Differences between formal and informal expressions when writing a letter:

Formal	Informal
Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr/Mrs (surname)	Dear (first name), Hi, Hello
Beginnings	Beginnings
·         With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday (about) ·         Thank you for your email regarding ·         I am writing on behalf of ·         I am writing to draw your attention to	·         It was nice to hear from you ·         It’s been ages since I’ve heard from you ·         How are you? Hope you and your family are doing well ·         I am writing to let you know
Making a request	Making a request
·         I would appreciate if you could ·         I would be most grateful if you would ·         Would you be so kind and ·         I was wondering if you could	·         You don’t mind …ing (…) (for me), do you? ·         Do me a favour, will you? ·         Would it be possible for you to? ·         Can/Could I ask you to?
Apologising	Apologising
·         We apologise for any inconvenience caused ·         Please accept our sincere apologies	·         Sorry for any trouble caused ·         We are very sorry
Complaining ·         I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ·         I find it most unsatisfactory that ·         I’d like to complain about	Complaining ·         I’m fed up with (someone/something) ·         I am not happy with ·         I’m rather annoyed with
Endings ·         I look forward to hearing from you ·         If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me ·         Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions	Endings ·         Give my love to ·         Hope to hear from you soon ·         Just give me a call if you have any questions
Signing off ·         Yours sincerely (Dear + name) ·         Yours faithfully (Dear Sir/Madam)	Signing off ·         Lots of love ·         All the best ·         Best wishes