A letter of complaint

Learn how to write a letter of complaint.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my dismay at the service at your Eden Hill branch on Saturday 14 January.

I often collect prescriptions from the pharmacy on behalf of my grandmother, Mrs Elaine Bingham. On this occasion there were two prescriptions: one for 10 x 50 mg Kendomol and one for 50 x 100 mg Leoprone. I was served quickly even though there appeared to be only one pharmacist on duty. However, as I was leaving I saw that I had been given 500 mg tablets of Kendomol. This is ten times stronger than the prescription called for.

If I hadn't noticed the difference between the prescription and the actual tablets, my grandmother could have taken a dangerous overdose of Kendomol. I would be worried about getting any future prescriptions at Eden Hill.

The pharmacist apologised and corrected the mistake but I wanted to bring it to your attention. I think it happened because there were not enough staff on duty. I understand that mistakes happen but there needs to be a minimum of two pharmacists at all times so all prescriptions can be checked.

I hope you can take steps to make sure this mistake does not happen again.

Yours faithfully,

Roger Bingham

Tips

Focus on the most important facts. Don't give unnecessary background information.
Make sure you include:
- the reason for writing (e.g. I am writing to ...)
- what went wrong
- what you would like to happen now.
Complaint letters are usually written in a formal style.
Use passives to be less direct and more formal, e.g. I was served quickly.
Use Yours faithfully to sign off if you don't know the name of the person you're writing to.

Discussion

Have you ever made a complaint? What happened?

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Language level

B2 Upper intermediate

Topics

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A letter of complaint

Preparation

Tips

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level

Topics

Online courses