2. Some useful expressions on how to begin an informal letter.

Thank you for your letter which I received yesterday.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you.

It was wonderful to hear from you after so long.

Thank you for your letter. I was pleased to hear that you are in good health.

It was really nice hearing from you. I am glad that you like your new school.

I hope this letter finds you in the pink (of health).

Thank you for the lovely birthday card.

3. Some useful expressions on how to end an informal letter.

I promise to write to you soon.

I hope you will reply soon.

Give my best wishes to your parents.

I am looking forward to seeing you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Do write and tell me how you are progressing.

Do write soon.

4. Some useful expressions to use in letters of complaints.

On (the 1st of July), I (bought, leased, rented, or had repaired) a (name of the product, with serial or model number or service performed) at (location and other important details of the transaction).

I am writing to draw your attention to a problem in your customer service section.

I am writing to complain about the quality of the product I purchased on-line from your website.

I am writing in connection with the negative attitude of a member of your staff.

5. Some useful expressions on asking in letters of enquiry.

I saw your advert in the HK Daily on Wednesday, 23 February 2011. (the reason to contact the organization)

Your company was recommended to me by Ms. Elsie Wong of Far Eastern Logistics. (the reason to contact the organization)

We noticed an advertisement describing …

With reference to your advertisement in …

Regarding your order in …

You were recommended to us by …

We have heard of your products from …

Please send me ... (for things that the organization offers to send)

I would be grateful if you could tell me ... (for things that are not normally offered)

I am writing to enquire whether ... (to see if something is possible)

I would especially like to know ... ( + a more detailed request)

Could you also ... ( + an additional enquiry or request)

I look forward to hearing from you.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your assistance.

I appreciate that this is an unusual request, but I would be very grateful for any help you could provide. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanking in advance for your help.

Thanks. (For a very informal and normal enquiry or request)

6. Key phrases to use in a letter of application.

1) I am writing to you in response to your advertisement in the Washington Post, dated May 13th, 2008.

2) As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and accomplishments match this position’s requirements.

3) I would like to point out...... ( add the text that is the most relevant to the position)

4) During my 5 yrs. with Amsted and Querns, I initiated extensive improvements that resulted in garnering 30 more clients for the period ending....

5) I would appreciate the opportunity.... to meet with you to discuss my qualifications for your position/ to speak with you in person.

6) Please accept this letter as an expression of my interest in the position of...

7) A copy of my CV has been enclosed for your review.

8) I believe that my skill-set matches perfectly with your requirements.

9) I possess the right combination of nursing skills to be an asset to your organization.

10) I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my potential contributions to your company.

11) I look forward....to hearing back from you....OR.....to your reply.