Writing polite e-mails Practice 5 -Answers

Turning informal into formal

Informal – Thanks for emailing me on 15th February
Formal – Thank you for your email dated 15th February

Informal – Sorry, I can’t make it.
Formal – I am afraid I will not be able to attend...

Informal – Can you…?
Formal – I was wondering if you could….?

Informal – Can’t help you right now. We need to talk later.
Formal – Would it be OK if I call you back later? What time would be good for you?

Informal – I will answer you…
Formal – I will come back to you…

Informal – Did you finish the report?
Formal – Have you had a chance to look into/start the report?

Informal – I won’t be able to finish this project on time.
Formal – I am afraid the deadline is going to have to be postponed a few days. However, rest assured we are making a great effort to deliver the report as soon as possible.

Informal – This is too expensive
Formal – I’m afraid this proposal exceeds our economic estimate./ I’m afraid we cannot afford to carry out the project at this price.