In any professional environment, clear communication is essential for success. How you write an email or a memo can be just as important as what you say. Poorly written messages carry a significant risk: they can cause confusion, project an unprofessional image, and even damage business relationships. On the other hand, the reward for mastering professional writing is immense. Well-crafted messages ensure your points are understood, reflect your competence, and help you build strong, positive connections with colleagues and clients. This lesson is a clinic designed to sharpen your business writing skills, focusing on the tone, structure, and language that define effective professional correspondence.

A person typing a professional email on a laptop in a bright, modern office setting.

Effective business writing is a critical skill in today's workplace.

Goal

By the end of this lesson, you will learn how to structure and write formal business messages using standard expressions and appropriate tone.

Vocabulary: Key Verbs for Business Communication

In business writing, using precise verbs makes your message clear and professional. Study the vocabulary below. You will see these words used in the example messages.

Word Definition Example Sentence
request (v) to formally or politely ask for something

We would like to request a copy of the quarterly sales report.
confirm (v) to state or show that something is true or definite

Could you please confirm your attendance at Friday's meeting?
update (v/n) (v) to give someone the most recent information; (n) the latest information

I am writing to update you on the project's progress. Please send me an update when you have time.
delay (v/n) (v) to make something happen at a later time; (n) a situation where something happens later than it should

We have to delay the product launch until next month. We apologize for the delay.
notify (v) to formally or officially tell someone about something

Please notify all team members of the change in schedule.
attach (v) to include a file or document with an email

I will attach the meeting agenda to my next email.
schedule (v) to arrange for an event or activity to happen at a particular time

I would like to schedule a call to discuss this matter further.

6 Secrets for Professional Email Etiquette

This video from Indeed shares key secrets for professional email etiquette in the workplace.

Grammar Focus: Modals of Politeness and Formal Register


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Exercise

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