Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1............... forward the signed agreement to our legal department by Friday.
Wrong!
"Please" is appropriate in a formal request; "now" sounds abrupt and demanding in this email context.
2............... that the implementation timetable has been revised following yesterday's meeting.
Wrong!
"I am writing to inform you" is a standard formal email opening; "Just letting you know" is too casual for this context.
3............... your availability for a brief call on Tuesday morning?
Wrong!
"Could you please confirm" makes a courteous formal request; "Tell me" is too direct and imperative for a formal email.
4...............,
Dr Elena Markovic
Wrong!
"Yours sincerely" is an appropriate formal close; "Cheers" is informal and unsuitable for a formal email.
5............... the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension of the service.
Wrong!
"We apologise for" is formal and complete before a noun phrase; "Sorry about" is comparatively informal.
6............... to discuss the proposal at your convenience next week.
Wrong!
"I am available" is the more formal choice for arranging a meeting; "I am free" is more conversational.
7............... the revised budget forecast for your review.
Wrong!
"I have attached" is the standard formal way to refer to an email attachment; "I’ve stuck" is informal and idiomatic in a physical sense.
8............... bringing this matter to our attention so promptly.
Wrong!
"Thank you for" is the more formal expression of gratitude; "Thanks for" is more informal.
9We would be grateful if you could ............... the attached questionnaire by 5 May.
Wrong!
"respond to" is formal and takes the noun phrase directly; "get back about" is informal and less precise.
10............... Professor Ahmed,
Wrong!
"Dear" is the appropriate formal salutation; "Hi" is informal.
11............... that access to the portal will be unavailable during the scheduled maintenance window.
Wrong!
"Please note" introduces information formally; "Just so you know" is conversational.
12............... your response at your earliest convenience.
Wrong!
"I look forward to" is a conventional formal closing expression; "Can't wait for" is enthusiastic but informal.
Answers
- Please forward the signed agreement to our legal department by Friday.
- I am writing to inform you that the implementation timetable has been revised following yesterday’s meeting.
- Could you please confirm your availability for a brief call on Tuesday morning?
- Yours sincerely,
Dr Elena Markovic - We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension of the service.
- I am available to discuss the proposal at your convenience next week.
- I have attached the revised budget forecast for your review.
- Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention so promptly.
- We would be grateful if you could respond to the attached questionnaire by 5 May.
- Dear Professor Ahmed,
- Please note that access to the portal will be unavailable during the scheduled maintenance window.
- I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.
