Writing Bank - Formal Email Flashcards
Layout of the formal email
Greetings
Four paragraphs - in the first one talk about why are you writing and in the others talk about the task
Closing sentence
FULL name
Language used in formal emails
Formal language
NO contractions
Possible types of greetings
If there is a name -> Dear Mr./Ms. (surname/sobrenome),
If there is not a name -> Dear sir or madam,
Possible types of closing sentences
If there was a name (Dear Mr./Ms. (surname)) -> Yours sincerely,
If there was not a name (Dear sir or madam) -> Yours faithfully,
First paragraph - what to write?
First sentence - DIRECTLY write the reason why you are writing.
Second sentence - let the person know how did you get to know the agency, the news, the company, the offer, the advertisement, etc.
Enquiries - start first paragraph
I am writing to enquire about…
Enquiries - second sentence of first paragraph
I was interested in your (product, advertisement, company) and I would like to have further information about…
Enquiries - ask for details
I would like to have further information about…
I would be grateful if you could send me full details of…
Enquiries - finishing last paragraph
I look foward to hearing from…
I look foward to receiving the information.
Linking expression to add something, especially a question. (like “besides”)
What is more,…
“Anyway,…” in a formal way
At any rate,…
Complaint - start first paragraph
I am writing to complain about (something) (I’ve done)…
I am writing to say that I am not satisfied with…
Complaint - ask for the money back
I must insist that you refund the cost of…
