Nowadays, corresponding with the English written word, especially by email, is an essential part of doing international business. If you know some formal business expressions to use in your writing, you'll be able to communicate in a much more professional manner.
Comparison between 'Formal' and 'Informal' expression in Writing
Formal email and letter introductions
You should always include a greeting, gratitude for previous correpondence and/or expressions to catch up, and the purpose/topic of your email.
Greetings (first name in most cases, but title and surname in very formal situations)
- Dear Marcus, / Hello Dr.Nguyen,
Gratitude / catching up
- Thank you so much for getting back to me
- Thank you for your quick reply
- How are you?
- I hope everything is going well
Purpose/topic
- I'm writing to let you know that we're interested in making a large order next month
- I wanted to inform you that we are very pleased with the products and we want to place another order
- I'm emailing you to ask if you'll be able to meet next month
Formal email and letter conclusions
Conclusion should typically include an expression of gratitude, and expectation/instruction, and a final farewell.
Gratitude
- Thank you very much again for hosting last week
- I very much appreciate your quick response
Expectation/Instruction
- Please let me know if you have any questions
- If you have any questions, please feel free to ask
- I look forward to meeting you in person
- I will let you know if there are changes to the schedule
- I would greatly apreciate your feedback on this
Farewell
- I'll see you soon / Best wishes, / Yours faithfully / Sincerely, / Regards,
Informal email introductions
For business eamils sent to coworkers, colleagues or even customers that you know well, it's more appropriate to use informal expressions. Using very formal language could sound too cold.
Greetings (first name is fine in most cases)
- Hey Michelle, / Hi Stewart,
Gratitude/catching up
- Thanks for getting back to me
- Thanks for your quick reply
- How are things?
- I hope all is well
Purpose/topic
- I just wanted to tell you that we have a meeting at 4 p.m
- Just to let you know, we're having cocktails together at 5 p.m
- About the meeting. I'm sorry if I was a bit rude
Informal email conclusions
Use these expressions for coworkers, colleagues, and customers you know well
Gratitude
- Thanks again for everthing
- I'm glad you joined us for lunch
Expectation/instruction
- Let me know if you need anything else
- I'll get back to you soon
- Hope you can make it to the team dinner tomorrow night
Farewell
- See you, / Best, / Cheers,
Writing an e-mail to coworker
Hello Jacob,
Thank you for your quick response to the urgent memo. I think Sofia has found a solution to the problem with the Havertown account. We'll process the order again and give them a 25% discount to make them happy. In the meantime, I was hoping you could make sure the other orders that went out this week went smoothly.
Please let me know ASAP.
Thanks,Beverly
Additional Information
It's common to include a "call to action" toward the end of your email. A "call to action" gives the reader an instruction about what they should after reading your email. For example, if you are making a complaint to another company, you might write, "Please correct this mistake as soon as possible." You can also be more indirect by writing, "I look forward to your response."
e.g.
Let me know when the situation is resolved.
Please contact me by the end off the week.
Please discuss this issue with the marketing team and let me know your decision.
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