Task 1 vocabulary: Writing an Email
The words and phrases that lift an answer in Writing Task 1, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this task? Read the Task 1 format and strategy.
Phrases 34
I hope this email finds you well
phraseCLB 6A polite opening line.
“Dear Ms. Patel, I hope this email finds you well.”
SimilarI hope you're doing wellCELPIP tip Use for formal or semi-formal emails.
I am writing to complain about
phraseCLB 6States the purpose of a complaint email.
“I am writing to complain about the service I received on May 3.”
SimilarI wish to express my dissatisfaction withCELPIP tip State your purpose in the first sentence.
I would be grateful if you could
phraseCLB 7A polite, formal request.
“I would be grateful if you could issue a full refund.”
SimilarI would appreciate it if you couldCELPIP tip Follow with the base verb. Ideal for requests.
Please do not hesitate to contact me
phraseCLB 7Invites the reader to reach out.
“Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information.”
Similarfeel free to get in touchCELPIP tip A professional closing sentence.
I look forward to hearing from you
phraseCLB 6A standard formal closing line.
“I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
SimilarI await your replyCELPIP tip Use 'look forward to + -ing'.
Thank you for your time and consideration
phraseCLB 7A polite thank-you at the end.
“Thank you for your time and consideration.”
SimilarI appreciate your attention to this matterCELPIP tip Ends your email on a respectful note.
To make matters worse
phraseCLB 7Adds a second problem.
“To make matters worse, no one returned my calls.”
Similaron top of thatin additionCELPIP tip Great for complaint emails with several problems.
Best regards
phraseCLB 5A common email sign-off.
“Best regards, Daniel Kim”
SimilarKind regardsSincerelyCELPIP tip Use 'Sincerely' for very formal emails and 'Best regards' for semi-formal.
Dear Sir or Madam
phraseCLB 6Formal greeting when you don't know the name.
“Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing regarding my recent order.”
SimilarTo whom it may concernCELPIP tip Use 'Yours faithfully' to close if you start this way.
I am writing to request
phraseCLB 6States that the purpose is a request.
“I am writing to request an extension on my lease.”
SimilarI would like to ask forCELPIP tip Make your purpose clear in the first line.
I am writing to express my gratitude
phraseCLB 7Opens a thank-you email.
“I am writing to express my gratitude for your help last week.”
SimilarI want to thank youCELPIP tip A formal opener for a thank-you email.
I am writing to apologize for
phraseCLB 6Opens an apology email.
“I am writing to apologize for missing our meeting.”
Similarplease accept my apologiesCELPIP tip A formal opener for an apology email.
I regret to inform you that
phraseCLB 8Formally gives bad news.
“I regret to inform you that I will be unable to attend.”
SimilarunfortunatelyCELPIP tip Very formal and polite.
I would like to point out that
phraseCLB 7Draws attention to a fact.
“I would like to point out that this is the second time this has happened.”
Similarplease note thatCELPIP tip Useful in complaints to draw attention to a fact.
As you may be aware
phraseCLB 7Refers to something the reader may know.
“As you may be aware, the parking lot is under construction.”
Similaras you knowCELPIP tip Adds a formal tone.
Firstly
phraseCLB 5Introduces the first point.
“Firstly, the product arrived damaged.”
Similarfirst of allto begin withCELPIP tip Organizes your body paragraphs. Follow with "Secondly".
In addition to this
phraseCLB 6Adds another point.
“In addition to this, the customer service was unhelpful.”
SimilarmoreoverfurthermoreCELPIP tip Links your paragraphs and adds another point.
I would appreciate it if
phraseCLB 6Polite request.
“I would appreciate it if you could reply by Friday.”
SimilarI would be grateful ifCELPIP tip Follow with 'you could' + verb.
Could you please
phraseCLB 5Polite request.
“Could you please send me the updated schedule?”
Similarwould you kindlyCELPIP tip Less formal than 'I would be grateful if'.
I trust that
phraseCLB 8Expresses confidence in the reader.
“I trust that you will look into this matter.”
SimilarI am confident thatCELPIP tip Firm but polite. Shows confidence the reader will act.
I have attached
phraseCLB 6Refers to attached documents.
“I have attached a copy of my receipt.”
Similarplease find attachedCELPIP tip Common in emails. Refer to the document you attached.
Please find attached
phraseCLB 7Formal way to mention attachments.
“Please find attached my updated resume.”
SimilarI have attachedCELPIP tip Very formal email phrase.
Should you require any further information
phraseCLB 8Offers more information formally.
“Should you require any further information, please contact me.”
Similarif you need anything elseCELPIP tip Inverted conditional sounds very formal.
Thank you in advance
phraseCLB 5Thanks the reader before they help.
“Thank you in advance for your assistance.”
Similarthanks for your helpCELPIP tip Good closing line before sign-off.
Yours sincerely
phraseCLB 6Formal sign-off when you know the name.
“Yours sincerely, Maria Lopez”
SimilarSincerelyBest regardsCELPIP tip Pair with 'Dear Mr./Ms. + name'.
Kind regards
phraseCLB 5Semi-formal sign-off.
“Kind regards, Tom”
SimilarBest regardsWarm regardsCELPIP tip Use for semi-formal emails.
Hi + name
phraseCLB 5Informal greeting.
“Hi Sarah, I hope you're doing well!”
SimilarHelloHeyCELPIP tip Use for emails to friends or coworkers you know well.
Take care
phraseCLB 5Friendly informal sign-off.
“Take care, and talk soon!”
Similarcheersall the bestCELPIP tip A friendly closing for informal emails only.
I am writing to draw your attention to
phraseCLB 8A formal way to start an email about a problem you want someone to notice.
“I am writing to draw your attention to a safety issue in the building's parking garage.”
SimilarI would like to point outI am writing to inform you ofCELPIP tip A strong, polite opener for complaint and report emails.
I would be most grateful if
phraseCLB 8A very polite way to ask for something in a formal email.
“I would be most grateful if you could send me a copy of the receipt.”
SimilarI would really appreciate it ifI would be grateful ifCELPIP tip Follow it with "you could" + base verb.
at your earliest convenience
phraseCLB 8As soon as you are able to.
“Please reply at your earliest convenience so we can confirm the booking.”
Similaras soon as possiblewhen you canCELPIP tip Polite and formal; avoid it in a friendly email to a neighbour or friend.
I trust this matter will be resolved
phraseCLB 9A polite but firm way to say you expect action.
“I trust this matter will be resolved by the end of the month.”
SimilarI expect this to be fixedI hope this will be sorted outCELPIP tip Ends a complaint firmly without sounding rude.
Further to our conversation
phraseCLB 9Used to refer to an earlier conversation in a formal email.
“Further to our conversation on Monday, I am attaching the signed form.”
SimilarFollowing our conversationAs discussedCELPIP tip Connects your email to earlier contact, which sounds organized and professional.
I must insist that
phraseCLB 10A formal and very firm way to demand something.
“I must insist that the deposit be returned in full.”
SimilarI firmly request thatI require thatCELPIP tip After it, use the base verb: "insist that it be returned".
Verbs 13
request
verbCLB 5/rɪˈkwɛst/To ask formally for something.
“I would like to request a replacement for the damaged item.”
Similarask forseekCELPIP tip More formal than 'ask for'.
resolve
verbCLB 7/rɪˈzɒlv/To find a solution to a problem.
“I trust you will resolve this issue promptly.”
SimilarfixsettleaddressCELPIP tip Shows the outcome you expect.
inform
verbCLB 6/ɪnˈfɔːrm/To tell someone facts officially.
“I am writing to inform you that I will be moving out on June 30.”
Similarnotifylet you knowCELPIP tip 'Inform someone of/that...' sounds formal and clear.
arrange
verbCLB 6/əˈreɪndʒ/To plan or organize.
“Could we arrange a meeting next week?”
Similarorganizeset upCELPIP tip Useful for scheduling: "Could we arrange a meeting?"
clarify
verbCLB 7/ˈklærəˌfaɪ/To make clear.
“Could you clarify the refund policy?”
SimilarexplainspecifyCELPIP tip Polite request for information.
address
verbCLB 8/əˈdrɛs/To deal with a problem.
“I hope you will address this issue soon.”
Similardeal withhandleCELPIP tip Formal verb for complaints.
appreciate
verbCLB 6/əˈpriːʃiˌeɪt/To be thankful for.
“I really appreciate your quick response.”
Similarvaluebe grateful forCELPIP tip Builds a polite tone: "I would appreciate your help."
compensate
verbCLB 8/ˈkɒmpənˌseɪt/To pay or give something for a loss.
“I expect to be compensated for the damage.”
Similarreimbursemake up forCELPIP tip Common in complaints: ask to be compensated for a loss.
confirm
verbCLB 5/kənˈfɜːrm/To say something is definitely true or arranged.
“Please confirm my reservation for Saturday.”
SimilarverifyCELPIP tip A common request verb: "Could you confirm the date?"
assist
verbCLB 6/əˈsɪst/To help.
“I would be happy to assist with the event.”
SimilarhelpsupportCELPIP tip More formal than 'help'.
rectify
verbCLB 8/ˈrektɪfaɪ/To correct something that is wrong.
“I trust you will rectify the billing error as soon as possible.”
Similarcorrectfixput rightCELPIP tip More formal than "fix"; ideal in formal complaint emails.
reiterate
verbCLB 9/riˈɪtəreɪt/To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
“I would like to reiterate how much I enjoyed working with your team.”
Similarrepeatrestatestress againCELPIP tip Useful in a closing paragraph to repeat your main request politely.
expedite
verbCLB 10/ˈekspədaɪt/To make a process happen more quickly.
“Could you please expedite the replacement, as I need the laptop for work?”
Similarspeed uphurryfast-trackCELPIP tip Use it when the reader controls a process and you need it faster.
Nouns 7
inconvenience
nounCLB 7/ˌɪnkənˈviːniəns/Trouble or difficulty caused to someone.
“This delay has caused me considerable inconvenience.”
SimilartroubledisruptionCELPIP tip Key word for complaint emails.
matter
nounCLB 7/ˈmætər/A subject or situation.
“I hope we can resolve this matter quickly.”
SimilarissuesituationCELPIP tip Formal word for 'problem'.
refund
nounCLB 5/ˈriːfʌnd/Money returned to you.
“I would like a full refund.”
SimilarreimbursementCELPIP tip A key complaint word: ask for a refund.
replacement
nounCLB 6/rɪˈpleɪsmənt/Something that replaces another thing.
“Please send a replacement as soon as possible.”
SimilarsubstituteCELPIP tip A common request in complaints about faulty items.
discrepancy
nounCLB 8/dɪˈskrepənsi/A difference between two things that should be the same.
“There is a discrepancy between the price on the website and the amount I was charged.”
SimilardifferenceinconsistencymismatchCELPIP tip Precise word for billing and order problems.
oversight
nounCLB 9/ˈoʊvərsaɪt/A mistake caused by not noticing something.
“I'm sure the missing item was simply an oversight.”
SimilarmistakeerrorslipCELPIP tip Gives the reader a polite way out, which keeps the tone respectful.
recourse
nounCLB 10/ˈriːkɔːrs/A possible way of getting help or solving a problem.
“If the issue is not resolved, I will have no recourse but to contact the Better Business Bureau.”
SimilaroptionremedyalternativeCELPIP tip Shows a firm next step without sounding aggressive.
Adjectives 6
disappointed
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/Unhappy because something wasn't as expected.
“I was extremely disappointed with the quality of the product.”
Similardissatisfiedlet downCELPIP tip Express feelings politely but clearly.
unacceptable
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌʌnəkˈsɛptəbəl/Not good enough.
“This level of service is unacceptable.”
SimilarinadequateunsatisfactoryCELPIP tip Strong but polite complaint word.
grateful
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈɡreɪtfəl/Thankful.
“I am very grateful for your support.”
SimilarthankfulappreciativeCELPIP tip Formal thanks: "I would be grateful if you could..."
substandard
adjectiveCLB 9/ˌsʌbˈstændərd/Below the usual or acceptable level of quality.
“The repairs were substandard, and the leak returned within a week.”
SimilarpoorinferiorinadequateCELPIP tip Strong but professional; better than "bad" in a formal complaint.
remiss
adjectiveCLB 10/rɪˈmɪs/Careless about doing what you should do.
“I would be remiss not to thank the staff who helped me during my stay.”
SimilarnegligentcarelessCELPIP tip "I would be remiss not to" is an elegant way to add thanks or a final point.
unwarranted
adjectiveCLB 10/ʌnˈwɔːrəntɪd/Not justified or deserved.
“The late fee is unwarranted, as I paid on the due date.”
SimilarunjustifiedunfairunnecessaryCELPIP tip Lets you reject a charge or a criticism politely and precisely.
Adverbs 3
unfortunately
adverbCLB 6/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/Used to introduce bad news.
“Unfortunately, the package arrived two weeks late.”
SimilarregrettablysadlyCELPIP tip A polite way to begin describing a problem.
promptly
adverbCLB 7/ˈprɒmptli/Quickly and without delay.
“I would appreciate it if this matter could be addressed promptly.”
Similarquicklywithout delayCELPIP tip Formal word for urgency.
sincerely
adverbCLB 7/sɪnˈsɪərli/Genuinely.
“I sincerely apologize for the delay.”
SimilartrulygenuinelyCELPIP tip Strengthens apologies: "I sincerely apologize."
Phrasal verbs 1
follow up
phrasal verbCLB 6To check on something later.
“I am following up on my email from last week.”
Similarcheck inget back toCELPIP tip Common in follow-up emails.
How to learn these words
- Start with words at or just above your target CLB: the badge on each word is our estimate of the level at which learners use it correctly. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those words.
- Learn five to ten words a day, not the whole list at once.
- Open Flashcards, say what each word means, then check. Words you mark I know it drop out of the To learn view.
- Use two or three new words in your next Task 1 practice answer. A word you have used yourself is the one you remember in the test.
- Save the words you keep forgetting to your own word bank, which brings each one back just before you would forget it.
More CELPIP Writing vocabulary
- Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions (55 words)
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