Vocabulary to write letters

Letter structure

How to start and end the letter?

A. Formal letter

When you don't know the recipient’s name:

o Dear Sir … Yours faithfully

o Dear Madam … Yours faithfully

o Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully

When the recipient’s name is known:

o Dear Mr Green … Yours sincerely

o Dear Mrs Green … Yours sincerely

o Dear Miss Green … Yours sincerely

o Dear Ms Green … Yours sincerely

B. Semi-formal letter

When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:

o Dear Jonh … Best wishes/ Best regards

o Dear Jonh ... Many thanks

C. Informal letter

When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:

o Hello Jonh … Best wishes/ Best

o Hi Jonh … See you/ Missing you/ Love

When you are writing to someone you love:

o Dear Mary … Yours always/ Lots of love

Letter openings

The letter's first paragraph is letter opening. In your first paragraph you should:

1. introduce yourself

2. state the purpose of the letter.

Examples of formal letter openings:

 I am writing to enquire about … .

 I am writing to request ... .

 I am writing to explain why ... .

 I am writing to express interest in ... .

 I am writing to inform you that/about… .

 I am writing to complain about (the fact that I)… .

 After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like to… .

 After having received your address from … , I … .

 Thank you for your letter regarding/about … .

 In reply to your letter of 18 June, … .

Examples of informal letter openings:

 Hi! My name is Noah and I've been assigned your drama coach… .

 Hello, My name is Julia and I'm volunteer conducting student excursions… .

 Hi there, I hope you're enjoying your holidays/ trip/ college year/ honeymoon… .

 Hello, thanks very much for asking me to visit you ... .

Letter closings

You may need a letter closing to express gratitude, to repeat an apology, to offer help etc.

Examples of formal letter closings:

 If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.

 I look forward to your reply.

 I look forward to hearing from you.

 Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.

 I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.

 I would deeply appreciate it if you could ... .

 Thank you in advance!

 Thanking you for your assistance in advance, I look forward to hearing from you.

Examples of informal letter closings:

 Anyway, I‛ve got to go now. Write again if you need any more information.

 Well, let me finish here. I am eagerly waiting for your reply to this letter.
Listing Giving examples Generalising

firstly, secondly, thirdly for example in general

first, furthermore, finally for instance generally

to begin, to conclude as follows: on the whole

next that is as a rule

Reinforcement in this case for the most part

also namely in most cases

furthermore in other words usually

moreover Result/consequence Highlighting

what is more so in particular

in addition therefore particularly

besides as a result/consequence especially

above all accordingly mainly

as well (as) consequently Reformulation

in the same way because of this/that in other words

not only ... but also thus rather

Similarity hence to put it more simply

equally for this/that reason Expressing an alternative

likewise so that alternatively

similarly in that case rather

correspondingly under these circumstances on the other hand

in the same way Deduction the alternative is

Transition to new point then another possibility would be

now, in other words Contrast

as far as x is concerned in that case instead

with regard/reference to otherwise conversely

as for ... this implies that ... on the contrary

it follows that if so/not in contrast

turning to Stating the obvious in comparison

Summary obviously Concession (smth unexpected)

in conclusion clearly even though

to conclude naturally however

in brief of course however much

to summarise as can be expected nevertheless

overall surely still

therefore after all yet

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You want to
apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the university's notice
board.

Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and

 Give your reason for writing

 Tell about your education

 Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for the job.

Write at least 150 words.

How to answer this task?

1. Introduce yourself and state your reason for writing.

Start letter in a formal style (it's a job application letter!) and dedicate first paragraph to the letter
opening.

2. Write body paragraphs.

Tell about your education and work experience in separate paragraphs. Make some details if you need
and use linking structures.

3. Write a polite letter closing.

Thank your future employer for his consideration and mention that you are ready for the interview.