Writing A Strong Close To Your Business Letter
WRITING A STRONG CLOSE TO YOUR BUSINESS LETTER
Grammar Pattern
Warm-up
Discuss these questions with your teacher before reading.
- How do you usually close your business emails? Do you have a favorite closing phrase?
비즈니스 이메일을 보통 어떻게 마무리하시나요? 즐겨 사용하는 마무리 표현이 있나요? - Do you think the ending of a letter is as important as the beginning? Why or why not?
편지의 끝부분이 시작만큼 중요하다고 생각하시나요? 왜요?
Vocabulary
Key words and expressions from the reading.
Reading
Read the passage with your teacher.
선생님과 함께 지문을 읽어보세요.
Grammar Pattern
Writing a Strong Close to your Business Letter
If the average business letter starts poorly, then it invariably finishes poorly. Your closing paragraph should bring your letter to a polite, businesslike close. Typical final paragraphs in business letters invite the reader to write again or use overused and meaningless phrases that detract from the impact of the letter. Take a look at these examples of good closing sentences for business letters:
I would again apologise for the delay in replying and I trust that this has clarified the points you have raised, however, if you wish to discuss any points I have not clarified, or need any further information, you may wish to telephone or contact me accordingly.
I look forward to hearing from you and in the meantime, should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I regret that I cannot be of more assistance in this matter, and should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Your last paragraph should do something. In a longer letter it can summarise the key points or repeat the key message. If some action is needed, explain what you want the reader to do or what you will do. Use positive words such as when not if.
Make sure you avoid using weak phrases and overused business phrases in your closing paragraph.
Thanking you for your...
Hoping for a prompt reply...
Thanking you in advance for your assistance...
Trusting this answers your questions...
Please do not hesitate to contact me
I trust this clarifies the situation
End your letter positively and politely. Don’t leave your reader in mid-air, but use the final paragraph to explain or repeat what you want your reader to do.
Korean Trap
Korean speakers often make this mistake when closing business letters.
세 가지 흔한 실수입니다. (1) question은 복수형 questions (2) contact는 타동사이므로 to 없이 'contact me' (3) 'Hoping your reply soon'은 분사 구문이 잘못 사용된 것으로, 'I look forward to your reply'가 올바른 격식 표현입니다.
Discussion
Discuss these questions with your teacher after reading.
- The passage warns against overused phrases like "Thanking you in advance" and "Hoping for a prompt reply." Do you use these? What makes them weak according to the text?
본문에서 '미리 감사드립니다', '빠른 답변 바랍니다' 같은 과도하게 사용되는 표현을 경고합니다. 이런 표현을 사용하시나요? 본문에 따르면 무엇이 이 표현들을 약하게 만드나요? - The text advises using "when" instead of "if" for positive impact. Compare: "If you need more information" versus "When you need more information." How does this small change affect the tone?
'if' 대신 'when'을 사용하여 긍정적 효과를 내라고 합니다. "If you need" vs "When you need"를 비교해 보세요. 이 작은 변화가 어조에 어떤 영향을 미치나요? - The passage says the closing should "do something" — summarize key points, explain next steps, or request action. Practice writing a strong closing for a letter requesting a meeting with a potential client.
마무리가 '무언가를 해야 한다'고 합니다 — 핵심 요약, 다음 단계 설명, 또는 조치 요청. 잠재 고객과의 미팅을 요청하는 서신의 강력한 마무리를 작성해 보세요. - In Korean business culture, humility and politeness in closing phrases are valued. How do you maintain Korean-style politeness while following the advice to be direct and action-oriented?
한국 비즈니스 문화에서는 마무리 표현의 겸손함과 정중함이 중요합니다. 직접적이고 행동 지향적이라는 조언을 따르면서 한국식 정중함을 어떻게 유지하시나요?
Lesson Summary / 수업 요약
Today's Topic: WRITING A STRONG CLOSE TO YOUR BUSINESS LETTER
Level: Business (BIZ)
Review this lesson before your next class! / 다음 수업 전에 복습하세요!