Closing sentence in a business letter (no -ing?)

[inbochum]

I've just been reading a sample business letter and came across this closing line:
"I await your early reply."
Why isn't the ing-form used here?

Would it be wrong or diffrent in tone to say "I'm awaiting your early reply"?

[naomimalan]

Originally Posted by inbochum

I've just been reading a sample business letter and came across this closing line:
"I await your early reply."
Why isn't the ing-form used here?

Would it be wrong or diffrent in tone to say "I'm awaiting your early reply"?

I am awaiting your early reply is acceptable but is less formal. In business letters it would be better to use the more formal wording: I await your early reply.