Useful phrases and samples

Letter Opening

Beginnings (Personal/Informal letters)

Thank you for your (recent/last) letter.
Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter
It was nice to hear from you recently/lately.
I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch for such a long time.
I’m sorry I haven’t written you for such a long time.
It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you’re/you and your family are well.

Beginnings (Formal letters- Describing the Purpose):

Proposed Starting:
I am writing this letter to you ... 
I am writing to you ...
I am David Moore and writing you to ...
I am writing you…
I am writing with regard to…
I am writing on behalf of…

Example:  
1) I am writing you to inform the problem with the library of our University...
2) I am writing to you for informing you about the problem with our new debate team...
3) I am David Moore, a local resident at the Canterberry area, and writing you to explain the reason I'm against the decision to establish a new supermall in our locality.

Describing the Purpose with Reference:

Proposed Starting: (formal and semi-formal letters)
In response to your letter/ invitation/proposal/ complaint/ advertisement/ written claim ......
In reply to your letter /invitation/ proposal/ complaint/ advertisement/ written claim ......
With the reference of your letter/invitation/proposal/ complaint/ advertisement/written claim ......   

Example:  
1) I am writing you in response to your invitation..........
2) With the reference to your proposal.........

Identify the aim of the letter ! (content, situation)

Complaints

I'm writing to express my dissatisfaction with...
I'm writing to express my annoyance with...
I am not happy about...
...was very disappointing.

Invitations

Long time no see !

Applications or resignations

Salutation:

Dear Mr/Ms ..., (... should be replaced by the surname ...)
Dear Sir/Madam,
Sir or Madam,

Reason for writing:

I am writing to inform you about my decision...

I am writing to apply for the post/position of ….... as advertised in the Daily …... on (...date...)

I am writing in connection with your advertisement in the Daily ...... on (...date...)
With reference to your advertisement ......

Stating Experience/qualification:

My qualifications include …
I have two years job experience in the related field...
I have been working for ...… for the last five years.
I worked part-time for three years as …... at .......
At the moment I am employed by …... and my job responsibilities include .....
I have experience in ......
I have a post-graduation degree on .......
I have a diploma in …...
I have hands-on experience in ......
I graduated from ...... University three months ago and my major was......
I have finished my post-graduation from the ...... University and have been awarded .......

Curriculum Vitae (CV):

Please find attached my Curriculum Vitae
I am attaching my CV for your kind consideration
The CV and reference letter have been attached

Endings:

I look forward to hearing from you.
I can further discuss my candidacy for the post in a formal interview.
I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if/should you require further information.
Please contact me anytime for any other information you might require.
I shall be available for interview any day apart from Saturday.

Signing off the letter:

Yours sincerely, (if you start the letter with "Dear + Surname")
Yours faithfully, (if you start your letter with "Dear Sir/Madam/ Sir /Madam")

Request

I am writing you about the possibility of + gerund
As you know I am + action verb 


Making Arrangements

Explanation

Informative / Newsletter

Apology

I'm sorry about...
I am sorry that...
I'm very sorry about...
I'm very sorry for...
Please forgive me for...
I'd like to apologize for...
Please accept my apologies.
Please accept my sincere apologies. (very formal)

Asking for help

I'd be grateful if you could...
I would be grateful if you could...
I would appreciate it if you could...
Could you please...
I was wondering of you could help me.(informal)
I would like to know...

Asking for information

I am writing to enquire about...
I am writing to find out about...
What I am looking for is...
I would like to know about/if...

Closing

I look forward to seeing you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I look forward to meeting you.

Expressing satisfaction

I was delighted to hear that...
I was very happy to learn that...
I was thrilled to find out that...
I was glad to hear that...
...was very enjoyable.

Expressing concern / sympathy

I was sorry to hear about... (your accident/ illness)
I am writing to express my concern about...

Giving bad news

I regret to inform you that...(semi-formal)
I am sorry to tell you that...(informal)
I regret to advise you that...(formal)
I am afraid I have some bad news.(informal)

Giving good news

I am pleased to inform you that...(semi-formal)
I am delighted to tell you that...(informal)
I am happy to advise you that...(formal)
I thought you might like to know that...

Giving reasons

This is because...
This is because of...
This is due to... (formal)
This is as a result of...(formal)
This is owing to...(formal)

Making suggestions

Would it be a good idea to...
Perhaps it would be a good idea to...

Thanking

Thanks.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Thank you kindly.
I can't thank you enough.
No words can express my gratitude.
I am extremely grateful for...
I very much appreciate your ______ing

Conveying regards

Please give my best regards to your family.
Please pass on my best wishes to your wife and children.
Please give my regards to your parents.