Formal emails: « Dear Ms Smith » and « Best regards »

La règle

Open with Dear + title + surname (Dear Ms Smith,), or Dear Sir or Madam, when you don't know the name. Give your reason with I am writing to + verb, end with I look forward to hearing from you. and sign off with Best regards, and your name.

En arabe et en français, on appelle un professeur أستاذ ou Monsieur, donc les apprenants écrivent Hi teacher. D'autres traduisent mot à mot : I write you to…, Waiting your answer. L'anglais utilise des expressions figées, et un lecteur remarque tout de suite quand elles manquent.

Exemples

Dans une conversation

A: How do I start this email to the course manager?

B: Write “Dear Ms Smith” and then “I am writing to ask about…”

A: And how do I finish it?

B: With “I look forward to hearing from you” and “Best regards”.

Entraînement

Choisissez la bonne réponse. Les réponses sont à la fin de la leçon.

1. ___ I am writing about my exam results.
   • a) Dear Ms Smith,
   • b) Hi teacher,
   • c) Hello Smith,
2. I ___ to ask about the evening classes.
   • a) write you
   • b) am writing
   • c) am write
3. I look forward to hearing from you. ___ Omar
   • a) Waiting your answer,
   • b) See you,
   • c) Best regards,

Astuce

After look forward to, use -ing: I look forward to hearing from you, not to hear. In British English, Mr and Ms have no full stop.

Réponses

1. a) Dear Ms Smith,. A formal email starts with Dear + title + surname.
2. b) am writing. The fixed phrase is « I am writing to ».
3. c) Best regards,. Best regards is a polite, formal sign-off.

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