Useful Words & Expressions

To complete your IELTS letter writing task within 20 minutes, it is helpful to know some common phrases and
set expressions. eing a!le to use these will allow you to express your ideas "uickly and effecti#ely, without
thinking a!out each and e#ery word. $hile you%re learning their meaning, also make sure you can spell them
perfectly. &inally, try the "ui' at the !ottom of the page to see how well you know these important expression.
Apologizing
I%m sorry a!out...
I am sorry that...
I%m #ery sorry a!out...
I%m #ery sorry for...
(lease forgi#e me for...
I%d like to apologi'e for...
(lease accept my apologies.
(lease accept my sincere apologies. )#ery formal*
Asking for Help
I%d !e grateful if you could...
I would !e grateful if you could...
I would appreciate it if you could...
+ould you please...
I was wondering of you could help me.)informal*
I would like to know...
Asking for Information
I am writing to en"uire a!out...
I am writing to find out a!out...
$hat I am looking for is...
I would like to know a!out,if...
Complaining / expressing dissatisfaction
I%m writing to express my dissatisfaction with...
I%m writing to express my annoyance with...
I am not happy a!out...
...was #ery disappointing.
Thanking
Thanks.
Thank you.
Thank you #ery much.
Thank you kindly.
I can%t thank you enough.
-o words can express my gratitude.
I am extremely grateful for...
I #ery much appreciate your ......ing
aking suggestions
$ould it !e a good idea to...
(erhaps it would !e a good idea to...
Expressing concern / s!mpath!
I was sorry to hear a!out... )your accident, illness*
I am writing to express my concern a!out...
"i#ing $ad ne%s
I regret to inform you that...)semi/formal*
I am sorry to tell you that...)informal*
I regret to ad#ise you that...)formal*
I am afraid I ha#e some !ad news.)informal*
"i#ing good ne%s
I am pleased to inform you that...)semi/formal*
I am delighted to tell you that...)informal*
I am happy to ad#ise you that...)formal*
I thought you might like to know that...
"i#ing reasons
This is !ecause...
This is !ecause of...
This is due to... )formal*
This is as a result of...)formal*
This is owing to...)formal*
Con#e!ing regards
(lease gi#e my !est regards to your family.
(lease pass on my !est wishes to your wife and
children.
(lease gi#e my regards to your parents.
Expressing satisfaction
I was delighted to hear that...
I was #ery happy to learn that...
I was thrilled to find out that...
I was glad to hear that...
...was #ery en0oya!le.
Closing
I look forward to seeing you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I look forward to meeting you.