Read the email excerpts below. Each excerpt has at least two common mistakes that English language learners make when writing emails. Identify and correct the mistakes. The answers are listed after the activity.
Also see :
Common Mistakes in Emails 2
Common Mistakes in Emails 3: Collocation Errors
Correct the Mistakes
1. I would like to remember everyone that Mr. Lewis, a prospective client, will be visiting the office next Tuesday. He’ll be in the office since 9 a.m. until about noon. I will appreciate it if everyone could dress in business professional attire during his visit. We want to make sure everyone make a good impression.
2. I called to Sandra’s office and talked to her secretary. She said me that Sandra wasn’t in the office, but that she would be back at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Do you wish me to call her again this afternoon to discuss about the new proposal?
3. Thanks for inviting me to the event. Would you mind to send me the address so I can get directions? Thanks – I’m looking forward to see you.
4. Thanks for send me the potential travel itineraries. It doesn’t mind to me which flight I take. Regards hotels, let’s choose the hotel in the city center. I’ll like to be close to where the convention is being held.
5. I am writing regarding to order number CS4789. It seems that the amount due is unusual high. Please see the attach copy of the invoice. Could you please to review it and ensure the amount is correct?
6. Have everyone had the chance to review all the informations in the employee handbook? If you need anything clarified, please contact to your manager.
7. I’ve been working like a freelance software developer since the last few years. After be self-employed for many years, I am very interesting in finding a full-time position with your company.
8. We are pleased to inform that we have started making business with a new client. Starting on February, we’ll be handling customer service calls for a cable company in United States. We’re very pleased that our company is continuing to grow up.
9. Do you think you would send me some information about shipping options? I’m wondering how can we insure the products arrive soon. We need these items until the end of the month at the latest.
10. Jerry, I’m forwarding you a question from one of our customer. Could you respond him as soon as possible?
11. After careful reviewing your application, we regret informing you that you have not been selected for the position. We thank you for your interest in our company, and we wish you the better of luck with your search.
12. I’m not pretty sure I can end this project by the end of the day. I’d appreciate it if you can help me later this afternoon.
13. Farther to our discussion, we’ll be offering full-time positions to our interns. Could we plan to meet in Friday to discuss compensation packages?
14. Regard our year-end celebration, I’m agree that we should hold the event in the city. If I’m not wrong, I think many people complained last year about having to drive so far to the event.
Answers
1. I would like to remember remind everyone that Mr. Lewis, a prospective client, will be visiting the office next Tuesday. He’ll be in the office since from 9 a.m. until about noon. I will would (I’d) appreciate it if everyone could dress in business professional attire during his visit. We want to make sure everyone makes a good impression.
2. I called to Sandra’s office and talked to her secretary. She said told me (or said (that)…) that Sandra wasn’t in the office, but that she would be back at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Do you wish want me to call her again this afternoon to discuss about the new proposal?
3. Thanks for inviting me to the event. Would you mind to send sending me the address so I can get directions? Thanks – I’m looking forward to seeing you.
4. Thanks for sending me the potential travel itineraries. It doesn’t mind matter to me which flight I take (or I don’t mind which flight I take). Regards Regarding hotels, let’s choose the hotel in the city center. I’ll I’d (I would) like to be close to where the convention is being held.
5. I am writing regarding to order number CS4789. It seems that the amount due is unusually high. Please see the attached copy of the invoice. Could you please to review it and ensure the amount is correct?
6. Have Has everyone had the chance to review all the informations in the employee handbook? If you need anything clarified, please contact to your manager.
7. I’ve been working like as a freelance software developer since for the last few years. After being self-employed for many years, I am very interesting interested in finding a full-time position with your company.
8. We are pleased to inform you (or We are pleased to announce) that we have started making doing business with a new client. Starting on in February, we’ll be handling customer service calls for a cable company in the United States. We’re very pleased that our company is continuing to grow up.
9. Do you think you would could send me some information about shipping options? I’m wondering how can we we can insure ensure the products arrive soon. We need these items until by the end of the month at the latest.
10. Jerry, I’m forwarding you a question from one of our customers. Could you respond answer him (or respond to him) as soon as possible?
11. After carefully reviewing your application, we regret informing to inform you that you have not been selected for the position. We thank you for your interest in our company, and we wish you the better best of luck with your search.
12. I’m not pretty sure I can end finish this project by the end of the day. I’d appreciate it if you can could help me later this afternoon.
13. Farther Further to our discussion, we’ll be offering full-time positions to our interns. Could we plan to meet in on Friday to discuss compensation packages?
14. Regarding our year-end celebration, I’m I agree that we should hold the event in the city. If I’m not wrong mistaken, I think many people complained last year about having to drive so far to the event.
For more error correction exercises, see:
Common Mistakes in Emails 2
Common Mistakes in Emails 3: Collocation Errors
Exercise 1A (beginner)
Exercise 2A (intermediate)
Exercise 2B (intermediate)
Exercise 2C (intermediate)
Exercise 3A (advanced)
Error Correction for Spanish Speakers