VOCABULARY ● GRAMMAR ● LISTENING COMPREHENSION ● READING COMPREHENSION ● ONLINE COURSE



Topic: Modern Business Letters in English 1



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 correct response for each of the sentences.


1. We're writing you in __________________________ to (= about) the email we received on...
  regards
  regarding
  view

2. __________________________... = On the other hand...
  Conversely
  Regrettably
  Incredibly

3. I received your email, in which you __________________________ (= described in detail) your plan to launch the product by next March.
  dated
  mentioned
  outlined

4. Sorry for __________________________ back to you so late. = Sorry for the late response.
  coming
  getting
  responding

5. Let's ___________________________ ( = arrange) a meeting for Friday.
  make up
  think up
  set up

6. At the present time... = At ___________________________ time...
  this
  current
  now

7. We usually ____________________ ( = communicate with) clients directly.
  deal with
  delve into
  dole out

8. It would really __________________ if you could send me some additional information.
  aid me out
  find it helpful
  help me out

9. I believe we should take a different ___________________________. = I think we should do something different.
  action item
  course of action
  action plan

10. I've ___________________________ ( = examined) your payment history, and I did notice the discrepancy that you mentioned.
  locked into
  looked into
  loaned out


CHECK ANSWERS
(Your answers will be displayed in a new window)



TOP TIP! Business emails

Here are some common phrases used in English business correspondence:

As per
Meaning: According to; following what was agreed or stated before.
Formality: Formal
Example:
As per our agreement, the payment will be processed by Friday.
Tip: Often used in contracts and formal emails, but can sound stiff in casual writing.

Please find attached
Meaning: Used to introduce a document you are sending with an email.
Formality: Formal
Example:
Please find attached the revised proposal for your review.
Common alternative:
I have attached... (more modern and slightly less formal)

At your earliest convenience
Meaning: As soon as it is reasonably possible for you.
Formality: Polite and formal
Example:
Could you please confirm your availability at your earliest convenience?
Tip: Polite but indirect—do not use when urgency is critical.

We would appreciate it if...
Meaning: A polite way to request something.
Formality: Formal
Example:
We would appreciate it if you could provide the updated figures by Monday.
Grammar note: Usually followed by past tense (could, would).

With regard to / Regarding
Meaning: About; concerning a specific topic.
Formality: Formal
Example:
With regard to your inquiry, we will respond within two business days.
Tip: Often used at the beginning of emails.

Just a quick note to...
Meaning: A friendly way to introduce a short message.
Formality: Informal-neutral
Example:
Just a quick note to confirm tomorrow's meeting at 10 a.m.
Tip: Often used at the start of emails; sounds polite and efficient.

I'm writing to let you know...
Meaning: Neutral way to give information.
Formality: Semi-formal
Example:
I'm writing to let you know that the deadline has been extended.
Alternative (more casual):
Just letting you know...

As discussed
Meaning: Refers to a previous conversation or meeting.
Formality: Neutral
Example:
As discussed, I've attached the updated timeline.
Tip: Very common in follow-up emails after meetings.

Could you...?
Meaning: Polite and direct way to make a request.
Formality: Neutral
Example:
Could you send me the final version by Friday?
Why it works: Friendly without sounding demanding.

Let me know
Meaning: Informal way to ask for a response or update.
Formality: Informal
Example:
Let me know if you're available this afternoon.
Common combination:
Let me know what you think.


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

Sign up for our Business English Conversations course

Instagram Facebook Twitter Youtube

Let us proofread and correct your English text!
We will proofread and edit your document to make sure your writing is grammatically correct, clear, and natural!

OUR OTHER SITES:
LearnEnglishFeelGood.com
EnglishForMyJob.com
LearnSpanishFeelGood.com

CONTACT: info@businessenglishsite.com
Cookie & privacy policy

(c) 2007-2026 BusinessEnglishSite.com (a division of LearnEnglishFeelGood.com). All rights reserved. Please read our content policy before sharing our content.