Foundation · Work

Writing short emails

Your goal: write simple, professional emails for common office situations like sending a file or confirming a meeting. Clear and safe communication for everyday work.

1

Survival Phrases

Subject lines

  • Meeting on Monday
  • Question about the project
  • Document attached

Opening and closing

  • Hi [Name], / Dear [Name],
  • Best regards, / Thanks,

Body of the email

  • I hope you are well.
  • Please find the document attached.
  • Can we meet at 2 PM today?
  • Thank you for your help.
2

Model Dialogue (Email Thread)

From: Lucas

Subject: Monthly Report

Hi Sarah,

I hope you are well. Please find the monthly report attached.

Best regards,
Lucas

From: Sarah

Hi Lucas,

Thank you for the report. I received it.

Thanks,
Sarah

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationFormalInformal
GreetingDear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],Hi [Name],
RequestingI would appreciate it if you could...Can you please...?
ClosingSincerely,Best,
4

Typical Mistakes

  • Follow the file. → Please find the file attached.
  • I wait your answer. → I look forward to hearing from you.
5

Culture Note

  • Be brief. People receive many emails and appreciate clear, short messages.
  • Proofread. Always check for spelling errors before hitting 'send'.
6

Practical Task

  1. Write a short email. Draft an email to a colleague sending them a document.
  2. Confirm a meeting. Write a one-sentence email confirming you will be at a meeting.

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐use a clear subject line?
  • ☐start and end an email professionally?
  • ☐mention an attachment correctly?