Formal Emails
B2 Business English · Professional Written Communication
01 · Warm-Up
Getting Started
How many work emails do you send or receive per day?
What is the difference between a formal and an informal email?
What makes a business email professional?
Have you ever received a poorly written email? What was wrong with it?
What are the most common mistakes people make in business emails?
Do you prefer email, phone calls, or messaging apps for work communication? Why?
02 · Vocabulary
Formal Email Vocabulary
| WORD | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|
| notify | Please notify us of any changes to the schedule. |
| aforementioned | The aforementioned file is attached below. |
| inconvenience | We apologise for any inconvenience caused. |
| confidential | This email contains confidential information. |
| dial | I must have dialled the wrong number. |
| overlap | Please ensure meetings don't overlap. |
| attachment | Please see the attached file. |
| cc (carbon copy) | Could you please send a copy (cc) of this email to Tim? |
| fortnight | Our meeting will take place in a fortnight. |
| upcoming | Please join us for the upcoming investor session. |
| hesitate | Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. |
| draw attention to | I would like to draw your attention to the attached file. |
03 · Functional Language
Useful Email Phrases
I am pleased to inform you that...
I am writing to enquire about...
I am writing with reference to...
Following our telephone conversation...
I would like to draw your attention to...
04 · Gap Fill
Complete the Formal Email
WORD BANK
TO: Samuel McCarthy
SUBJECT: Meeting Confirmation – Tender Award
Dear Sir or Madam, I am pleased to inform you that we have won the tender. Following our telephone conversation, I would like to that our meeting will take place in a . In the meantime, you can view our products on our official website.
I would also like to your attention to the file I attached to this e-mail, which contains detailed information about our key features and pricing.
We would be pleased if you could bring your business partners to the meeting. Please let us know if you are interested in joining the investor session.
Should you have any questions, do not to contact me. I would appreciate a quick response. Yours sincerely, Anna Kowalska
05 · Discussion
Discussion Questions
What is the difference between 'I am writing to inform you' and 'I am writing to enquire about'?
When would you use 'Should you have any questions' instead of 'If you have any questions'?
What are the key differences between a formal email and an informal one?
What are the most common mistakes Polish speakers make when writing formal emails in English?
How do you decide whether to use 'Dear Sir/Madam' or the person's name?
What is the purpose of a cc in a business email?
How do you politely follow up if someone hasn't replied to your email?
What information should always be included in a business email signature?