Question

Introductory lines of a letter to the editor

Answer 1

To begin the letter

I am writing to express my support for/(dis)approval of …;

I am writing with regard to …;

I am writing about …;

I have just read …

To state an opinion

In my optinion, …;

I (do not) feel/believe/think …;

I am (totally) opposed to/in favour of …;

I strongly (dis)agree with …

To express the consequences/results

This will/would mean …;

Then …;

Therefore, …;

As a result, …;

Consequently, …;

If we/they do/did this, …;

Obviously, …;

Clearly, …

To list points

Firstly, …;

First of all, …;

Secondly, …;

Furthermore, …;

What is more, …;

Finally, …

To end the letter

I hope my comments/suggestions/points will be taken into consideration;

I hope the government/local council/we will …;

I hope something will be done about this urgently

Example

Dear Sir,

I am writing about the recent article in your newspaper regarding the decision to build a new sports centre in our town. In my opinion, this is an excellent idea which will have many advantages for our town.

To start with, the town has very few sports facilities. Many people do not get the chance to play sports when they want. A new sports centre will give more people the opportunity to play sports. It will also give children and teenagers access to better facilities than they have at school, as well as somewhere to go at weekends. At the moment there is very little for them to do.

Furthermore, the new centre will be in an excellent location. It is in the centre of town, near the railway station and several major bus routes. Consequently, it will be very easy to get to. What is more, the fact that is will be build on the site of the old factory means that the town's appearance will be improved.

All in all, I must state that I am in total agreement with the council's decision. I hope that the plan is put into effect as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,

James Marshall