CELPIP vocabulary: requests, complaints and apologies

Trouble or difficulty caused.

CELPIP tip "We apologize for any inconvenience" is standard business language; in Writing Task 1 complaints, describe the inconvenience you faced.

Something given to make up for a loss.

CELPIP tip Pattern: compensation for + loss. In Writing Task 1, state exactly what compensation you expect.

A failure to understand correctly.

CELPIP tip "There seems to be a misunderstanding" softens a complaint and avoids blaming the reader directly.

Not good enough to accept.

CELPIP tip Firm but polite in a complaint email; back it up with facts, such as how long you waited.

Sad that something wasn't as hoped.

CELPIP tip Spelling: one "s", two "p"s. Pattern: disappointed with or in something, disappointed that + clause.

Annoyed because you can't change something.

CELPIP tip Pattern: frustrated by or with. Say it calmly in Speaking Task 6 to sound reasonable while still firm.

Needing attention immediately.

CELPIP tip Pairs with matter, need and attention. Use it sparingly in emails so it keeps its force.

Feeling thankful.

CELPIP tip Spelled "grate-", not "great-". Pattern: grateful to someone for something.

Easy or suitable.

CELPIP tip Times and places are convenient, people are not: ask "Would Tuesday be convenient for you?", never "Are you convenient?"

To find a solution to a problem.

CELPIP tip Close a complaint email with "I hope we can resolve this matter quickly" to sound constructive.

To pay back money that someone spent.

CELPIP tip Pattern: reimburse someone for something. More formal than "pay back", so it suits workplace emails.

To ask politely or formally for something.

CELPIP tip No "for" after the verb: "request a refund", not "request for a refund". The noun does take it: a request for help.

To make something clearer or easier to understand.

CELPIP tip A polite way to ask for information in Writing Task 1: "Could you please clarify...?"

To say that you are sorry.

CELPIP tip Canada generally uses "-ize" here. Pattern: apologize to someone for + -ing.

To be thankful for something.

CELPIP tip Takes an object directly: "I appreciate your help", not "I appreciate for your help".

To provide what someone needs or asks for.

CELPIP tip Spelling trap: double "c" and double "m". Also means to have room for: the hall accommodates 200 people.

To change the time of a plan or appointment.

CELPIP tip North Americans say SKED-jool. Pattern: reschedule something for Friday.

To move something to a later time.

CELPIP tip Postpone means a later date is planned; cancel means it will not happen at all. Listening questions test this difference.

To decide that something will not happen.

CELPIP tip Canadian spelling usually doubles the "l": cancelled, cancelling.

To say that something is definitely true or arranged.

CELPIP tip End a Writing Task 1 email with "Please confirm..." to get a clear answer by a set date.

To contact someone again about something.

CELPIP tip Pattern: follow up on + topic. The noun takes a hyphen: a follow-up email.

Honestly and truly.

CELPIP tip "Sincerely" also closes a formal email; for a friend, "Best" or "Cheers" sounds more natural.

As another option.

CELPIP tip Start a sentence with it, plus a comma, to offer a second solution in Writing Task 1 or Speaking Task 6.

As soon as you can; used in formal writing.

CELPIP tip Polite and formal: perfect for emails to a landlord or manager, but too stiff for a friend.

A polite way to ask for something.

CELPIP tip Don't drop "it": say "I would appreciate it if you could..." and follow with could or would + verb.