English Writing Guide: 48 Essential Phrases by Type
Good writing is not just grammar — it is knowing the right phrase for the right context. Each writing type has its own conventions, and native speakers internalise them through years of reading. Study these phrases, then practise by reading real English content.
48 phrases · 6 writing types
"I am writing to inquire about…"
A formal opener for requesting information
"I am writing to inquire about the availability of the conference room on Friday."
"Please find attached…"
Used to notify the reader of an attachment
"Please find attached the revised proposal for your review."
"I look forward to hearing from you."
A polite standard closing that implies a reply is expected
"Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you."
"As per our conversation…"
References a previous discussion to provide context
"As per our conversation yesterday, I have updated the budget figures."
"Could you please clarify…"
A polite way to ask for more information
"Could you please clarify the deadline for this deliverable?"
"I would like to follow up on…"
Used to check the status of a previous request
"I would like to follow up on the invoice I sent last week."
"Thank you for your prompt response."
Acknowledges and appreciates a quick reply
"Thank you for your prompt response — that answers my question perfectly."
"Please do not hesitate to contact me if…"
Invites the reader to ask questions or seek help
"Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information."
"This essay will argue that…"
A direct thesis statement that signals the essay's main claim
"This essay will argue that remote work increases overall employee productivity."
"Furthermore, it is worth noting that…"
Adds an additional supporting point
"Furthermore, it is worth noting that the study included over 5,000 participants."
"In contrast to this view…"
Introduces a counterargument or opposing perspective
"In contrast to this view, several economists argue that inflation benefits debtors."
"The evidence suggests that…"
Introduces data or research to support a claim
"The evidence suggests that early childhood education significantly improves outcomes."
"To illustrate this point…"
Signals that a concrete example is about to follow
"To illustrate this point, consider the case of Finland's education reform."
"In conclusion, it can be seen that…"
A standard concluding phrase that ties the argument together
"In conclusion, it can be seen that both factors contribute to economic growth."
"Notwithstanding the above…"
Acknowledges a previous argument but introduces a qualification
"Notwithstanding the above, there remain significant gaps in the research."
"This is evident from the fact that…"
Links a claim directly to supporting evidence
"This is evident from the fact that sales doubled in just six months."
"The purpose of this report is to…"
States the objective of the document at the outset
"The purpose of this report is to analyse customer satisfaction data from Q3."
"It was found that…"
Introduces a key finding in the passive voice
"It was found that 72% of respondents preferred the new interface."
"Based on the findings, it is recommended that…"
Connects data to an actionable recommendation
"Based on the findings, it is recommended that training be extended to all departments."
"The data indicates a significant increase in…"
Reports a quantitative trend objectively
"The data indicates a significant increase in mobile traffic over the past quarter."
"This section outlines…"
Introduces a sub-section of the report
"This section outlines the methodology used to gather participant responses."
"A number of limitations should be acknowledged."
Identifies constraints that may affect the report's conclusions
"A number of limitations should be acknowledged, including the small sample size."
"In light of the above findings…"
Uses previous results to frame a conclusion or recommendation
"In light of the above findings, a budget review is strongly advised."
"Further research is required to determine…"
Points to unanswered questions or future work needed
"Further research is required to determine the long-term effects of the policy."
"The silence was deafening."
Uses paradox to convey an absence of sound as overwhelming
"After the argument, the silence was deafening — neither of them moved."
"Her heart hammered in her chest."
A visceral physical detail to show fear or excitement
"As the footsteps drew closer, her heart hammered in her chest."
"He couldn't shake the feeling that…"
Builds suspense by suggesting unease without stating its cause
"He couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him."
"Without warning,…"
A sudden narrative shift that creates surprise or tension
"Without warning, the lights went out across the entire building."
"Time seemed to slow down."
Stretches a dramatic moment to heighten impact
"In the final second before impact, time seemed to slow down."
"She forced herself to look."
Shows internal conflict through a deliberate physical action
"She forced herself to look at the letter, even though she knew what it would say."
"The room smelled of old books and regret."
Combines sensory detail with abstract emotion for atmosphere
"The library was quiet; the room smelled of old books and regret."
"What happened next changed everything."
A cliffhanger-style pivot that propels the reader forward
"He opened the envelope. What happened next changed everything."
"Previous studies have demonstrated that…"
Situates a claim within existing literature
"Previous studies have demonstrated that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance."
"It could be argued that…"
A hedging phrase that introduces a claim without asserting it as absolute fact
"It could be argued that the current policy fails to address the root causes."
"The results are consistent with…"
States that findings align with prior research
"The results are consistent with the hypothesis proposed by Chen et al. (2019)."
"This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by…"
Articulates the study's scholarly purpose
"This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by examining urban migration patterns."
"A critical review of the literature reveals…"
Signals an evaluative synthesis of prior research
"A critical review of the literature reveals a lack of longitudinal data in this field."
"The findings should be interpreted with caution because…"
Acknowledges limitations that qualify the results
"The findings should be interpreted with caution because the sample was not randomised."
"As noted by [Author] ([Year]),…"
Integrates a citation into the flow of argument
"As noted by Williams (2021), the relationship between income and health is non-linear."
"This raises the question of whether…"
Opens a line of inquiry that the paper will explore
"This raises the question of whether current regulations are sufficient to protect consumers."
"The objective of this proposal is to…"
States the document's goal clearly and immediately
"The objective of this proposal is to secure funding for a new CRM system."
"We propose the following course of action:…"
Introduces a structured recommendation
"We propose the following course of action: a phased rollout over 90 days."
"Key performance indicators include…"
Lists measurable metrics that define success
"Key performance indicators include monthly active users, conversion rate, and churn."
"This initiative will result in a measurable reduction in…"
Quantifies the expected business benefit
"This initiative will result in a measurable reduction in customer acquisition cost."
"Stakeholders should be aware that…"
Flags important information to decision-makers
"Stakeholders should be aware that the timeline depends on regulatory approval."
"The ROI for this project is estimated at…"
Presents the financial case concisely
"The ROI for this project is estimated at 140% within the first fiscal year."
"Action items are as follows:…"
Introduces a clear list of next steps or responsibilities
"Action items are as follows: review by legal, sign-off by finance, launch by Q2."
"To summarise the key takeaways:…"
Recaps the most important points for a busy reader
"To summarise the key takeaways: costs are lower, timelines are tighter, outcomes are stronger."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to improve English writing skills?
The most effective approach combines targeted study of writing conventions with massive exposure to real English texts in your target style. Reading well-written emails, essays, and reports trains your instinct for what sounds natural. The Comprehensible Input method — absorbing huge amounts of real written English — accelerates this dramatically.
Why do different types of English writing use different phrases?
Each writing context evolved distinct conventions for practical reasons. Academic writing uses hedging phrases like "it could be argued" to reflect scholarly uncertainty. Business writing favours directness because executives have limited time. Storytelling uses sensory detail to create emotional immersion. Learning these conventions helps you switch registers fluently.
How do I avoid sounding unnatural when using formal writing phrases?
The key is encountering phrases many times in authentic context before trying to produce them. When you read "I am writing to inquire about…" in dozens of real emails, you absorb not just the phrase but the surrounding tone, punctuation, and register. Copying or adapting real examples is far more effective than memorising formulas in isolation.
Is formal writing still important in the age of messaging apps?
Absolutely. While informal communication has grown, formal writing remains the standard for anything with professional or legal weight — business proposals, academic submissions, official correspondence, and reports. Employers consistently rank writing skills among the top competencies they look for, and poor writing damages credibility instantly.
How long does it take to improve English writing to a professional level?
With consistent daily reading of professional English texts and targeted practice, most learners see significant improvement in 6–12 months. The fastest path is combining structured study of conventions (like this guide) with immersion in well-written English through articles, books, and real business documents — rather than only practising in isolation.
The fastest way to internalise writing conventions is seeing them used in real English content.
Practice with real English videos →