Giving information
I thought you might be interested to hear about ...
Requesting action
(especially a difficult request)
I was wondering if...
I was hoping you could ...
Complaining
I'm afraid we have a small problem ....
There seems to be a problem with ...
Giving bad news
I'm afraid /Unfortunately, I have some bad news.
Close
Use this section to talk about the future. Less formal letters often close by mentioning something personal. For example:
I look forward to seeing you again next time I'm in Los Angeles.
If you are ever in Shanghai, please give me a ring or drop in.
Sometimes, you can mention somebody that you both know, like this:
Please give my regards to Diane Chan.
Please pass on my best wishes to Mr Smith, I hope that he has now recovered from the flu.
Signing off
For less formal e-mails use an ending like "Best wishes" or "Best regards". When writing to stranger, it's best to end with "Sincerely" or "Yours faithfully".
Hi James — Best wishes
Dear Mike — Best regards
Dear Ms Lo — Yours sincerely
Dear Sir/Madam — Yours faithfullly
To whom it may concern — Yours faithfully