WHETHER AND/OR IF

We know how to use IF. But do we understand how to use WHETHER? Click HERE to learn this grammar point.

FORMAL LETTER TO THE TOWN HALL

Choose the correct word in each gap and click "Check".

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the poor of my neighbourhood. In recent months, the area has . The streets are not well maintained, the lighting is not , and cleaning services are . As a result, public spaces feel unsafe and .

Many neighbours have already these problems, but we have not seen any clear . This situation makes us feel .

I kindly ask the Town Hall to take . Our neighbourhood should receive the same .

I look forward to .

Yours ,
[Your Name]

5. MODAL VERBS. MORE PRACTICE. KEY ANSWER

PRACTICE WITH SIMPLE AND PERFECT MODALS (1º Bach.)

1. Choose the correct answer

1. You broke my necklace! You … been more careful!

should have

2. It’s beautiful. You … given me a nicer present.

couldn’t have

3. I think James … got lost. He’s never late.

might have

4. I … bought milk, but I didn’t know we needed more.

would have

2. Complete the sentences

1. He __________ (not behave) that way.

shouldn’t have behaved

2. Maggie __________ (write) sooner.

could have written

3. I __________ (not lock) the front door.

might not have locked

4. Something __________ (happen) to Steve.

must have happened

3. Teens in the News

1. Could you use
2. can help
3. couldn’t have thought
4. must have thought
5. shouldn’t have done
6. should have guessed
7. have to write
8. will be able to do

4. Complete with modal perfects

1. might have gone
2. must have thought
3. should have brought
4. couldn’t have bought
5. shouldn’t have told
6. could have stayed
7. couldn’t have been
8. must have packed

5. Rewrite the sentences

1. You shouldn’t have eaten in this restaurant.
2. We might have a test today.
3. I must have left my sunglasses at the café.
4. You don’t have to worry about Ted.
5. You should have asked me earlier.
6. Donella can’t speak English very well.

6. Teens in the News (Complete the passage)

1. had to leave
2. could have confronted
3. would have never caught
4. must have impressed
5. couldn’t have been
6. could have chosen
7. must be able to speak
8. don’t have to know
9. have to study
10. should be
11. can’t wait

5. MODAL VERBS. MORE PRACTICE

PRACTICE WITH SIMPLE AND PERFECT MODALS

LETTER OF COMPLAINT. MULTIPLE CHOICE

Multiple-Choice Cloze: Letter of Complaint

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to about a recent purchase I made from your online store. On March 10, I ordered a wireless headset that was as “high quality” and “long-lasting.” However, when the item arrived, I was extremely to find that it did not function properly.

Firstly, the sound quality was poor, and the battery within only two hours. Secondly, the product appeared to be damaged, which suggests it was not checked before shipping. I contacted your customer service team, but I have yet to receive a .

I would appreciate it if you could this matter promptly by either sending a replacement or issuing a full refund. I trust that you will take this complaint and improve your quality control.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]

FORMAL LETTERS III. PRACTICE

✉️ Formal Letter Upgrade Activity (B2)

Read the letter and replace the bold numbered parts with more formal expressions. Then click the button after each paragraph to check the answers.

Dear Sir or Madam,

1. I’m writing to complain about my recent stay at your hotel from 10 to 12 March. 2. I had a lot of problems during my visit, and 3. I want to explain them in this letter.

Answers:

1. I am writing

2. I experienced several problems

3. I would like to outline them

First of all, 4. the room was very bad. It was noisy and not particularly clean. 5. I didn’t like the bathroom because the shower was broken. 6. And also, the air conditioning did not work properly, which made the room extremely uncomfortable.

Answers:

4. the room was unsatisfactory

5. I was dissatisfied with the bathroom facilities

6. In addition

7. The people at reception were rude and did not deal with the situation professionally. When I asked for assistance, 8. they told me to wait and did nothing. 9. This made me really angry, as I expected a much higher standard of customer service.

Answers:

7. The reception staff were unhelpful

8. they asked me to wait but took no action

9. This was extremely disappointing

10. I want some money back because the service I received was unacceptable. 11. Fix this problem soon and 12. send me an answer quickly. I believe this would be a fair way to resolve the matter.

Answers:

10. I would like to request a partial refund

11. I would appreciate it if you could resolve this matter promptly

12. I would appreciate a prompt response

13. Thanks for your help. 14. I’ll wait for your answer.

Answers:

13. Thank you for your attention to this matter

14. I look forward to your reply

Yours faithfully,
Maria López

FORMAL LETTERS II. UPGRADE YOUR LANGUAGE

⬆️ Upgrade Your English: Formal Phrases (B2)

Click the button to reveal the formal version.

❌ I want to know...

✅ I would like to know...

❌ I need more information.

✅ I require further information.

❌ Can you send me...?

✅ Could you please send me...?

❌ Tell me about...

✅ I would like to inquire about...

❌ I’m writing about...

✅ I am writing regarding...

❌ I think this is bad.

✅ I find this unsatisfactory.

❌ This is a big problem.

✅ This is a significant issue.

❌ Fix this.

✅ I would appreciate it if you could resolve this matter.

❌ Send it soon.

✅ I would appreciate a prompt response.

❌ I didn’t like it.

✅ I was not satisfied with it.

❌ The staff were rude.

✅ The staff were unhelpful.

❌ I’m not happy.

✅ I am dissatisfied.

❌ I want a refund.

✅ I would like to request a refund.

❌ Give me details.

✅ Could you please provide further details?

❌ Let me know.

✅ I would appreciate it if you could inform me.

❌ Thanks for your help.

✅ Thank you for your assistance.

❌ Sorry for the problem.

✅ I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

❌ I’ll wait for your answer.

✅ I look forward to your reply.

❌ Write back soon.

✅ I would be grateful if you could respond at your earliest convenience.

❌ I hope you answer me.

✅ I look forward to hearing from you.