Formal Letter of Complaint

Features present in formal writing are

• contractions

• by-line

• The sender's and recipient's address

• date

In the introduction of a formal letter you must

• give your name and address

• state the reason for writing the letter

• ask the reader to keep in touch

You may finish a formal letter with...

• Best wishes

• Yours faithfully

• Yours sincerely

• Yours

Opening phrases for a letter of complaint may be

• I regret that I am obliged to complain about...

• I am writing to make a complaint about...

• I am dissatisfied with...

• I would be more that happy to give you some additional information.

You can use these phrases in a formal letter of complaint

• We weren't happy with...

• Your adverisement was misleading.

• You failed to mention that...

• The manager refused to listen to our concerns

You can use these phrases to end a letter of complaint.

• I believe I am entitled to a partial/ full refund.

• I demand an immediate action/ replacement.

• I would appreciate it if we could solve this matter as soon as possible.

• I am confident that this matter will receive your prompt attention.

To express contrast use...

• however

• as well as

• nevertheless

• on the other hand

To list points use...

• to begin with

• therefore

• firstly

• finally

Besides means

• in addition to

• furthermore

• moreover

• consequently

In formal letters

• use short forms (can't)

• use coloquial English (kids)

• use a lot of linking words (moreover)

• use varied structures and vocabulary