Write a complaint or request letter using formal register and set phrases
A French formal letter follows a strict layout. Your address goes in the top right, the recipient's address on the left, then the place and date on the right. A clear objet (subject line) tells the reader the purpose at a glance. The body has three paragraphs: an opening that states the reason for writing, a development with details, and a closing that states what action you expect. A formal closing formula ends the letter before your signature.
| Part | French label | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Your address | Vos coordonnées | Top right |
| Recipient's address | Coordonnées du destinataire | Top left |
| Place & date | Lieu et date | Right, below your address |
| Subject line | Objet : | Centred, before salutation |
| Salutation | Madame / Monsieur | Opening line |
| Body paragraphs | Introduction · Développement · Conclusion | Main body |
| Closing formula | Formule de politesse | Before signature |
Formal letters require a specific register in French. You must use vous throughout — never tu. Avoid contractions, slang, and informal connectors like donc at the start of a sentence. Sentences should be complete and well-structured. Passive constructions and impersonal phrases (il est possible de…, il serait souhaitable que…) raise the register. Emotional language should be restrained — state facts and consequences rather than expressing anger.
French formal letters have set phrases for the salutation and the closing formula (formule de politesse). The closing formula is much longer than the English 'Yours sincerely' — it is a full sentence expressing respect. The formula must mirror the salutation: if you open with Madame, your closing must also include Madame. Never use Cordialement in a letter of complaint — it is for business emails, not formal letters.
| Purpose | Formula |
|---|---|
| Salutation (unknown name) | Madame, Monsieur, |
| Salutation (known gender) | Madame, / Monsieur, |
| Standard closing | Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. |
| More deferential closing | Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments respectueux. |
| Requesting action | Dans l'attente de votre réponse, je vous prie d'agréer… |
Whether you are complaining or making a request, stock phrases help you sound natural and formal. For complaints, introduce the problem with a neutral tone, explain the consequences, and state clearly what resolution you expect. For requests, explain your need politely and justify it. Using conditional tense (je souhaiterais, il serait possible de) makes requests sound less abrupt than the present tense.
| Function | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Reason for writing | Je me permets de vous contacter au sujet de… |
| Stating a problem | J'ai le regret de vous informer que… |
| Expressing dissatisfaction | Je souhaite vous faire part de mon mécontentement concernant… |
| Making a request | Je vous serais reconnaissant(e) de bien vouloir… |
| Requesting a refund | Je vous demande de me rembourser dans les plus brefs délais. |
| Expecting a reply | Dans l'attente de votre réponse rapide… |
Before writing, spend two minutes planning. Identify: (1) purpose — are you complaining, requesting, or both? (2) key facts — dates, order numbers, names; (3) desired outcome — refund, replacement, apology, information. Organise these into three paragraphs. A tight plan prevents repetition and keeps the letter under 200 words, which is the typical B1 task limit. Always end with a concrete action you want the reader to take.