How to start and end a business English letter or email

A common mistake in ending an email is to write “Bye” or “Bye Bye”. As this is not a standard way of ending business emails, it makes your writing look unprofessional. Here are some widely used phrases for starting and ending correspondence in British English.

1. Formal letter of application (for a job)

Dear Sir / Madam

I am writing to apply for …….

End:

I look forward to hearing from you
Yours faithfully

2. Formal business correspondence (for example: letter of enquiry)

Dear Mr Smith (Dear Ms Smith)

I am writing to enquire about your prices

End:

An early reply would be appreciated / I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely

3. Formal letter of reference

To whom it may concern

I write with reference to Ms Smith…

End

Yours faithfully

4. Business email - friendly

Dear (+ first name)

Just a quick note to remind you about

End

Best wishes / Kind regards

5. In-company email request

(no salutation)

Could you…….

End

Thanks / Cheers