Formal letter / email of complaint - theoretical apparatus

-Register: formal
-Formal linkers.

- No: abbreviations, idioms, slang, phrasal verbs, no informal linkers (But, So, Because, And), numbering,
bolding, italicizing, bulleting, underlining + no indention.

-Opening:
Dear Sir,
Dear Madam,
Dear Sir or Madam,
Dear Professor… ,
Dear Doctor…… ,  the 2 only professions where you name that profession + family name of that Doctor
or professor: Dear Professor Brown, or Dear Doctor Brown, .

-Start with == in 1st p. you state v. clearly the purpose of letter of complaint (= what is your problem?)

“I am writing to you to… / in order to complain ABOUT…an unfortunate / a most unfortunate… event that
took place…”
“I am writing to you to… / in order to draw your attention WITH regard to / regarding the…”
“I am writing to you to… / in order to complain and express my dissatisfaction WITH certain…”
“I am writing to you to… / in order to complain and express my concern ABOUT …”
“I am writing to you to… / in order to explain to you the fact that I am deeply dissatisfied WITH…”
“I am writing to you to… / in order to let you know that I am deeply disappointed WITH…”

In the Body of the letter:

“I have now been waiting for two months for a replacement to arrive from your shop” (you purchased a
broken vacuum cleaner)
“To make matters (even) worse, you promised that…”
“What is more, your services have also proven of low quality…”
“Although….., nevertheless…”
“My most serious complaint is that…./ refers to the fact that…”
“Not only did you insult me, but you also….”
“As if this were not enough, …”
“I believe that / argue that your brochure / advertisement is highly misleading, considering the real quality of
your services.”
“Consequently, may I request that…?”

Conclusion paragraph of the letter:

“I would be very grateful / thankful (to you) if you refunded my travel costs (as soon as possible) / returned
my original vacuum cleaner / sent me the promised replacement vacuum cleaner”
“I would very much appreciate if you sent me a replacement …”
“I therefore feel that you should refund me half the costs of my holiday, in compensation for my
disappointment”

1
“I expect to receive (full) financial compensation for my disappointment, otherwise I will take the issue
further, by contacting a lawyer”
“Unless you attempt to / try to solve the present issue, I see no option but to / I am forced to / I see myself
forced to take the problem further into a court of law.”

- Samples: Gold, 10th grade = p.206, 11th = 15,191, 199

- each P. contains only 1 idea.

- lintel rule.

- refer to ABSOLUTELY ALL DETAILS from the job opening / advertisement / information sheet /
task requirement.

- Do not apologize!!!

- Do not accuse in an arrogant, cruel, despising voice!!!  calm, determined + polite!