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English Teaching July 21, 2026

Writing a Formal Email in English — B1 Writing Lesson

By Sourov

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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

  1. Subject line — clear and specific: Re: Application for Server Position
  2. Greeting — Dear Mr Smith, / Dear Sir or Madam,
  3. Opening — state your reason: I am writing to enquire about…
  4. Main body — one idea per paragraph
  5. Closing — I look forward to hearing from you.
  6. 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

Write a short formal email (5-6 sentences) asking about English classes at a language school. Use the structure and phrases from today.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.

← PreviousNumbers, Dates & Time — English for Young Learners (A1)
Next →Prepositions: At, In, On — Time & Place (A1/A2)

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