In-Depth Tips from Dr English
Dr English is the resident expert in language and communication training at Workplace English Training E-Platform (WETE). The informative and often in-depth articles below will help more advanced learners to understand and improve various aspects of their English, especially the English they need for work. You can read Dr English's tips on your PC, laptop or mobile device. These articles are only available for members of WETE. If you would like to subscribe and receive email notifications of future postings, please subscribe by clicking the Newsletter link above.
Writing Business Email: The Opening Paragraph / Effective Referencing |
16 Feb 2021
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The opening paragraph is important. A good opening should make clear the purpose of your email. Here, we’ll present you with a number of common functional phrases for referencing different situations. Reference to Previous Correspondence Sometimes you may receive a letter or fax from a client or colleague but choose to reply by email.
But mostly you will reply to emails. You may think it’s unnecessary to include the date since it’s recorded in the email header, but in formal emails it’s still good practice to include it, especially if some time has elapsed between the initial email and your response. If you are responding on the same day, you can omit the date.
NOTE: After the reference expression you must always have a comma and a second part to the sentence. Incorrect: With reference to your email. This sentence is incomplete since it lacks a subject and verb. Correct: With reference to your email, I can confirm that the invoice has been paid. This sentence is complete. Reference to Your Own Previous Correspondence Sometimes you may need to follow up on your own earlier correspondence if you haven’t yet received a reply.
Reference to Previous Verbal Communication You may have spoken to someone on the phone or at a meeting and will need to refer to this in your opening.
Reference by Thanking
Saying Why You’re Writing
Making Reference to Questions
Replying to Someone's Request If you have received correspondence in which the writer has asked you to do something, you can start your reply with these phrases.
Making Reference to Something your Reader Knows
Making Reference to Something You’ve Seen If you are writing about a notice or advertisement posted somewhere, you should refer to it including where and when you saw it.
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