Appendix IIb: Useful Vocabulary for Letters

LETTERS INFORMAL SEMI-FORMAL FORMAL

Making an invitation

Let me tell you when & where ...
By the way, it's a fancy dress party/formal ceremony... You can stay over if you like ...
There'll be plenty of food/drink ... You won't need to bring anything...


These are the details of...
It will be a fancy dress party/
formal occassion...
If you need somewhere to stay
Refreshments will be provided... It won't be necessary to ...

 

The party/wedding/ceremony will be held on ... at... Be advised that the party/ occassion is...
Accommodation can be provided by arrangement... The catering arrangements have been made... You will not be required to ...

Accepting an invitation

What a great way to celebrate ...    
By the way, if you need help with Can I bring my friend, Brian

It's a wonderful way to celebrate ...
If you would like any help... Could I invite a friend to come too

I'm sure it will be a wonderful
occasion.
Should you require assistance ...
Would it be possible for... to
accompany me?

Refusing an invitation

I can't make it because ...
arranged to
I've got plans for that weekend

I won't be able to come because
due to
I have already

11 am unable to attend
I am otherwise engaged

Asking for information

Do you know anything about... I also need to know about... I want to find out about... as well. Can you also let me know if... I would be glad to ...

Do you have information about I would also like to know ... In addition, could you tell me ... Please could you also ... I would be grateful for... What information do you hold on... Could you also provide details of ... Furthermore, it would be useful to have information concerning... Please would you include ... ... would be appreciated ...

Giving information

I have sent you a...
To answer your question about...
Did you know that...?
This information should help you.

This letter includes a ...
In response to your enquiry about...
Were you aware of...?
This information should be useful
to you...

Please find enclosed a ... Regarding your request for... May I bring to your attention ... The following information may be of use to you ...

Apologising

I'm really sorry for/about... It wouldn't have happened if... I admit that it was my fault... I didn't mean to ... I apologise for... It happened because of... I am to blame for... It was not intentional...

Please accept my apologies for. The situation arose due to ... The fault is entirely mine ... It was not my intention to ...

Making requests

I really need... Can.I ask you to

I'd like...
Could I ask you to ,

I wish to request...
Would it be possible for you to ,

Giving advice

Why don't you...

If I were you, I'd ...

I would suggest that...