Question

Look at the following sentence:
I am pleased to inform you that…
For which kind(s) of a letter would this phrase be appropriate?
(This question has multiple correct options)
(a)Formal
(b)Informal
(c)Business
(d)Apology

Answer 1

Hint: We generally use words like ‘pleased’ and ‘inform’ to indicate an authoritative or formal relationship. The tone of the given statement is professional.
Complete answer: As given in the hint, the tone of the letter helps us in determining whether the letter is formal or informal.
In the given question- ‘I am pleased to inform you that’ is a formal statement that indicates a professional relationship between the employee and the client. Hence, this phrase is often used in ‘formal’ and ‘professional’ letters.
Let us look at the difference between formal and business letters-
(i)Formal letters include important information regarding any matter, whereas business letters only include commercial or office-related information.
(ii)Formal letters can be written to the principal, teacher, editor, government body, etc, whereas business letters are generally written to the employee, boss or work-related people.
(iii)Formal letters can be published in the newspaper and be seen by the public, whereas business letters are highly confidential.
(iv)We generally use a traditional language in a formal letter, whereas we tend to use technical and professional language in a business letter.
Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘a’ and ‘c’.
Note: Keep in mind, both business and formal letters include a subject and formal salutation, whereas informal letters and apologies do not include subjects.