if-clauses in business letters

[Dany]

Hello everyone,

I've got one question. A collegue of mine said, that it is not polite to use if-clauses in business letters. And if it is necessary then don't use "if" at the beginning of the sentence.

Is this correct? I think that it is sometimes more polite to use if-clauses.


Thanks for your help,
Dany

[Tdol]

'We would be grateful if you could...' This order is more common, but I wouldn't go that far as to say the other way round would be impolite.

[Dany]

'We would be grateful if you could...' This order is more common, but I wouldn't go that far as to say the other way round would be impolite.

Thanks a lot Tdol.
Would you please say to me which of these sentences would you prefer use?

1.) If your prices are acceptable, we should be prepared to place a trail order.
2.) We should be prepared to place a trail order if your prices are acceptable.

I would use the first one.


Best regards,
Dany

[Tdol]

I think either could be used, though I'd say 'trial order'.

[DuncanW]

I would personally go for the first. You may also want to use 'will' instead of 'should' as it makes a more positive statement. Positive statements tend to bring positive responses.

[Dany]

Thanks a lot


Best regards,
Dany

[twostep]

Thanks a lot Tdol.
Would you please say to me which of these sentences would you prefer use?

1.) If your prices are acceptable, we should be prepared to place a trail order.
2.) We should be prepared to place a trail order if your prices are acceptable.

I would use the first one.


Best regards,
Dany

Tdol my grammar days were in the dark ages -
If your prices are acceptable we will be prepared .. ???