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Topic: Modern Business Letters in English 2



Deigned to help you to choose the correct words when writing a business letter in English. We use examples from real business letters to ensure that you get the most current (up-to-date) examples available. Remember, most modern business letters are semi-formal, so most of the examples below are as well.

Choose the best response to complete each of the sentences below.


1. This is the best way of __________________________ (= making sure) that everyone knows what's going on.
  ensuring
  providing security
  detailing

2. I'm attaching an __________________________ ( = detailed) list of damages.
  adequate
  itemized
  assertive

3. We'll require 20% of the total payment __________________________ ( = in advance), and the rest upon delivery of the merchandise.
  upfront/ up front
  in front
  at the front

4. I haven't had a chance to __________________________ (= look over) your file yet.
  reveal
  review
  revive

5. I'm going to ___________________________ ( = send) your email to my supervisor.
  upfront/up-front
  click
  forward

6. I'll be able to ___________________________ you a price ( = give you an estimate) by Friday.
  quota
  guess
  quote

7. Could you tell me more about the steps ____________________ in this process? ( = steps that make up this process)
  involved
  interested
  unveiled

8. Orders are usually processed __________________ ( = in the span of) two business days.
  with
  within
  find it helpful

9. How long does it ___________________________ ( = usually) take to produce 1,000 bags?
  casually
  simply
  normally

10. Unfortunately, we don't ___________________________ any discounts at this time.
  offer
  dish out
  submit


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TOP TIP! Business emails

Here are some common phrases used in English business correspondence:

Please let me know if you have any questions
Meaning: Invitation for further communication.
Formality: Neutral-formal
Example:
Please let me know if you have any questions or require further clarification.
Why it's useful: Sounds professional and open.

In accordance with
Meaning: Following a rule, law, policy, or agreement.
Formality: Very formal
Example:
In accordance with company policy, all expenses must be approved in advance.
Common context: Legal, HR, finance emails.

We regret to inform you that
Meaning: Polite way to deliver bad news.
Formality: Formal
Example:
We regret to inform you that your application was not successful.
Tip: Often followed by a reason or apology.

Should you require any further information
Meaning: Formal way to say “If you need more information...”
Formality: Formal
Example:
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Grammar note: Uses inverted conditional.

We look forward to hearing from you
Meaning: Polite closing that encourages a reply.
Formality: Neutral-formal
Example:
We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks for the update
Meaning: Acknowledges received information politely.
Formality: Informal-neutral
Example:
Thanks for the update — that all sounds good.
Tip: Useful as a short reply.

I'll get back to you
Meaning: You will respond later with more information.
Formality: Neutral
Example:
I'll get back to you once I've checked with the team.
Teaching note: Often shortened to I'll get back to you shortly.

That works for me
Meaning: You agree with a suggestion or plan.
Formality: Informal
Example:
Thursday at 2 p.m? That works for me.
Alternative:
Sounds good to me.

Moving forward
Meaning: From now on; in the future.
Formality: Neutral
Example:
Moving forward, let's share updates in the project channel.
Tip: Common in meetings and follow-up emails.

Looking forward to...
Meaning: Friendly closing that expresses positive expectation.
Formality: Informal-neutral
Example:
Looking forward to working with you on this.
Variation:
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.


MATERIALS TO HELP YOU LEARN (AND TEACH!):
BUSINESS ENGLISH GLOSSARY
BUSINESS ENGLISH WORKSHEET COLLECTION

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