Essential Phrases for Formal and Informal English Writing

Informal Correspondence Phrases

Starting and Ending an Informal Letter

• Salutation: Dear [Name]
• Opening: I haven't heard from you in ages. It was great to get your letter.
• Closing: Hope to hear from you soon. Lots of love.

Expressing Points and Ideas

• As for...
• You wanted to know if...
• Your idea about () sounds fantastic, so...
• It's a great idea.
• You talked about / You asked me about...
• Regarding...

Suggestions and Advice

• How about...?
• What about...?

Apologizing

• Sorry about...
• Please forgive me for...

Asking for Information and Complaining

• Information: I'd like to know...
• Complaints: I'm not very happy about...

Expressing Surprise and Enthusiasm

• Surprise: You'll never believe this, but... / Something amazing happened that...
• Enthusiasm: It's really exciting.

Formal Reply and Response Letters

Starting and Referring to Topics

• Salutation: Dear [Name]
• Opening: I am writing in reply to your letter. I would like to make some points.
• Referring to Points:
  • As you have stated in your letter...
  • Regarding / In reference to...
  • You mentioned [topic]...
  • Concerning / With regard to...

Recommendations and Suggestions

• It might also be a good idea.
• I would strongly recommend...

Formal Requests and Complaints

• Asking for Information: I would be grateful if... / I would be interested in having more details about...
• Complaint: I would like to complain about...

Apologies and Advice

• Apology: I would like to apologize for...
• Advice: I really think you should... / My advice to you is to...

Expressing Surprise

• I was most surprised to discover that...

Closing the Formal Letter

• If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
• I apologize for the delay in replying.
• Sign-off: Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully.

Structuring Arguments and Essays

Introducing and Contrasting Points

• Rhetorical Question: [Insert Question]
• On the one hand...
• On the other hand...

Adding Detail and Evidence

• Furthermore...
• For instance...
• Another reason for criticizing...
• It has been proven that...

Concluding

• To conclude...
• From my point of view...

Writing a Job Application Letter

Opening and Purpose

Dear [Hiring Manager/Sir or Madam],

I am writing in order to apply for the position of () which I saw advertised in ().

Personal Details and Qualifications

I am a 19-year-old student from () and I am currently studying () at university. I would like to gain some work experience and improve my English.

Work Experience and Skills

I worked part-time for () years as a (). Therefore, I am familiar with many of the duties involved in being ().

My first language is () and I also speak some French. I have been studying English in school for 12 years and I took the FCE last year, so my English is good, both spoken and written.

Closing and Call to Action

The job would give me the opportunity to get further work experience. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully.

Report Writing Phrases

Stating the Report's Purpose

The purpose of this report is to discuss, analyze, and describe [topic].

Reporting Findings and Description

Phrases for Objective Reporting

• It is felt that...
• It is said to be...
• It would appear that...
• There would seem to be...

Recommendations and Conclusion

• Recommendations:
  • It has been suggested that...
  • I strongly recommend...
  • I believe we should...
• Conclusion: In conclusion...