Asking for information – Tutorial

We write an enquiry letter/email when we want to ask for more information about a product or service that interests us. These letters/emails are often written in response to an advertisement that we have seen in the paper or a commercial on television when we are interested in purchasing a product, but would like more information before making a decision.

The Start

Dear Sir or Madam To Whom It May Concern – (very formal as you do not know the person to whom you are writing)

THE MIDDLE PART

With reference to your advertisement (ad) in... Regarding your advertisement (ad) in ...

…, would (Could) you please send me ...

I would also like to know ... Could you tell me whether (if)...

THE END

Yours faithfully – (very formal as you do not know the person to whom you are writing)

Yours sincerely – (less formal; you should know who you are writing to)

Study this sample:

To Whom It May Concern:

With reference to your advertisement in yesterday's New York Times, could you please send me a copy of your latest catalogue? I would also like to know if it is possible to make purchases on-line.

Yours faithfully,

Bob Clark
Academic Director
English Learners & Company