Examples of Formal Language Used in Formal Letters

Phrase: Yours Sincerely

Meaning: From
Use: Use when you know the name of the person you are writing to.

Phrase: Yours Faithfully

Meaning: From
Use: Use when you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to.

Phrase: It would be greatly appreciated if…

Meaning: I would like it if…
Use: When asking for something.
Example: It would be greatly appreciated if you could consider my application.

Phrase: I apologise for the inconvenience

Meaning: I am sorry if I have caused you trouble.
Use: After asking for something or talking about a problem you have caused
Example: I realise that this has caused you trouble, and I apologise for the
inconvenience.

Phrase: I would like to voice my concern about…

Meaning: I would like to point out my opinion about…
Use: When talking about something you do not agree with.
Example: I would like to voice my concern about the graffiti around my area.

Phrase: I would like to take issue with…

Meaning: I would like to disagree with…
Use: When talking about something you do not agree with (very similar to ‘I would
like to voice my concern about’.)
Example: I would like to take issue with the lack of traffic lights in this area.

Phrase: In addition to this

Meaning: Also/ As well
Use: At the beginning of a sentence, when talking about a second issue or topic.
Example: In addition to this, the park is dirty and not well maintained.

Phrase: Is concerned with

Meaning: Is connected to
Use: When describing two things which are linked
Example: A lawyer is concerned with protecting people’s rights.

Phrase: As far as…….. is concerned

Meaning: As far as……… is connected
Use: When talking about the actions ,opinions or situtation of a person or group
Example: As far as my sister is concerned, she has had no support from the
government.

Phrase: Expressed the opinion that

Meaning: Shown the view that…
Use: When talking about someone else’s idea’s.
Example: My next door neighbour has expressed the opinion that I need to dress
differently.

Phrase: With regard to

Meaning: In connection to
Use: When explaining the connection between two things. (similar to ‘Is concerned
with’)
Example: With regard to my application, I have received no reply.

Phrase: Views contained

Meaning: Idea’s involved with
Use: When talking about the ideas which have been expressed in something, normally
an article or book.
Example: The views contained in the newspaper article were racist and offensive.

Some other Phrases you learnt during the lesson

Phrase:

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Example:

Phrase:

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Example: