CELPIP Reading Part 1 vocabulary

The words and phrases

I'm writing to let you know

An opening phrase that tells the reader the main reason for the message.
Example: I'm writing to let you know that I'll be moving out of the apartment at the end of June.

I'm afraid

A polite way to introduce bad or unwelcome news.
Example: I'm afraid I won't be able to look after your dog next weekend after all.

I was wondering if

A gentle, polite way to start a request or a question.
Example: I was wondering if you could water my plants while I'm visiting family in Halifax next week.

would you mind

A polite way to ask whether a request would cause someone trouble.
Example: Would you mind keeping an eye on our mailbox while we're away for the long weekend?

looking forward to hearing from you

A closing line saying you hope the reader will reply soon.
Example: Thanks again for considering my request. Looking forward to hearing from you.

as you may know

Introduces information the reader has possibly already heard.
Example: As you may know, the city is repaving our street next month, so parking will be limited.

I'd be happy to

Says you are willing and glad to do something for someone.
Example: If you need a reference for your new job, I'd be happy to write one.

feel free to

You are welcome to do something; you don't need to ask first.
Example: Feel free to use our barbecue while we're away at the cottage.

I owe you one

An informal way to thank someone and promise to help them later.
Example: Thanks for shovelling my driveway while I was sick last week. I owe you one!

it's been ages

An informal way to say a very long time has passed.
Example: It's been ages since we last spoke; how are you finding life in Saskatoon?

get back to me

To reply to me later with an answer.
Example: Could you get back to me by Friday about the dates for your visit?

unfortunately

Used to introduce news that is disappointing or unwelcome.
Example: Unfortunately, I won't be able to come to your housewarming party on Friday evening.

the lease

The written agreement that lets a tenant rent a home for a set period.
Example: We signed the lease for one year, starting on September 1.

give notice

To officially tell someone ahead of time that you will leave or stop something.
Example: We plan to give notice to our landlord by the end of this month.

keep me posted

Please continue to tell me any news or updates.
Example: Keep me posted on how the job interview goes on Thursday.

drop me a line

An informal request to send a short message or note.
Example: Drop me a line when you're back from your trip to the Rockies.

I hate to bother you

A polite apology used before asking someone for help or raising a problem.
Example: I hate to bother you, but your dog has been barking quite late at night.

I'd appreciate it if

A polite, slightly formal way to ask someone to do something.
Example: I'd appreciate it if you could fix the leaking kitchen tap before the weekend.

take care of

To deal with a task or problem so it is handled.
Example: The superintendent said he would take care of the broken window this week.

as soon as possible

As quickly as you are able to.
Example: Please call me as soon as possible if the furnace stops working again.

in advance

Before something happens or before it is needed.
Example: Thanks in advance for helping us carry the boxes on moving day.

on my behalf

For me, or in my place, as my representative.
Example: Could you sign for my parcel on my behalf if it arrives while I'm at work?

pass along

To give a message or item you received to another person.
Example: Please pass along my congratulations to your daughter on her graduation.

I've been meaning to

I have intended to do this for some time but have not done it yet.
Example: I've been meaning to thank you for the lovely card you sent in the spring.

slip my mind

When something slips your mind, you forget it.
Example: I'm so sorry; your birthday dinner completely slipped my mind.

regarding

About, or on the subject of.
Example: I'm contacting you regarding the noise coming from the unit upstairs after midnight.

a favour

A kind act you do to help someone, usually without payment.
Example: Could I ask you a favour? I need a ride to the airport early on Sunday.

I'm sorry to hear

A phrase that shows sympathy after learning about someone's bad news.
Example: I'm sorry to hear that your mother has been unwell; I hope she feels better soon.

Put them to work on Part 1

Practise Part 1 on the test screen, or see how Part 1 works.