Stating the transaction of the email
Let’s look at some opening set-phrases you can use to clearly state the transaction. The first group is set-phrases you can use in formal emails such as company or product introductions, job applications, or in first or early contact emails, in the beginning stages of the relationship.
Task 1: Study the language bank and the sentences below. Then write your own sentences.
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I am writing
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in response to n.p….
in regard to n.p….
in connection with n.p….
on behalf of n.p. …
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I am writing to
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ask about n.p….
confirm n.p…..
confirm that v.p….
cancel n.p….
request n.p….
clear up n.p….
enquire about n.p…
inform you of n.p. …
inform you that v.p….
let you know that v.p….
let you know about n.p…..
tell you that v.p….
thank you for n.p./Ving…
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I am writing to cancel our appointment next Thursday.
I am writing to let you know about our new product line.
I am writing to inform you that your policy is due for renewal.
I am writing to clear up the misunderstanding caused by one of our employees.
I am writing in response to your enquiry about prices.
I am writing in connection with the job advert in the Taipei Times.
I am writing on behalf of my employer: Bad Smell Chemicals.
I am writing in regard to your email complaining about our service.
The second group is set-phrases you can use to make or request confirmation, which is a frequent kind of email transaction.
Task 2: Sort the set-phrases into the table below.
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I am pleased to confirm that v.p….
Just a short note to confirm that v.p….
Please confirm our n.p….
Would you please confirm that v.p….
Please confirm receipt of n.p….
Please confirm whether v.p. …
We wish to confirm that v.p….
Please confirm that v.p….
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Please give me a call to confirm that v.p….
I can confirm that v.p….
This is to confirm that I will be attending n.p. ….
This is to confirm that v.p….
Please confirm if v.p….
We hereby confirm that v.p….
We wish to confirm the following: …
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making confirmation
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requesting confirmation
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*2015/04/10更新
Check out the answers in the language bank and read through my comments below.
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making confirmation
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requesting confirmation
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Just a short note to confirm that v.p….
This is to confirm that v.p….
This is to confirm that I will be attending n.p. ...
I can confirm that v.p….
I am pleased to confirm that v.p….
We wish to confirm that v.p….
We wish to confirm the following: ...
We hereby confirm that v.p….
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Please confirm our n.p….
Please confirm if v.p….
Please confirm whether v.p. …
Please confirm that v.p….
Please confirm receipt of n.p….
Please give me a call to confirm that v.p. ...
Would you please confirm that v.p….
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*The set-phrases in the language bank are organized according to how formal they are. At the top of the column are informal set-phrases, getting more formal, with the most formal ones at the bottom of the column.
*It’s up to you to decide which ones are appropriate to use in different situations. Think about your relationships with the reader to help you decide.
*Remember to make sure the details inside the set-phrases are totally correct.
