B2 Expression Formal 3 min de leitura

This letter concerns

Formal business communication expression

Use this phrase to start formal letters when you need to be direct and professional.

Em 15 segundos

  • A formal opening to identify the topic of a letter.
  • Used in business, legal, or official correspondence.
  • Followed immediately by the subject noun or phrase.

Significado

This is a professional way to tell someone exactly what your letter or email is about in the very first sentence. It helps the reader understand the topic immediately without any small talk.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Writing to a bank

This letter concerns the unauthorized transaction on my credit card.

This letter is about the wrong charge on my card.

💼
2

Applying for a job

This letter concerns my application for the Senior Designer role.

I am writing about my job application.

💼
3

A school notice to parents

This letter concerns the change in the school's bus schedule.

This letter is about the new bus times.

👔
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase is a staple of Western 'low-context' communication, where being direct is seen as respectful rather than rude. It originated in the 18th and 19th centuries during the rise of global trade and bureaucracy. Today, it remains the standard opening for 'official' news, whether it's a bank statement or a legal notice.

💡

Keep it Singular

Always use 'concerns' with an 's' because 'This letter' is a singular subject. Even if you are talking about three different problems, the letter itself is one thing.

⚠️

Avoid 'About'

In a formal letter, 'This letter is about' sounds a bit childish. Stick to 'concerns' or 'regarding' to sound like an expert.

Em 15 segundos

  • A formal opening to identify the topic of a letter.
  • Used in business, legal, or official correspondence.
  • Followed immediately by the subject noun or phrase.

What It Means

This phrase acts like a signpost at the start of a document. It tells the reader, "Pay attention, this is the specific topic we are discussing." In formal English, we like to get straight to the point. Using This letter concerns removes any mystery about why you are writing. It is the written version of pointing at a specific file on a desk.

How To Use It

You place this phrase at the very beginning of your message. It usually follows the greeting like Dear Mr. Smith. After the phrase, you must include a noun or a noun phrase. For example, you might write This letter concerns your recent invoice. It acts as the anchor for your entire message. You don't need to add "I am writing because" if you use this. It is strong enough to stand on its own.

When To Use It

Use this when you need to be official or serious. It is perfect for business correspondence or legal matters. If you are writing to a bank, a landlord, or a government office, this is your best friend. It shows you are organized and professional. It is also great for job applications or formal complaints. It sets a tone of "I am here to handle business."

When NOT To Use It

Never use this with your friends or family. If you write This letter concerns our dinner plans to your best friend, they will think you are mad at them. It is far too stiff for casual situations. Also, avoid using it in spoken conversation. You wouldn't walk up to a barista and say, "This conversation concerns my latte." It belongs strictly on paper or in a formal email.

Cultural Background

English business culture values time and clarity. We often skip the "How are you?" in official letters to save time. This phrase comes from a long history of paper filing systems. Clerks needed to know the topic immediately to put the letter in the right folder. Even in our digital age, that need for instant categorization remains. It signals that the writer respects the reader's busy schedule.

Common Variations

You might see This email concerns in modern offices. Another common version is I am writing regarding. Some people prefer In reference to your inquiry. If you want to be even shorter, you can just use Re: at the top. However, This letter concerns remains the gold standard for a polite, formal opening. It feels more like a complete thought than just a subject line.

Notas de uso

This phrase is strictly for formal writing. It is highly effective in business, legal, and academic contexts. Avoid using it in speech or casual digital messaging as it sounds overly bureaucratic.

💡

Keep it Singular

Always use 'concerns' with an 's' because 'This letter' is a singular subject. Even if you are talking about three different problems, the letter itself is one thing.

⚠️

Avoid 'About'

In a formal letter, 'This letter is about' sounds a bit childish. Stick to 'concerns' or 'regarding' to sound like an expert.

💬

The 'Power Move'

Using this phrase in a complaint letter actually makes companies take you more seriously. It signals that you know how formal systems work and you might take further action.

Exemplos

6
#1 Writing to a bank
💼

This letter concerns the unauthorized transaction on my credit card.

This letter is about the wrong charge on my card.

This gets the bank's attention on the specific problem immediately.

#2 Applying for a job
💼

This letter concerns my application for the Senior Designer role.

I am writing about my job application.

A very clean way to start a cover letter.

#3 A school notice to parents
👔

This letter concerns the change in the school's bus schedule.

This letter is about the new bus times.

Clear and informative for busy parents.

#4 Texting a roommate about a mess (ironic)
😄

This text concerns the mountain of laundry in the living room.

We need to talk about your messy clothes.

Using formal language for a small problem adds a touch of humor.

#5 A landlord writing to a tenant
👔

This letter concerns the expiration of your current lease agreement.

This is about your rent contract ending.

Serious and official tone for legal matters.

#6 Ending a relationship via letter
💭

This letter concerns the reasons why I can no longer stay.

This is about why I am leaving.

Creates a cold, distant, and final feeling.

Teste-se

Choose the correct word to complete the formal opening.

This letter ___ the refund for my cancelled flight.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: concerns

We use the present simple 'concerns' because the letter is currently about that topic.

Which noun phrase best fits after the phrase in a professional context?

This letter concerns ___.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: your recent request for a salary increase

Formal letters are used for serious business topics like salary requests.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality of Topic Introductions

Casual

Texting a friend

Hey, about that thing...

Neutral

Standard email

I'm writing to ask about...

Formal

Official business

This letter concerns...

Very Formal

Legal document

In re: the matter of...

Where to use 'This letter concerns'

This letter concerns
💰

Banking

Loan applications

🏠

Real Estate

Lease renewals

💼

Employment

Job offers

😠

Customer Service

Formal complaints

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is too long for a subject line. Use Regarding: [Topic] or just the topic itself in the subject line, then use This email concerns... in the first sentence.

Yes, the meaning is identical. However, concerns is much more formal and appropriate for professional writing.

Absolutely! You can write This letter concerns your recent promotion or This letter concerns your prize winnings.

No, do not use a comma. The phrase should flow directly into the noun, like This letter concerns the meeting.

Be careful! Concerning can also mean 'worrying.' If you say This letter is concerning, people might think the letter itself is scary or bad.

Not in chat apps, but definitely in formal PDF attachments or official emails. It maintains a sense of 'official record' that chat apps lack.

Yes, it is a very strong and clear way to start. It tells the hiring manager exactly which position you want.

Many people now use I am writing to you regarding... which feels slightly less 'old-fashioned' but still very professional.

It will sound very cold. Only do this if you are trying to create a lot of distance or if you are being funny/dramatic.

It is a verb. In this sentence, it means 'to relate to' or 'to be about.'

Frases relacionadas

Regarding

A shorter way to introduce a topic, often used in subject lines.

In reference to

Used when you are replying to a specific previous conversation or document.

With respect to

A very formal way to point to a specific part of a larger discussion.

I am writing to inform you

A common formal opening used to give news or updates.

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