How to use ‘as’ in formal writing

This is how to use the word as in business emails and letters.
  • As has a similar meaning to because.
  • We use as to give the reason for a situation.
  • As is more formal than because.
We can use as at the beginning of a sentence:
  • As he is on holiday [reason], it is not possible to get his signature on the letter. [situation]
  • As we do not have the goods on stock at the moment [reason], we are not able to send your order.[situation]
We can also begin with the situation, then use as in the second half of the sentence:
  • It is not possible to get his signature [situation] as he is on holiday [reason].
  • We are not able to send your order [situation] as we do not have the goods on stock at the moment.[reason]

How to use ‘however’ in formal writing

This is how to use however in formal writing, such as business emails and letters.
  • However has a similar meaning to but or despite this.
  • However contrasts a sentence against the preceding sentence.
  • However often begins a sentence. It is followed by a comma.
  • We do not use however to join two sentences.
Here are some examples:
  • We had a small drop in sales last month. However, we are still above the plan.
  • We invited 100 customers to the presentation. However, only about 50 came.


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