Useful phrases for writing
Letters objecting to someone’s plans
I am writing to express my concern /disappointment / alarm at hearing …
I was extremely alarmed/sorry/distressed to hear about your plans to …
As I think you know, …
May I point out that …
I feel I really must object to …
I am extremely concerned at the thought that …
It must be very clear that …
If these proposals go ahead, … will happen.
Another threat to … , if these proposals go ahead, would come from …
I dread to imagine what damage this will cause.
May I respectfully suggest that you …
I was wondering if you had considered this alternative?
Would it not be possible to … ?
Letters of complaint
I am writing to complain about …
I am writing to tell you how disappointed/annoyed I feel about …
I was amazed/distressed/horrified to find that …
As you must realise, …
I am sure you know that …
I am sure you can imagine …
I am sure you will appreciate that …
It goes without saying that …
At the very least, I look forward to receiving …
Unless you … , I am afraid that I will have to take this matter further.
Letters of recommendation
I am writing to you on behalf of …
I have known X for … years.
She / He has shown herself/himself to be extremely …
X would seem to fit the requirements of this job perfectly.
I have no hesitation in recommending X as a …
Letters to the editor
I am writing about the article on … , which appeared (in last night’s paper).
I am writing with reference to the article you published (in last month’s issue).
I have just read your article on … and I feel I must …
You raised some issues which I feel strongly about.
At the start of your article, you appear to claim that …
I am afraid I totally disagree.
I am completely in agreement.
I am sure readers will agree with me when I say that …
