✉️ IELTS General – letter-writing phrases · Vocabulary by Exam · 98 words
🃏 Learn this set with free flashcards →| Dear Sir or Madam /ˌdɪə ˌsɜːr ɔː ˈmædəm/ phrase | (formal) used to begin a letter when you do not know the name of the person you are writing to Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to complain about a recent delivery. |
| To whom it may concern /tə ˌhuːm ɪt meɪ kənˈsɜːn/ phrase | (formal) used to begin a letter or reference when you do not know who will read it To whom it may concern, I have known Ms Patel for over five years. |
| Yours faithfully /ˌjɔːz ˈfeɪθfəli/ phrase | (formal, British) used to end a letter that began "Dear Sir or Madam" I look forward to your reply. Yours faithfully, Anna Lee |
| Yours sincerely /ˌjɔːz sɪnˈsɪəli/ phrase | (formal) used to end a letter that began with the person's name, e.g. "Dear Mr Brown" Thank you for your help. Yours sincerely, David Clark |
| Kind regards /ˌkaɪnd rɪˈɡɑːdz/ phrase | (semi-formal) a polite way to end a letter or email to someone you know a little See you at the meeting on Friday. Kind regards, Sam |
| Best wishes /ˌbest ˈwɪʃɪz/ phrase | (semi-formal or informal) a friendly way to end a letter to a colleague, neighbour or friend Thanks again for the lovely dinner. Best wishes, Clara |
| All the best /ˌɔːl ðə ˈbest/ phrase | (informal) a friendly way to end a letter or email to a friend Good luck with the new job! All the best, Tom |
| Lots of love /ˌlɒts əv ˈlʌv/ phrase | (informal) used to end a letter to a close friend or family member Can't wait to see you all at Christmas. Lots of love, Mia |
| Take care /ˌteɪk ˈkeə/ phrase | (informal) used at the end of a letter to a friend to show you care about them Hope you feel better soon. Take care, Leo |
| It was great to hear from you /ɪt wəz ˌɡreɪt tə ˈhɪə frəm juː/ phrase | (informal) used to begin a reply to a friend's letter or email It was great to hear from you and to see the photos from your trip. |
| Thanks for your letter /ˌθæŋks fə jɔː ˈletə/ phrase | (informal) a simple way to begin a reply to a friend Thanks for your letter – sorry it has taken me so long to reply. |
| How are you doing? /ˌhaʊ ə jʊ ˈduːɪŋ/ phrase | (informal) a friendly question often used at the start of a letter to a friend Hi Jake, how are you doing? Are you still enjoying the new flat? |
| I hope this letter finds you well /aɪ ˌhəʊp ðɪs ˌletə ˌfaɪndz jʊ ˈwel/ phrase | (neutral, slightly old-fashioned) a polite way to begin a letter, showing interest in the reader Dear Aunt Mary, I hope this letter finds you well. |
| Sorry I haven't written for so long /ˌsɒri aɪ ˌhævnt ˈrɪtn fə ˌsəʊ ˈlɒŋ/ phrase | (informal) used to apologise to a friend for not being in contact Sorry I haven't written for so long – work has been really busy. |
| I thought I'd drop you a line /aɪ ˌθɔːt aɪd ˌdrɒp jʊ ə ˈlaɪn/ phrase | (informal) used to say you are writing a short letter just to keep in contact I haven't heard from you in ages, so I thought I'd drop you a line. |
| Guess what! /ˌɡes ˈwɒt/ phrase | (informal) used to introduce surprising or exciting news Guess what! I've finally passed my driving test. |
| I'm writing to let you know /aɪm ˌraɪtɪŋ tə ˌlet jʊ ˈnəʊ/ phrase | (informal or semi-formal) used to state the reason for writing to a friend or neighbour I'm writing to let you know that we're having a party on Saturday. |
| I am writing to enquire about /aɪ əm ˌraɪtɪŋ tʊ ɪnˈkwaɪər əˌbaʊt/ phrase | (formal) used to state that the purpose of the letter is to ask for information I am writing to enquire about the evening courses advertised on your website. |
| I am writing to complain about /aɪ əm ˌraɪtɪŋ tə kəmˈpleɪn əˌbaʊt/ phrase | (formal) used to state that the purpose of the letter is to make a complaint I am writing to complain about the poor service I received at your restaurant. |
| I am writing to apply for /aɪ əm ˌraɪtɪŋ tʊ əˈplaɪ fɔː/ phrase | (formal) used to begin a job application or a request to join a course I am writing to apply for the position of receptionist advertised in Monday's newspaper. |
| I am writing to inform you that /aɪ əm ˌraɪtɪŋ tʊ ɪnˈfɔːm jʊ ðæt/ phrase | (formal) used to begin a letter that gives someone important news or information I am writing to inform you that I will be moving out on 31 July. |
| I am writing in connection with /aɪ əm ˌraɪtɪŋ ɪn kəˈnekʃn wɪð/ phrase | (formal) used to introduce the subject of a letter I am writing in connection with your advertisement for volunteers. |
| Further to /ˈfɜːðə tuː/ phrase | (formal) used to refer to a previous letter, call or meeting Further to our telephone conversation yesterday, I am sending the documents you requested. |
| The purpose of this letter is to /ðə ˈpɜːpəs əv ðɪs ˌletər ɪz tuː/ phrase | (formal) used to state clearly why you are writing The purpose of this letter is to request a refund for a cancelled flight. |
| I recently purchased /aɪ ˌriːsntli ˈpɜːtʃəst/ phrase | (formal) used to give background before complaining about a product I recently purchased a laptop from your Oxford Street branch. |
| As you may be aware /əz jʊ ˌmeɪ bi əˈweə/ phrase | (formal) used to mention information that the reader may already know As you may be aware, the car park has been closed for repairs since March. |
| I saw your advertisement in /aɪ ˌsɔː jər ədˈvɜːtɪsmənt ɪn/ phrase | (formal) used to explain where you learnt about a job, product or service I saw your advertisement in the Evening Post for a part-time sales assistant. |
| I would like to draw your attention to /aɪ wʊd ˌlaɪk tə ˌdrɔː jər əˈtenʃn tuː/ phrase | (formal) used to point out a problem that you think the reader should know about I would like to draw your attention to the dangerous state of the pavement outside my house. |
| I would like to point out that /aɪ wʊd ˌlaɪk tə ˌpɔɪnt ˈaʊt ðæt/ phrase | (formal) used to state an important fact, often in a complaint I would like to point out that this is the third time the problem has occurred. |
| I was extremely disappointed with /aɪ wəz ɪkˌstriːmli ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd wɪð/ phrase | (formal) used to express strong dissatisfaction in a complaint I was extremely disappointed with the quality of the food. |
| I wish to express my dissatisfaction with /aɪ ˌwɪʃ tʊ ɪkˌspres maɪ ˌdɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃn wɪð/ phrase | (very formal) used to begin or state a serious complaint I wish to express my dissatisfaction with the way my complaint has been handled. |
| To make matters worse /tə ˌmeɪk ˌmætəz ˈwɜːs/ phrase | (neutral) used to add a further problem that made a bad situation worse The train was two hours late and, to make matters worse, there was no heating. |
| This is not the first time /ðɪs ɪz ˌnɒt ðə ˈfɜːst taɪm/ phrase | (neutral) used in a complaint to show that a problem has happened before This is not the first time my parcel has been left outside in the rain. |
| This has caused me considerable inconvenience /ðɪs həz ˌkɔːzd mi kənˌsɪdərəbl ˌɪnkənˈviːniəns/ phrase | (formal) used to explain the effect a problem has had on you I had to take a day off work to wait for the engineer, and this has caused me considerable inconvenience. |
| I find this situation unacceptable /aɪ ˌfaɪnd ðɪs ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃn ˌʌnəkˈseptəbl/ phrase | (formal) used to state firmly that something must be changed The heating has not worked for three weeks, and I find this situation unacceptable. |
| Despite repeated requests /dɪˌspaɪt rɪˌpiːtɪd rɪˈkwests/ phrase | (formal) used to show that you have asked for something several times without success Despite repeated requests, the broken window has still not been repaired. |
| I am still waiting for /aɪ əm ˌstɪl ˈweɪtɪŋ fɔː/ phrase | (neutral) used to complain that something promised has not happened I am still waiting for the refund I was promised in March. |
| fell short of my expectations /ˌfel ˈʃɔːt əv maɪ ˌekspekˈteɪʃnz/ phrase | (formal) used to say politely that something was disappointing Unfortunately, the hotel fell short of my expectations in several ways. |
| I expect a full refund /aɪ ɪkˌspekt ə ˌfʊl ˈriːfʌnd/ phrase | (formal, firm) used to state clearly the result you want from a complaint As the product was faulty from the start, I expect a full refund. |
| I trust that you will /aɪ ˈtrʌst ðət jʊ wɪl/ phrase | (formal) used politely but firmly to say what you expect someone to do I trust that you will deal with this matter promptly. |
| I will have no choice but to /aɪ wɪl ˌhæv ˌnəʊ ˈtʃɔɪs bət tuː/ phrase | (formal, firm) used to warn what you will do if the problem is not solved If I do not hear from you within two weeks, I will have no choice but to take legal advice. |
| I hope this matter can be resolved quickly /aɪ ˌhəʊp ðɪs ˌmætə kən bi rɪˌzɒlvd ˈkwɪkli/ phrase | (formal) a polite way to end a letter of complaint I hope this matter can be resolved quickly and look forward to your reply. |
| I would be grateful if you could /aɪ wʊd bi ˈɡreɪtfl ɪf jʊ kʊd/ phrase | (formal) a very polite way to ask someone to do something I would be grateful if you could send me a copy of the timetable. |
| I would appreciate it if you could /aɪ wʊd əˈpriːʃieɪt ɪt ɪf jʊ kʊd/ phrase | (formal) a polite way to make a request I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter. |
| I would like to request /aɪ wʊd ˌlaɪk tə rɪˈkwest/ phrase | (formal) used to ask officially for something I would like to request two days' unpaid leave next month. |
| Would it be possible to /wʊd ɪt bi ˈpɒsəbl tuː/ phrase | (polite, formal or semi-formal) used to ask whether something can be done Would it be possible to change my appointment to Thursday? |
| I was wondering if you could /aɪ wəz ˈwʌndərɪŋ ɪf jʊ kʊd/ phrase | (polite, semi-formal or informal) a gentle way to ask someone for help I was wondering if you could look after my cat while I'm away. |
| Could you possibly /ˌkʊd jʊ ˈpɒsəbli/ phrase | (polite, semi-formal) used to make a request sound less direct Could you possibly keep the noise down after 11 p.m.? |
| Could you do me a favour? /ˌkʊd jʊ ˌduː mi ə ˈfeɪvə/ phrase | (informal) used to ask a friend or neighbour for help Could you do me a favour and water my plants next week? |
| I would like further information about /aɪ wʊd ˌlaɪk ˌfɜːðər ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn əˌbaʊt/ phrase | (formal) used to ask for more details about something I would like further information about the cost and length of the course. |
| Please let me know /ˌpliːz let mi ˈnəʊ/ phrase | (neutral) used to ask someone to give you information Please let me know whether the room is available on those dates. |
| Could you please confirm /ˌkʊd jʊ ˌpliːz kənˈfɜːm/ phrase | (formal) used to ask someone to say that something is definitely true or arranged Could you please confirm my booking by email? |
| as requested /əz rɪˈkwestɪd/ phrase | (formal) used to say that you are doing something because someone asked you to As requested, I enclose a copy of my passport. |
| I enclose /aɪ ɪnˈkləʊz/ phrase | (formal) used to say that you are sending a document with the letter I enclose a copy of the receipt and a photograph of the damage. |
| Please accept my apologies for /ˌpliːz əkˌsept maɪ əˈpɒlədʒiz fɔː/ phrase | (formal) a polite and serious way to apologise in writing Please accept my apologies for missing the meeting on Monday. |
| I sincerely apologise for /aɪ sɪnˌsɪəli əˈpɒlədʒaɪz fɔː/ phrase | (formal) used to apologise in a very serious and polite way I sincerely apologise for any trouble my mistake may have caused. |
| I regret to inform you that /aɪ rɪˌɡret tʊ ɪnˈfɔːm jʊ ðæt/ phrase | (very formal) used to give someone bad or disappointing news I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend the interview. |
| I will be unable to attend /aɪ wɪl bi ʌnˌeɪbl tʊ əˈtend/ phrase | (formal) used to say politely that you cannot go to an event Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the conference due to illness. |
| Due to circumstances beyond my control /ˌdjuː tə ˌsɜːkəmstənsɪz bɪˌjɒnd maɪ kənˈtrəʊl/ phrase | (formal) used to explain that something was not your fault Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to submit the form on time. |
| I am terribly sorry /aɪ əm ˌterəbli ˈsɒri/ phrase | (neutral, can be formal or informal) used to apologise strongly I am terribly sorry about the damage to your fence. |
| I feel awful about /aɪ ˌfiːl ˈɔːfl əˌbaʊt/ phrase | (informal) used to tell a friend that you are very sorry about something I feel awful about forgetting your birthday. |
| It completely slipped my mind /ɪt kəmˌpliːtli ˌslɪpt maɪ ˈmaɪnd/ phrase | (informal) used to admit that you forgot to do something I meant to call you back, but it completely slipped my mind. |
| I hope you can forgive me /aɪ ˌhəʊp jʊ kən fəˈɡɪv miː/ phrase | (informal) used to ask a friend to forgive you I know I let you down, and I hope you can forgive me. |
| Let me make it up to you /ˌlet mi ˌmeɪk ɪt ˈʌp tə juː/ phrase | (informal) used to offer to do something nice after you have upset someone Let me make it up to you – dinner is on me next week. |
| I am writing to thank you for /aɪ əm ˌraɪtɪŋ tə ˈθæŋk jʊ fɔː/ phrase | (formal or semi-formal) used to begin a letter of thanks I am writing to thank you for your help during my stay in the hospital. |
| I am most grateful for /aɪ əm ˌməʊst ˈɡreɪtfl fɔː/ phrase | (formal) used to thank someone very politely I am most grateful for the time you spent explaining the procedure to me. |
| Thank you so much for /ˈθæŋk jʊ ˌsəʊ ˈmʌtʃ fɔː/ phrase | (informal or semi-formal) a warm way to thank someone Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers. |
| I can't thank you enough /aɪ ˌkɑːnt ˈθæŋk jʊ ɪˈnʌf/ phrase | (informal) used to say you are extremely grateful I can't thank you enough for looking after the children. |
| It was so kind of you to /ɪt wəz ˌsəʊ ˈkaɪnd əv jʊ tuː/ phrase | (informal or semi-formal) used to thank someone for a kind action It was so kind of you to drive me to the airport. |
| Your help was invaluable /jɔː ˈhelp wəz ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ phrase | (formal or semi-formal) used to say that someone's help was extremely useful Your help was invaluable when I was preparing for the interview. |
| I owe you one /aɪ ˌəʊ jʊ ˈwʌn/ phrase | (informal) used to thank a friend and say you will help them in return Thanks for covering my shift on Saturday – I owe you one! |
| I would like to invite you to /aɪ wʊd ˌlaɪk tʊ ɪnˈvaɪt jʊ tuː/ phrase | (formal or semi-formal) used to invite someone to an event I would like to invite you to give a short talk at our annual meeting. |
| We would be delighted if you could attend /wi wʊd bi dɪˈlaɪtɪd ɪf jʊ kʊd əˈtend/ phrase | (formal) a polite and warm way to invite someone We would be delighted if you could attend the opening of our new library. |
| Would you like to come /wʊd jʊ ˌlaɪk tə ˈkʌm/ phrase | (informal or semi-formal) a friendly way to invite someone Would you like to come to my house-warming party next Saturday? |
| Let me know if you can make it /ˌlet mi ˌnəʊ ɪf jʊ kən ˈmeɪk ɪt/ phrase | (informal) used to ask a friend to say whether they can come The party starts at eight, so let me know if you can make it. |
| It would be lovely to see you /ɪt wʊd bi ˌlʌvli tə ˈsiː juː/ phrase | (informal) used to encourage a friend to visit or come to an event Do come if you can – it would be lovely to see you. |
| I would be delighted to accept /aɪ wʊd bi dɪˌlaɪtɪd tʊ əkˈsept/ phrase | (formal) used to accept an invitation or offer politely Thank you for your kind invitation, which I would be delighted to accept. |
| Count me in /ˌkaʊnt mi ˈɪn/ phrase | (informal) used to say that you want to take part in something A picnic by the lake? Count me in! |
| I'll have to give it a miss /aɪl ˌhæv tə ˌɡɪv ɪt ə ˈmɪs/ phrase | (informal, British) used to refuse an invitation politely I've got exams that week, so I'll have to give it a miss this time. |
| Please reply by /ˌpliːz rɪˈplaɪ baɪ/ phrase | (formal or semi-formal) used in an invitation to give the date by which you need an answer Please reply by 15 May so that we can confirm numbers with the caterers. |
| If I were you, I would /ɪf aɪ ˌwɜː ˈjuː aɪ wʊd/ phrase | (informal) used to give a friend advice If I were you, I would book the tickets early – they sell out fast. |
| You might want to /jʊ ˌmaɪt ˈwɒnt tuː/ phrase | (informal or semi-formal) a gentle, indirect way to give advice You might want to bring a warm jacket – it gets cold in the evenings. |
| I would suggest that /aɪ wʊd səˈdʒest ðæt/ phrase | (formal or semi-formal) used to put forward an idea or plan politely I would suggest that the meeting be moved to a larger room. |
| I would recommend /aɪ wʊd ˌrekəˈmend/ phrase | (neutral) used to advise someone to do or choose something I would recommend staying near the old town, as everything is within walking distance. |
| One option would be to /ˌwʌn ˈɒpʃn wʊd bi tuː/ phrase | (neutral) used to suggest a possible solution to a problem One option would be to install more lights in the car park. |
| I look forward to your reply /aɪ ˌlʊk ˈfɔːwəd tə jɔː rɪˈplaɪ/ phrase | (formal) a standard closing line in a formal letter Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your reply. |
| Thank you in advance for your help /ˌθæŋk jʊ ɪn ədˌvɑːns fə jɔː ˈhelp/ phrase | (formal or semi-formal) used to thank someone before they do what you have asked Thank you in advance for your help with this matter. |
| Should you require any further information /ʃʊd jʊ rɪˌkwaɪər ˌeni ˌfɜːðər ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/ phrase | (very formal) used near the end of a letter to offer more help Should you require any further information, please contact me on the number below. |
| I can be contacted on /aɪ kən bi ˈkɒntæktɪd ɒn/ phrase | (formal) used to give your phone number or email address I can be contacted on 07700 900123 during working hours. |
| Thank you for your time and consideration /ˌθæŋk jʊ fə jɔː ˌtaɪm ən kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃn/ phrase | (formal) used to end a job application or formal request I have attached my CV. Thank you for your time and consideration. |
| I am available for interview /aɪ əm əˌveɪləbl fər ˈɪntəvjuː/ phrase | (formal) used in a job application to say when you can meet I am available for interview at any time that is convenient for you. |
| I hope to hear from you soon /aɪ ˌhəʊp tə ˈhɪə frəm jʊ ˈsuːn/ phrase | (semi-formal or informal) a friendly closing line Give my regards to your family. I hope to hear from you soon. |
| Write back soon /ˌraɪt bæk ˈsuːn/ phrase | (informal) used at the end of a letter to ask a friend to reply That's all my news for now. Write back soon! |
| Can't wait to see you /ˌkɑːnt weɪt tə ˈsiː juː/ phrase | (informal) used to show excitement about meeting someone soon Only two weeks until your visit – can't wait to see you! |
| Give my love to /ˌɡɪv maɪ ˈlʌv tuː/ phrase | (informal) used to send warm wishes to someone through the reader Give my love to your parents and tell them I'll visit soon. |
| Say hello to /ˌseɪ həˈləʊ tuː/ phrase | (informal) used to ask the reader to greet someone for you Say hello to your brother for me. |
| Anyway, I'd better go /ˈeniweɪ aɪd ˌbetə ˈɡəʊ/ phrase | (informal) used to bring a friendly letter or email to an end Anyway, I'd better go – dinner is almost ready. |
| Keep me posted /ˌkiːp mi ˈpəʊstɪd/ phrase | (informal) used to ask someone to tell you any news about a situation Good luck with the house move, and keep me posted! |
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