Common Mistakes in Emails
Read the email excerpts below. Each excerpt has at least two common mistakes that English language
learners make when writing emails. Identify and correct the mistakes.
remind
1. I would like to remember everyone that Mr. Lewis, a prospective client, will be visiting the office next
from would
Tuesday. He’ll be in the office since 9 a.m. until about noon. I will appreciate it if everyone could dress in
business professional attire during his visit. We want to make sure everyone make a good impression.
makes
2. I called to Sandra’s office and talked to her secretary. She said me that Sandra wasn’t in the office, but
that she would be back at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Do you wish me to call her again this afternoon to
want
discuss about the new proposal?
sending
3. Thanks for inviting me to the event. Would you mind to send me the address so I can get directions?
Thanks – I’m looking forward to see you. reganding hotels/regard to
seeing I don't care/It doesn't matter
sending ing
4. Thanks for send me the potential travel itineraries. It doesn’t mind to me which flight I take. Regards
hotels, let’s choose the hotel in the city center. I’ll like to be close to where the convention is being held.
one I'd
5. I am writing regarding to order number CS4789. It seems that the amount due is unusual high. Please
see the attach copy of the invoice. Could you please to review it and ensure the amount is correct?
Has
6. Have everyone had the chance to review all the informations in the employee handbook? If you need
anything clarified, please contact to your manager.
as being
7. I’ve been working like a freelance software developer since the last few years. After be self-employed
for many years, I am very interesting in finding a full-time position with your company.
interested
doing
in
8. We are pleased to inform that we have started making business with a new client. Starting on February,
we’ll be handling customer service calls for a cable company in United States. We’re very pleased that our
the
company is continuing to grow up.
growing
could we can
9. Do you think you would send me some information about shipping options? I’m wondering how can we
insure the products arrive soon. We need these items until the end of the month at the latest.
ensure by
answer
10. Jerry, I’m forwarding you a question from one of our customer. Could you respond him as soon as
possible?
to inform
11. After careful reviewing your application, we regret informing you that you have not been selected for
the position. We thank you for your interest in our company, and we wish you the better of luck with your
best
search.
finish could
12. I’m not pretty sure I can end this project by the end of the day. I’d appreciate it if you can help me
later this afternoon.
Further on
13. Farther to our discussion, we’ll be offering full-time positions to our interns. Could we plan to meet in
Friday to discuss compensation packages?
Regarding mistaken
14. Regard our year-end celebration, I’m agree that we should hold the event in the city. If I’m not wrong,
I think many people complained last year about having to drive so far to the event.
Common Mistakes in Emails 2: Collocation Errors
attention resolve
1. Thank you for bringing this to our notice. We’re working to solve this issue as quickly as possible.
express place
2. I’m writing to show my dissatisfaction regarding the order I made on April 20. I am still anxiously
waiting for the products to arrive. Please ship my order immediately or I will be forced to abandon my
cancel
order.
requested additional/further
3. As asked for, I have attached a copy of your purchase order. Please let me know if you require extra
assistance.
show/indicate
4. Our records display that there is an outstanding balance of $150 on your account. Please send us your
payment as soon as possible. If you have already sent your payment, please neglect this message and
ignore or disregard
accept our thanks.
friendly postponed
5. Just a kind reminder that today’s meeting has been suspended until next Wednesday at 11 a.m.
loyal waive
6. As you have been a faithful customer for years, we’ve decided to eliminate the late fee.
cordially
7. We warmly invite you to attend our annual holiday party. Your invitation is attached. We will have
more details about the event in the approaching weeks. If you have any questions, feel free to be in touch
coming
with us.
previous mention/say
8. In my former email, I forgot to communicate that I will be out of the office this Thursday, August 26.
9. Thank your for your fast response. Your comments and advice are deeply appreciated.
10. Pricing depends of the size of your order. If you plan to order a big quantity of widgets, you may be
eligible for a quantity discount.
11. As I have recently ended my studies, I am currently searching a new position. I was wondering if you
could write a letter of recommendation in my behalf.
12. Our hours of work are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. However, the store is shut
tomorrow in observance of a national holiday.
13. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has generated. Thank you for your steady business.
14. We regret to notify you that your application has been denied. We thank you for your interest on ABC
corporation, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
