Reusable phrases for professional writing
Class home pages: 3rd-Year Writing | 4th-Year Writing
Introductions
- I am writing in response to your job announcement for...
- I am writing to inquire about...
- I am writing to ask if...
- As my enclosed resume shows
- I was happy to find your announcement that you are seeking a/an...
Softening bad news
- I'm afraid that...
- I'm sorry to inform you that...
- I'm sorry that...
- Unfortunately, ...
Embedded questions
- Do you mind if I ask if/whether/who/what/when/where...
- Would you mind telling me..
- Would you happen to know...
Common phrases
- company policy
- I'm afraid that it's against company policy to...
- cash on delivery
- be in a position to... = be able to
- have the means to... = have the money or resources to do something
- to decline a request = to say no to a request: I'm afraid I must decline your request for a donation.
- to grant a request = to say yes to a request
Transitions, logical connectors
- Additionally (furthermore, also,...), I would like to call your attention to...
- Furthermore, please note that...
- Not only ABC but also XYZ. (Not only have I ABC, I have also XYZ.)
- Use of pronouns! See the letter on page 44 of your book.
Closing
- Thank you for taking the time to consider my interest in...
- Thank you for taking the time to look over my background and qualifications...
- I will be happy to provide additional information...
- Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
- I look forward to hearing from you...
- I hope to hear from you soon...