Learn English: Let's look at the top ten spelling rules when learning English. the "i…
English Lessons Writing Business Emails
English lessons Direct VS. Indirect Language
- You are writing to a co-worker
- You are not making a special request
- You expect your request to be accepted
- You are writing to a customer, a stranger, or your boss
- You are trying to say something difficult or negative
Example: Very direct English – This needs to be done today.
Less direct – Please do this today.
Indirect – We need this tomorrow, so I’d appreciate your getting it done as soon as possible.
Here are some other examples of direct vs. indirect English.
1) Very direct – Send them to me right away.
Less direct – Please send them to me right away.
Indirect – I would appreciate it very much if you could send them to me right away.
2) Very direct – Let me know what you think.
Less direct – I would like to know what you think.
Indirect – I welcome your questions and comments.
3) Very direct – We do not have the item in stock.
Less direct – We are sorry that we do not have the item in stock.
Indirect – We regret to inform you that we do not currently have the item in stock.
4) Very direct English – I’ll see you at the meeting.
Less direct – I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Indirect – It is with great pleasure that I look forward to seeing you at the meeting on Thursday.
