Teaching Zone

3.2. Formal email of advice

3.2.1 Structure




The video includes:

  • Receiver’s email address
  • The subject / summary line (what is this email about?)
  • Opening , Introduction, Body, Conclusion, Closing, Signature

In a formal email of advice...

  • Put a summary line of the email at the Subject box (ie. What is the email about?)
  • Unlike letters, we do not put a comma at the end of ‘Opening’ and ‘Closing’

    e.g. Opening: ‘Dear Mr. Wong’ instead of ‘Dear Mr. Wong,’
    Closing: ‘Best regards’ instead of ‘Best regards,’

  • When the receiver is known...
    • Put down the receiver’s title and surname after ‘Dear ...,’ (Remember the comma at the end!)
      e.g. Dear Professor Ho, Dear Mrs. Newman, etc.
    • Examples for closing:
      e.g. Yours sincerely, Best regards, etc.
    When the receiver is unknown...
    • Use the following for opening:
      Dear Sir, Dear Madam, Dear Sir or Madam,
    • Examples for closing:
      e.g. Yours faithfully,