Business letter writing phrases

10 good opening lines

We need an opening line in a business letter or professional email:
to make reference to previous correspondence; to say how we found the recipient’s name/address; to say why we are writing to the recipient.

• With reference to your letter of 8 June, I … .
• I am writing to enquire about … .
• After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like … .
• After having received your address from … , I … .
• I received your address from … and would like … .
• We/I recently wrote to you about … .
• Thank you for your letter of 8 May.
• Thank you for your letter regarding … .
• Thank you for your letter/e-mail about … .
• In reply to your letter of 8 May, … 
• 
  
• .

  10 good closing lines

  We need a closing line in a business letter or email:
  to make a reference to a future event; to repeat an apology; to offer help
  • If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.
  • I look forward to your reply.
  • I look forward to hearing from you.
  • I look forward to seeing you.
  • Please advise as necessary.
  • We look forward to a successful working relationship in the future.
  • Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  • Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
  • We hope that we may continue to rely on your valued custom.
  • I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.

  ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ in a business letter?

  When the recipient’s name is unknown to you:
  • Dear Sir … Yours faithfully
  • Dear Madam … Yours faithfully
  • Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully
  When you know the recipient’s name:
  • Dear Mr Hanson … Yours sincerely
  • Dear Mrs Hanson … Yours sincerely
  • Dear Miss Hanson … Yours sincerely
  • Dear Ms Hanson … Yours sincerely