ANMI English Tips & Tools: HK Email Check

2007-10-22

HK Email Check

Here is Eisaku's reply to my email. Please compare the original version with the suggested version. Can you find the changes?

--- Original Version ---

Dear Mr.Chip

It's Ok. I want to change to the lesson on Saturday, October 27 at 15:30 p.m.
I am looking forward to the next class.

Sincerely yours

Eisaku

--- Suggested Version ---

Dear Chip,

It's OK. I want to change my lesson to Saturday, October 27 at 3:30 p.m.

I am looking forward to the next class.

Sincerely yours,

Eisaku

--- Notes ---

×　Dear Mr.Chip
◎ Dear Mr. Sorensen,

1. The greeting of an email or letter needs a comma (,) or a colon (:) after the name.
2. You must add one blank space after the period and the name.

×　Mr.Jones / Mrs.Suzuki / Ms.Smith
◎ Mr. Jones / Mrs. Suzuki / Ms. Smith

3. Do not use Mr., Mrs., or Ms. with a first name. Use an honorific only with a last name or a full name. For casual email, use "Dear" + "first name / nickname." Examples:

Dear Chip, (casual greeting)
Dear Chipper, (casual greeting with a nickname)
Dear Mr. Sorensen, (semi-casual greeting)
Dear Mr. Sorensen: (formal business greeting)
Dear Chip Sorensen, (informal business greeting)
Dear Chip Sorensen: (formal business greeting)

×　It's Ok.
◎ It's OK.

1. "Ok" is spelled two ways: OK or okay.

×　15:30 p.m.
◎ 3:30 p.m.
◎ 15:30

1. Do not use 15:30 p.m. This is redundant.
2. Use A.M. or P.M. with a 12-hour time.
3. Using a 24-hour time is common in Japan and some other countries in Asia and Europe. However, in North America, most people do not use 24-hour time--24-hour time is more common among emergency personnel and the military. To be safe, use 12-hour time.

×　Sincerely yours
◎ Sincerely yours,

1. When closing an email or a letter, you need to add a comma at the end.

References

Amazon.co.jp ウィジェット