Writing a Formal Email in English — B1 Writing Lesson
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B1 ⏱ 5 min
📧 Writing a Formal Email in English
I have written hundreds of formal emails — complaints, appeals, job applications. Here’s what I wish someone had taught me first.
📖 Formal Email Structure
- Subject line — clear and specific: Re: Application for Server Position
- Greeting — Dear Mr Smith, / Dear Sir or Madam,
- Opening — state your reason: I am writing to enquire about…
- Main body — one idea per paragraph
- Closing — I look forward to hearing from you.
- Sign-off — Yours sincerely, (name known) / Yours faithfully, (name unknown)
📝 Useful Phrases
I am writing to enquire about…
I would be grateful if you could…
Please find attached…
I look forward to your reply.
Should you require any further information…
You don’t know the person’s name. Which sign-off do you use?
Which opening is appropriate for a formal email?
A formal email’s subject line should be:
I ____________ to enquire about your English courses. (formal opening verb)
____________ sincerely, (formal sign-off when you know the name)
📨 Writing Task
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