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Learning English - The Flatmates

Language Point

Archive Language Point 35
Business letters

Business letters use more formal language that the day-to-day, informal language we use when we're talking to friends. For example, we don't usually use contractions (I'd, won't, we're) in business writing.
Here are some standard phrases which you can use in business letters.



Dear	Sir or Madam,
	Ms	Castle,
	Miss	Jones,
	Mrs	Carlton,
	Mr	Hunter,
	Helen,


With reference to
Regarding
Thank you for	your letter of 21st March
Further to


I am writing to enquire about ... I am pleased to invite you ...


Please let me know if you have ... I should be grateful if you would ... It would be most helpful if you could ... We would be delighted if you would ... I am pleased to invite you ...


Please find enclosed a job specification. A self-addressed envelope is enclosed. I enclose my CV.


I look forward to	meeting you.

	hearing from you soon.
	seeing you.


Yours faithfully, (if you don't know the name of the person you're writing to) Yours sincerely, (if you know person's name and have used it at the beginning of the letter)

vacancy (n):
position or job in a company that's available

HR (short for Human Resources):
department in a company which looks after the hiring, training etc of employees

specification (n):
detailed description of something

access needs
requirements for people with disabilities

confirm (v):
agree