What raters reward
Raters reward a clear idea, a benefit framed around the reader or group, and one or two developed reasons, in a polite, constructive tone. Depth on one idea beats a list of five.
Your time plan
How to structure it
Fill the [slots] with your own ideas, then adapt the frames; don't recite them.
Most of these emails are formal. See the register table for matched greeting and sign-off pairs.
Grammar Salutation + comma
- Dear Mr./Ms. [last name],
- Dear Sir or Madam,
- Hi [first name],
Lead with the proposal, not a long wind-up.
Grammar I am writing to suggest + noun / that-clause
- I am writing to suggest [idea], which I believe would benefit [group].
- I would like to propose [idea] as a way to [goal].
- I have an idea that could improve [situation].
Develop it: reason, then a concrete benefit or example.
Grammar Cause and result + example
- The main benefit is [benefit], because [reason].
- This would [positive result] for [who].
- For instance, [concrete example].
Make it a different angle, not a restatement.
Grammar Addition (moreover, on top of that)
- It would also [second benefit], meaning [result].
- In practice, this could work by [how].
- Better still, it would [added upside].
Grammar Closing phrase + name
- I hope you will consider this proposal. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, [name]
Match your greeting & sign-off
| Situation | Greeting | Sign-off |
|---|---|---|
| Formal · name unknown | Dear Sir or Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Formal · name known | Dear Mr./Ms. [last name], | Sincerely, |
| Workplace / semi-formal | Dear [first name], / Hello [first name], | Best regards, |
| Friend / informal | Hi [first name], | Take care, / Cheers, |
Suggestion openers & closers
Lead with the idea and the benefit. Adapt to your prompt.
- I am writing to suggest [idea], which would benefit [group].
- I would like to propose [idea].
- The main advantage is [benefit].
- This would make a real difference to [who].
- I hope you will consider this proposal.
- I would be glad to discuss it further.
- Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.
Grammar & punctuation toolkit
The move that lifts a response to level 9 and up: think the plain sentence in your head, then upgrade it with a stronger word, one complex structure, and advanced punctuation. Aim for about two complex sentences per task, not every sentence.
A complex sentence joins two ideas with a comma. Use these openers to build about two per task. Note: never add 'but' after 'not only'.
A semicolon needs a complete sentence on both sides, and both must be about the same idea. Never follow a semicolon with a 'which …' clause.
- Conclude a point: 'I finished the course; from now on I will apply what it taught me.'
- Best of all, pair it with a connector for top marks: 'Home prices keep climbing; moreover, groceries now cost more.'
- Add a closely related idea: 'I am nervous about flying; I would rather drive to nearby cities.'
Commas show you can layer information cleanly.
- Wrap removable detail in a pair of commas: 'The manager, who started last month, has already improved things.'
- A connector in the middle of a sentence takes a comma on each side: '…, however, …'.
- Open with a connector, then a comma: 'Furthermore, the cost keeps rising.'
Range is scored. Work in two or three vivid words per task, plus a phrasal verb or two.
- Adverbs are the most under-used part of speech: promptly, repeatedly, considerably, efficiently, evidently.
- Precise adjectives beat bland ones: unacceptable (not 'bad'), malfunctioning (not 'broken'), considerable (not 'big').
- Phrasal verbs signal natural range: catch up, run into, come across, put off, sort out.
Useful vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions, so weave a few in (don't force all of them). Bookmark the ones you want to use — they show up in your saved library.
- I am writing toI am writing to bring an urgent matter to your attention.
- I am writing with regard toI am writing with regard to the parking permit I applied for last week.
- I am reaching out toI am reaching out to request an extension on the project deadline.
- It has come to my attention thatIt has come to my attention that my last payment was never processed.
- I would like to draw your attention toI would like to draw your attention to a recurring issue in our building.
- raise a concernI am writing to raise a concern about the noise coming from the unit next door.
- enquire aboutI am writing to enquire about the availability of evening classes.
- confirmCould you please confirm whether my reservation is still valid?
- apologize forI would like to apologize for missing yesterday's meeting.
- notifyPlease notify me as soon as the replacement part arrives.
- My apologiesMy apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
- cumbersomeThe current sign-up process is cumbersome and takes far too long.
- unacceptableThe condition of the apartment upon move-in was simply unacceptable.
- malfunctioningThe heating system has been malfunctioning since the day I moved in.
- promptI would greatly appreciate a prompt resolution to this problem.
- First and foremostFirst and foremost, I want to thank you for your quick response.
- FurthermoreFurthermore, the replacement I received was also faulty.
- With regard toWith regard to the invoice, I believe there has been an error.
- On top of thatOn top of that, no one informed me that the office would be closed.
- sort outI am confident we can sort out this misunderstanding quickly.
- run intoI ran into several problems while trying to complete the online form.
- I look forward to your replyI look forward to your reply at your earliest convenience.
- Your prompt attention would be appreciatedYour prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.
- Please do not hesitate to contact mePlease do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further details.
- Thank you for your understandingThank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
- I would be grateful ifI would be grateful if you could look into this as soon as possible.
From the lesson
The full phrase bank from Suggestion & Recommendation Emails. Bookmark whatever you'd actually use — everything you save shows up in your library.
Opening (formal)
3I am writing to propose some improvements to…
I am writing with a few suggestions regarding…
I would like to put forward some ideas about…
Opening (informal)
3So excited you're coming! Here are a few ideas.
I've been thinking about what you said, and I've got a couple of suggestions.
Hope you're well! I had a few thoughts about…
Introducing a suggestion
5It might be worth considering…
One option would be to…
I'd strongly recommend…
The first thing I'd suggest is…
Perhaps the simplest solution would be…
Recommending decisively (the move most people miss)
4If I had to pick one, it would be…
The one thing I'd genuinely make time for is…
My clear favorite would be…
Of the two, I'd lean towards…
Giving the reason
4…because it would mean…
…which would allow…
The main advantage is that…
It's worth it for [specific reason] alone.
Offering a fallback
3If that doesn't appeal, [alternative] is also excellent.
Failing that, …
As a backup, …
Closing
3I hope these suggestions are helpful.
I would be happy to discuss any of these further.
Let me know what you fancy and I'll sort it out!
Common mistakes to avoid
- A vague idea with no clear benefit.
- Listing many small ideas instead of developing one well.
- No reason or example to support the suggestion.
- Sounding like a demand rather than a proposal.
- Forgetting to say who benefits.
Quick tips
- Lead with the idea and the benefit in the first line.
- Develop one or two reasons; do not list five.
- Frame it around what the reader or group gains.
- Close by inviting them to consider it.
