The aim of the opening paragraph in a formal business email is generally to:
- make reference to previous correspondence/communication
- say how you found the recipient's name/address
- say why you are writing to the recipient.
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.
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FOR THE FULL LESSON PLEASE LOG IN AND GO TO: Business Email: Referencing |
Model Email
Here are a number of short business emails showing the use of functional language for referencing in different situations. Focus on the expressions in bold. This is the functional language which you need to become familiar with.
Dear Ms Yates I am writing in reference to your advertisement in yesterday's New York Times. Jason Klein |
Dear Ms Tam Following our telephone conversation this morning, I would just like to ask whether you would be willing to offer us a further discount if we ordered over 10,000 units from you each month. I look forward to hearing your reply. Regards Jessica Best |
Dear Ms Jiang Further to this, I have attached our latest brochure and price list. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Best regards Moses Wu |
Dear Mr Berger With regard to the questions you raise about the draft contract in your fax of 1 July, I think it best if I meet you to clarify everything. Are you free on Thursday afternoon around 2 pm? I hope to see you then. Regards Rudolph Wagner |
Dear Ms Chiang I have received your email of 26 November requesting a copy of our corporate brochure. As you requested, I have attached our brochure, together with our current price list. If you would like any further information, please contact us. Regards Drew Carpenter |