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Common Terms in Business Correspondence for English for Business Students


In business correspondence, understanding specific terms is crucial for clear and professional communication. Below are some common terms frequently used in business letters and emails:

  1. Subject Line
    This is the line that summarizes the purpose of the email or letter. It helps the recipient quickly understand the topic. For example: "Request for Quotation – Product X."
  2. Salutation
    The salutation is the opening greeting. Common examples include "Dear Sir/Madam," or "Dear Mr. Smith." It sets a polite tone for the correspondence.
  3. Body
    The main part of the message where the purpose, details, and supporting information are explained. It is usually divided into short paragraphs for clarity.
  4. Complimentary Close
    This is the phrase used to end a letter politely. Examples include "Yours sincerely," (when the recipient's name is known) or "Yours faithfully," (when the name is unknown).
  5. Enclosure (Encl.)
    This indicates that additional documents are attached to the letter. For example, "Encl: Invoice #12345."
  6. Carbon Copy (CC) and Blind Carbon Copy (BCC)
    CC allows other recipients to see who else received the email, while BCC keeps the other recipients hidden. These terms are important in email communication.
  7. Acknowledgment
    This refers to confirming receipt of a letter, email, or document. For instance: "We acknowledge receipt of your order dated January 10, 2025."
  8. Follow-Up
    A follow-up email or letter is sent to check on the status of a previous communication or to provide additional information. Example: "This is a follow-up to our meeting on January 15."
  9. Letterhead
    This is the pre-printed heading on official company stationery that includes the company’s name, logo, address, and contact information.
  10. Signature Block
    The section at the end of a letter or email that includes the sender’s name, title, and contact details. In emails, it often appears as an automatic signature.