A. A formal letter

¹ use this beginning if you don’t know the person’s name
² This is a common way to start a letter.
³ in reply to
⁴ people with a university degree
⁵ this is slightly more polite/formal than Please could you …
⁶ information about something (plural noun)
⁷ free
⁸ This sentence is often used to close a letter when you expect a reply.
⁹ Use this ending if you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to. If you know the name, end the letter with Yours sincerely, or Kind regards.
¹⁰ Writing your name like this in a particular way is a signature. It is normal at the end of a formal letter to sign your name first [write your signature], and then print it, e.g. Nicole Drew.

B. Useful words and phrases

• I regret to inform you [I am sorry to say] that your application [official request for something] has not been successful.
• I am pleased to inform you that your application has been successful. [I am happy to say]
• I am writing to enquire about English courses at your school. [ask about]
• You will need to confirm the booking in writing [write to say that the booking is certain].
• We would like to thank you for offering your support [say thank you for offering your help].
• We would like to apologise for [say sorry for] the delay [when something arrives later than expected]. OR Please accept our apologies for the delay.
• I enclose a cheque for £100. [I am sending a cheque for £ 100 in the same envelope as this letter.]