Mister Micawber  +  698332 Fri, 17 Apr 09 03:21 AM . I can't think of any; it is a standard phrase.  Business English is particularly full of set phrases; if you try to replace them, the effect is often odd and unbusinesslike. . Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,789 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.' Business English, United Kingdom, Business, Countries, Great Britain, Careers, Languages

	Mr. Tom  +  699191 Sun, 19 Apr 09 09:16 PM One more question, MM.   How do you find "subsequent to your email regarding the AC repair...", ?   Do you find the structure non-native or unnatural?   Thanks in advance,   Tom Mr. Tom Joined on Sun, Feb 4 2007 Regular Member 710 Tom

	Mister Micawber  +  699230 Sun, 19 Apr 09 11:32 PM . I find it a little uncommon.  It is just a long-winded way of saying 'after your email'.  There is no causal relationship between the receipt of the email and any subsequent action. . Mister Micawber Relationships

	Mr. Tom  +  699350 Mon, 20 Apr 09 07:58 AM I'm grateful, MM (...and also a bit hesitant!) In fact, in my last post, I meant to  write "Further to" and ended up writing "subsequent to"-- I'd already asked a question about it. So my LAST question is: do you find the following sentence correct and natural-- especially the use of further to?  Further to my email regarding the AC repair, please be informed that all repair work will commence on July 15. ”   Tom PS: We sometimes start emails with "Dear all"--is it OK?   Mr. Tom Sentences

	Mr. Tom  +  699351 Mon, 20 Apr 09 08:02 AM I really don't know how my sentence has been crossed out--and how I can edit it! I didn't do it on purspose; could you please edit it?   Tom Mr. Tom Sentences

	Mister Micawber  +  699355 Mon, 20 Apr 09 08:10 AM . Your sentence was struck out because you did not leave a space either before or after your double-dashes.  You must leave at least one space. Further to = to add more information/discussion to our earlier conversation, or to follow up on it ('following' in the sense of addition) Pursuant to = acting upon ('following' in the sense of result) 'Dear all' is rather casual, but there seems to be no good, friendly alternative for office memos. . Mister Micawber Friendships, Speaking, Chat, Sentences, Conversational