More useful phrases for business emails and letters Here are some more business email and letter phrases In this list we look at how to make requests, complain, apologise and give bad news The examples in the left column are more formal The right-hand column shows the less formalequivalent When we make a request: [more formal] [less formal] I would appreciate (it) if you could … Could you please … ? When we agree to a request someone has made: [more formal] [less formal] I would be delighted to … I will be happy to … (delighted means very happy) When apologising: [more formal] [less formal] I apologise for the delay in replying Sorry for the delay in replying I/We apologise for the inconvenience Sorry for the inconvenience I/We apologise for any inconvenience caused Sorry for any trouble caused Please accept our/my sincere apologies I/We are very sorry … When giving bad news: [more formal] [less formal] I/We regret that … Unfortunately … I/We regret to inform you that … I am sorry to have to tell you that … I am afraid that I must inform you of/that … I am sorry to have to tell you that … When complaining: (The following phrases may be used as the opening line of the letter or email.) [more formal] [less formal] I/We wish to draw your attention to … I wanted to inform you about … I am writing to complain about … I would like to complain about … (The following phrase may be used as the closing line of the letter or email.) [more formal] [less formal] I would appreciate your immediate attention to the matter I would appreciate if you could sort it out as soon as possible When you’re initiating email contact with someone new Very formal “Might I take a moment of your time…” (to begin the email) “Please may I introduce myself…” (to begin the email) “Many thanks again for your time.” (to end the email) More informal/friendly “I’m just emailing to ask…” (to begin the email) “I’m a friend of Bob’s…” (to begin the email) “Just let me know if you have any questions.” (to end the email) “Drop me an email, or give me a ring, if you want any more information.” (to end the email) When you’ve answered someone’s question(s) Very formal “I trust the above resolves your queries Should you have any further questions, please not hesitate to contact me.” More informal/friendly “I know that’s a lot to take in, so let me know if anything I’ve said doesn’t make sense.” “Hope the above helps, but email again if you’re still having any difficulties.” When you’re asking the recipient to take some action Very formal “I would appreciate your help in this matter.” More informal/friendly “Could you look into this?” “Would you mind checking it out for me?” “Thanks in advance.” “Can you get back to me once you’ve had a chance to investigate?” “I’d love to hear your advice on this one.” When you need a response (but not necessarily any action taking) Very formal “I await a response at your earliest convenience.” More informal/friendly “Can you drop me a quick word so I know you’ve received this?” “Look forward to hearing from you.” When you’ve heard nothing back and want to chase up a reply Very formal “In reference to my email of June 20th …” More informal/friendly “Just wondered if you got my email (June 20th)?” “When you get a moment, could you drop me a line about my last email?” Do you have any favourite stock phrases that you use in your work emails? Add yours in the comments!