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Writing - E-Mails

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How to Write a Perfect Professional Email in English

Although emails are often seen as less formal than printed business letters, in the business world you
cannot afford to let your language appear to be informal. Email may be faster and more efficient, but your
client or business partner will not easily forgive correspondence that is too casual. Not to fear! Read on to
discover simple secrets that will add a high level of professionalism to your English emails.

Begin with a greeting


It's important to always open your email with a greeting, such as "Dear Sarah,". Depending on the formality
of your relationship, you may want to use their family name as opposed to their given name, i.e. "Dear Mrs.
Price,". If the relationship is more casual, you can simply say, "Hi Kelly," If you’re contacting a company, not
an individual, you may write "To Whom It May Concern:"

Thank the recipient


If you are replying to a client's inquiry, you should begin with a line of thanks. For example, if someone has a
question about your company, you can say, "Thank you for contacting ABC Company." If someone has
replied to one of your emails, be sure to say, "Thank you for your prompt reply." or "Thanks for getting back
to me." If you can find any way to thank the reader, then do. It will put him or her at ease, and it will make
you appear more courteous.

State your purpose


If, however, you are initiating the email communication, it may be impossible to include a line of thanks.
Instead, begin by stating your purpose. For example, "I am writing to enquire about …" or "I am writing in
reference to …" It's important to make your purpose clear early on in the email, and then move into the main
text of your email. Remember to pay careful attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation, and to avoid
run­on sentences by keeping your sentences short and clear.

Closing remarks
Before you end your email, it's polite to thank your reader one more time as well as add some courteous
closing remarks. You might start with "Thank you for your patience and cooperation." or "Thank you for your
consideration." and then follow up with, "If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to let me
know." and "I look forward to hearing from you."

End with a closing


The last step is to include an appropriate closing with your name. "Best regards," "Sincerely," and "Thank
you," are all professional. It's a good idea to avoid closings such as "Best wishes," or "Cheers," as these are
best used in casual, personal emails. Finally, before you hit the send button, review and spell check your
email one more time to make sure it's truly perfect!
­ See more at:
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Begin with a greeting
"Dear Sarah,"
"Dear Mrs. Price," ­ more formal
"Hi Kelly," ­ less formal
"To Whom It May Concern:" ; “Dear Sir/Madam”­ don’t know their name

Thank the recipient


"Thank you for contacting ABC Company." ­ replying to an e­mail
"Thank you for your prompt reply." or "Thanks for getting back to me." ­ if they responded to an e­mail
If you can thank the reader, then do it.

State your reason


"I am writing to enquire about …" or "I am writing in reference to …" ­ You can start with this if you
don’t have anything to thank them for.

Closing remarks
"Thank you for your patience and cooperation." or "Thank you for your consideration." ­ closing
remarks
"If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to let me know." and "I look forward to
hearing from you."

End with a closing


"Best regards," "Sincerely," and "Thank you,"

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