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 …