Email and letter: useful language
Formal and semi-formal phrases for complaining, requesting, persuading and responding – at C1 level.
At C1, emails and letters are often formal or semi-formal: a complaint, a letter to an editor, a reference, an application. The key is controlling the tone – polite but firm when complaining, persuasive when applying, warm but professional when writing to a colleague. Diplomatic language matters as much as grammar.
Opening and stating your purpose
Complaining and requesting – diplomatically
Persuading and recommending
Closing
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: Your service was terrible and I want my money back.Better: I was extremely disappointed with the service and would appreciate a full refund.Firm but polite: anger makes a complaint less effective.
- Basic: Can you change the date?Better: I wonder whether it might be possible to change the date.Indirect requests sound more diplomatic.
- Basic: She is a very good worker.Better: I have no hesitation in recommending her; she is reliable and highly motivated.The standard language of a reference.
- Basic: Call me if you have questions.Better: Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.A formal, professional ending.
Before you write, decide on one word for the tone you want – 'firm', 'persuasive', 'friendly but professional' – and check every paragraph against it. Inconsistent tone is one of the main reasons C1 emails lose marks.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Phrasal verbs para el C1 Advanced: lista con ejemplos →