Letters of Complaint
Useful Phrases and Vocabulary
Even when you complain about someone being rude, or has done something you consider wrong
or unpleasant to you, you shouldn’t be rude in return! Be criticizing but polite!
Here are some useful phrases you can use to be polite:
Phrases:
I am writing in connection with…
I am very disappointed because….
Unfortunately, your product (service) was…
I hope that we can overcome this difficulty…
I would be grateful if you could….
I am sorry to have to inform you that…
On using this product I discovered… faults…
I look forward to…
I wish to complain about…
According to…, but…
Despite my request for…
…is not what I expected
I am particularly unhappy about…
What would suit me best is…
Use of However, But and Although – a Review
However, but and although are very similar in meaning, but their grammar is different. But and
although connect two parts of the same sentence. Although sometimes comes at the start of the
sentence. However usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma.
Ex. 1. You can call the Cable Company 24 hours a day, but it takes them a long time to answer.
2. Although you can call the Cable Company 24 hours a day, it takes them a long time to
answer
3. You can phone the Cable Company 24 hours a day. However, it takes them a long time to
answer.
Vocabulary
a recalled product: a defective product that is taken off the market
malfunctions: failures in operation
faulty: defective
apology: an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of
regret e.g. public apology
annoyance: Being bothered by something or someone e.g. She
expressed annoyance at the slow service
dissatisfaction: a feeling of unhappiness or disapproval, e.g. She expressed her
dissatisfaction with the service
