e-mail exchange

Put the following e-mail exchanges in the right order: one is a formal exchange (three e-mails) and the other is informal (four e-mails).

1. OK, I’ll wait for your answer. Please not later than tomorrow, I have to book the restaurant.
2. Thank you for your kind answer. I would be grateful if you could let me know the exact number of participants no later than tomorrow afternoon.
3. Great news, we’re both free and I can’t wait to see you all.
4. Hey, I received your invitation for your birthday dinner next week. I’d be glad to come but I have to check if Pat’s free. I’ll let you know tomorrow!
5. I am pleased to confirm that both Patrick and I will attend the event. I look forward to meeting you there.
6. Your invitation card for the business dinner next week has just reached us. I am glad to confirm I will be able to attend but unfortunately Patrick will be in Paris the whole day. I will check what time his flight lands and write back to confirm his presence.
7. Isn’t that wonderful? See you on Saturday

Formal exchange: A…………… B …………… C ……………

Informal exchange: A …………… B …………… C …………… D ……………

Now transform the following formal e-mail, re-writing it in informal style. Use the expressions in the box.

• I’m sorry / we can’t come / is it possible / fix another appointment / please let me know
• With regard to your recent e-mail, we regret to inform you that we will not be able to attend the meeting on Monday. We hope it will be possible to arrange another meeting later on and we look forward to your kind answer. Once again, please accept our apologies for the inconvenience.