Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 13 down vote favorite
7

What sentences do you suggest to end a formal letter that you expect a reply from the recipient?

One of the most popular ones is "Looking forward to hearing from you."

share|improve this question
4  
"Boundless joy fills my heart whenever my mind's endless meanderings chance it upon a thought of reading your awe-inspiring words formulated as a reply to my query." – Claudiu Nov 17 '10 at 5:43
4  
"If I do not hear from you, you will hear from my lawyer" – JeffSahol May 13 '11 at 20:37
If it's not the first formal letter/e-mail unresponded, I'd be more direct with "please, respond as soon as possible". It's not like a formal letter should not express your feeling of "this is important". – Camilo Martin Feb 6 '12 at 19:11

closed as not constructive by RegDwighт♦ Jul 17 '12 at 18:55

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

2 Answers

up vote 9 down vote accepted

That depends upon which type of letter you want to write. I will vote for these ones:

  • Personal letters:
    • I look forward to receiving your reply
    • I look forward to hearing from you.
    • I look forward to your early reply
  • Business letters:
    • Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
    • Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further information
    • Your prompt reply would be appreciated
    • We look forward to your opinion on these matters
share|improve this answer
4  
This answer is wrong. First of all, "please feel free to contact us" means something completely different from "I look forward to hearing from you", and second of all "I look forward to hearing from you" is used in business letters. Thirdly, there are several spelling mistakes. – delete Aug 14 '10 at 7:42
I'm tempted to take out the "personal letters" part, because "formal letter" IMO rules that out. If anybody agrees please do it (I'm not sure a personal letter could be "formal", unless you're writing a letter to your father telling him you're homossexual or something). – Camilo Martin Feb 6 '12 at 19:14
up vote 2 down vote

Just on a hunch, is this for a cover letter when applying to a job? If so, don’t just say “looking forward to hearing from you”, but be even more specific and say something like “I’m looking forward to working with you”, or “I’ll be glad to answer any questions about my résumé.”

share|improve this answer
2  
Would using "...looking forward to working with you" sound presumptuous in any way? – advs89 Mar 25 '11 at 20:54
@advs89 Good point, I'm also curious. – Camilo Martin Feb 6 '12 at 19:12

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.