Useful language

Opening the letter

I am writing to complain about...

I am sorry to tell you that...

I am writing with reference to...

Explaining why you are dissatisfied

There seems to have been an error.

There appears to be a mistake / a misunderstanding.

Requesting action

I would be glad if you would look into the matter.

Suggesting action

The best solution would be to...

I'd like to suggest that...

Write your own letter of complaint, for example, about a poor product or unsatisfactory service that you have experienced.

Letters of complaint. Unscramble the sentences and re-order them to make two different letters of complaint. Write the sentence numbers in the table.

1. As a matter of fact, the above invoice was settled on October 10, i.e., exactly five days after our order had been received.

2. As a result, I will have to consider changing my supplier unless you can guarantee that such errors will not happen again in the future.

3. As usual, we paid by bank transfer.

4. Every time, those errors have had an adverse effect on our production schedules.

5. Further to our telephone call this morning, I am writing to complain about a number of items which are either missing or faulty in the above order.

6. I am sorry to have to remind you that this is the third time we have had occasion to complain of such mistakes.

7. Please find enclosed a detailed list of both missing and faulty items.

8. We enclose a copy of a statement from our bank confirming that payment was indeed made.

9. I hope you will take the necessary action to resolve this matter speedily.

10. We would advise you to check your records carefully.

11. With reference to your reminder of December 1, it seems to us that an error has been made.

2.5 Complaints and suggestions. Complete this business e-mail with an appropriate form of the verbs below: