

I am writing to apologise for…
I would like to apologise for…
I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for…

Question 6

Thanks

Answer 6

I am writing to extend my sincerest thanks for…
I am writing to express my gratitude for…
I would like to express my deepest thanks for…

Question 7

Invitation

Answer 7

I am writing to invite you to attend…
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to attend…
I am writing to extend an invitation to …

Question 8

Complaint

Answer 8

I am writing to express my concern about…
I would like to draw your attention to…
I am writing to express my disappointment with…

Question 9

Work application

Answer 9

I am writing to apply for the position of (language teacher) as advertised (on your website) on March 3rd.
I am writing in response to your recent advertisement for a (language teacher) as advertised in the New York Times on (the 3rd of March).