[To begin the email]
- Please find attached my resume,photos from the conference, files and etc.
attachment(n)= added computer file.
- I've forwarded_________to you.
I am forwarding________to you.
forward(n)= resend an email and send it to different email address. - I've cc'd Tom on this email.
cc'ed
copied
To keep someone in the loop.
[To end the email]
- If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Hesitate=wait - I look forward to hearing from you.
We look forward to meeting you
We look forward to your reply. - Drop me an email, or give me a rang, if you want any more information.
- Yours Truly
Warm Wishes
Kind regards
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 do 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!
When we make a request:
| [more formal] | [less formal] | |
| I would be grateful if you could … . | Could you possibly … ? | |
| 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 … . | |
| I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with … . | [none] |