Practical English Writing: English

Author: Hu Wenzhong and Wu Zhenfu (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-07
Features: [Explanation] Inviting someone to a reception, banquet, celebration, report session, etc., usually requires sending an invitation in advance. The more formal the event and the more important the guest, the earlier the invitation should be sent. Generally, invitations are sent one to two weeks in advance. Invitations typically follow a fixed format and are printed on stiff paper. Official government invitations are often gold-embossed. In most cases, invitations are typed, though they may be handwritten among close friends and relatives. There are three formats for invitations:
1) X invites you to a reception (party, etc.) at (place) on (date) at (time).
2) You are warmly (cordially) invited to attend a reception (party, etc.) at (place) on (date) at (time).
3) X requests the pleasure of your company (the company of Mr. Y) at a reception (dinner, etc.) at (place) on (date) at (time).
Among these three formats, the third is the most formal, while the other two are more casual. In addition to the basic content mentioned above, additional notes are usually appended to the lower right corner of the invitation:
One type includes "R.S.V.P." (please reply) followed by a phone number, or "For Regrets Only," meaning: if you cannot attend, please reply (in other words, if you can attend, there is no need to reply).
The other type specifies the type of attire required. If it says "Dress Informal" or "Dress Optional," it means casual attire. For general occasions, no note may be added, or it may state "Loungesuit/Daydress." For formal occasions, "Blacktie" is noted, requiring men to wear a black tie and evening dress, while women wear long dresses. For very formal occasions, "Whitetie" is noted, requiring male guests to wear a white tie and tuxedo, and female guests to wear elegant long dresses (often strapless).
[Example]
1. THE CHAIRMAN, VICE-CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRALIA-CHINA COUNCIL INVITE YOU TO ATTEND A RECEPTION AT THE PEACE HOTEL.
Monday, 23 August 1983
R.S.V.P. 5:00–6:00 pm. (522331 Extn. 177)
[Explanation] Letters are a common and important practical form of writing. There are many types of letters: thank-you letters, job application letters, invitation letters, reference letters, congratulatory letters, etc. The main purpose of letters is to communicate information and situations. In general, letters should be direct and concise, with natural and appropriate language and formal formatting. A note is a simple type of letter. Its format is more flexible than that of a regular letter, often omitting the sender's address, the salutation "Dear," and the closing remarks such as "Sincerely." The language in such notes is closer to spoken language. These notes are usually not sent through the postal service but are instead hand-delivered or placed directly on a desk or pinned on a door. The sender and recipient are usually very familiar with each other, so generally...