Essential English Phrases for Letters and Essays

Formal Letter of Complaint

Salutations: To whom it may concern / Yours faithfully, Miss X

• Should you wish to complain or have questions, please call this number. If you wish to speak in person, I can be contacted on the number below.
• I understand your wanting to complain.
• I would very much appreciate your giving this matter your immediate attention.
• We proceeded to the check-in area and attempted to find the correct desk.

Formal Verbs: Try (sought, endeavored), boarded, declined, departed, developed, experienced, located, purchased, required, withdrew.

Travel Problems and Vocabulary

Common issues include: cancellation, collision, congestion, delays, diversions, gridlock, industrial action, lost luggage, mechanical fault, overcrowding, pile-up, a puncture, road works, a security alert, tailbacks, and turbulence.

Informal Email Expressions

Use these idiomatic expressions for a more natural tone:

• Getting back to you
• We are in the same boat
• Make the grade
• I will cross that bridge when I come to it
• Buckle down
• Give it your best shot
• Nervous wreck
• Keep me on track
• Call it a day
• Keep at it
• Lots of love

For and Against Essay Phrases

Introducing One Side of the Argument

• It is often/sometimes argued that...
• Some people maintain/say/believe that...
• There is a strong case for...

Listing Arguments

• One argument in favour of/against...
• The reasoning is as follows:
• To begin/start with…
• In the first/second place...
• Last but not least

Introducing a Similar Point

• Similarly…
• Likewise...
• In the same way...
• By the same token...
• Equally...

Introducing an Opposing Point

• By contrast...
• Alternatively...
• All the same...
• On the other hand...
• Having said that...

Putting the Same Idea Differently

• In other words...
• To put it (more) simply...
• In a nutshell...

Useful Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions

• Accomplish a goal: Conseguir objetivo.
• Get to grips with it: Cogerle el truco.
• Go with the flow: Dejarse llevar.
• Chop down: Talar.
• Get the ball rolling with...: Ponerse manos a la obra.
• Meet a deadline: Respetar el plazo.
• Pile up: Acumular.
• Get the boot: Ser despedido.
• Against the clock: Short on time.
• Put up with: Tolerate.
• Get over it: Move beyond.
• Hit the books: Study.
• Last but not least.
• Affordable prices.
• Get away: Desconectar.

Synonyms for Better Writing

• Advantage: Benefits, upside.
• Disadvantages: Downside.
• Effect: Outcome, impact.
• Problem: Issue, obstacle, setback, complication.
• Important: Valuable, essential, beneficial.
• Expensive: Costly, high-priced.
• Cheap: Affordable, economical.
• Big: Great, large.
• Small: Slight, tiny, little.

Connectors and Transition Words

Introduction

It is often said that, many people feel that, we live in an age when.

Addition

In addition, what is more, further to this, moreover.

Examples

For example, for instance, as a case in point.

Contrasting

In contrast, alternatively, however, despite, nevertheless, due to.

Conclusion

All things considered, as far as I’m concerned, in light of the above, to tell the truth.

Facts and Frequency

• Facts: Actually, as a matter of fact, in fact.
• Whilst: Mientras que.
• Frequency: Once in a blue moon, frequently, occasionally.