Anchor Phrases for Formal Writing
Phrases of Formal Introduction:
I am writing to you – in response to your request for…….
- – In response to your request for
- – In reply to your request for
- – Regarding your request for feedback/ suggestions
- – In response to your enquiry regarding ….the/ your…..
- First of all, I would like to say…….
- With this in mind, I have taken the liberty to assess……
- With this in mind, I have taken the opportunity to assess/ review……..
Previous Communication Phrases
- With reference to our previous conversation, …
- Further to our conversation last week, …
- With respect to our previous conversation, …
Contrasting Phrases
- Regrettably,
- Surprisingly,
- Unfortunately,
- Unusually,
- In retrospect,
- Despite
- While
- Whilst
- Whereas
- In spite of this,
- Instead of this,
- Although
- Even though
- On the one hand – On the other hand
Development of Substantive Points
- To begin with
- In reply to your request,
- Firstly,
- Secondly,
- Furthermore,
- Moreover,
- According to …….,
- With this in mind,
- Considering the ______ of _______,
- Lastly,
- Having considered your suggestion,
- Having considered the lack of teachers in general,
- Having investigated the issue further,
- Having successfully completed the course already,
Development of & Additional Points
- Also,
- Additionally,
- In conclusion,
- Finally,
Closing Phrases
- In conclusion,
- Once again,
Appropriate Use of Verbs
- ask for something – request something
- tell someone – inform someone
- show something – demonstrate something
- answer – respond
- maybe – perhaps/ possibly
- expect – look forward to
- need something – require something/ necessitate something
- send – enclose/ forward
- I would like – I would appreciate
- I want to order – I would like to place an order for
- I got your order – I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your order
- We are sorry – We regret any inconvenience suffered by you
- Please remember – Please note
Appropriate Use of Adjectives
(Informal – Formal)
- very good/ amazing – wonderful/ surprisingly good
- terrible – shocking/ upsetting
- funny – amusing
- a great experience – worthwhile & memorable experience
- nice – pleasant/ pleasing
- happy – grateful for/ pleased with
- strong – robust/ enduring (memory)
- cute/ good looking/ beautiful – attractive
- friendly – talkative/ engaging
- entertaining – engaging / engrossing/ amusing/ interesting
- interesting – thought-provoking/ engaging
- boring/ mind-numbing – tedious/ banal/
- unimportant – trivial
- necessary – vital
- important – necessary
