In 15 Seconds
- Professional way to verify plans
- Essential for business emails
- Creates a clear written record
- Uses the 'Corporate We' for authority
Meaning
This phrase is the ultimate 'peace of mind' opener for professional emails. It tells the reader that every detail discussed is now officially locked in, preventing any awkward confusion later. It acts like a professional 'thumbs up' that turns a verbal promise into a solid, documented fact.
Key Examples
3 of 10Hotel Booking
We are writing to confirm your reservation for a deluxe suite from June 10th to June 15th.
We are writing to confirm your reservation for a deluxe suite from June 10th to June 15th.
Job Interview
We are writing to confirm your interview with the marketing team this Friday at 2:00 PM.
We are writing to confirm your interview with the marketing team this Friday at 2:00 PM.
Service Update
We are writing to confirm that your subscription has been successfully renewed for another year.
We are writing to confirm that your subscription has been successfully renewed for another year.
Cultural Background
In the US, this phrase is often followed immediately by a 'call to action' or a specific detail. Americans value brevity and getting straight to the point. British business English might use this phrase but often surrounds it with more 'politeness markers' like 'I hope this finds you well.' While the English phrase is used in international business, the Japanese equivalent is much more about 'apologizing for the intrusion' of the email before getting to the confirmation. Germans appreciate the high level of certainty this phrase provides. It aligns with the cultural value of 'Sicherheit' (certainty/security).
The 'That' Clause
If you are confirming a fact rather than a noun, use 'that'. Example: 'We are writing to confirm THAT the meeting is cancelled.'
Don't Overuse
If you send 5 emails in a row to the same person, don't start every single one with this phrase. It becomes repetitive and robotic.
In 15 Seconds
- Professional way to verify plans
- Essential for business emails
- Creates a clear written record
- Uses the 'Corporate We' for authority
What It Means
Ever walked away from a meeting wondering if you actually agreed on the price? We are writing to confirm is the superhero of professional clarity. It swoops in to turn vague promises into solid facts. This phrase is the digital equivalent of a firm, confident handshake. It tells the reader that you are organized and reliable. There is no guesswork involved here. You are stating, 'This is happening.' It’s the sound of a heavy door locking perfectly into place. Use it when you want to avoid 'he-said, she-said' drama later on. It brings a sense of calm to chaotic business schedules. If you’re sending this, you’re the adult in the room. Even if you’re secretly wearing pajama pants under your desk. It’s all about creating a paper trail for the important stuff.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is like setting the GPS before a long road trip. You put it right at the beginning of your email or letter. It immediately tells the reader why you are bothering them. Start with We are writing to confirm and then add the specific detail. For example, We are writing to confirm your appointment. You can also follow it with the word that for longer sentences. We are writing to confirm that the meeting has been moved. It’s very flexible! Just make sure the thing you are confirming is actually decided. Don't use it if you're still asking a question. It’s a statement of fact, not a suggestion. Think of it as the 'Save' button for your professional conversations. It’s simple, direct, and very hard to misunderstand. Just like a 'No Parking' sign, but much friendlier.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives in the world of suits, ties, and polished shoes. It is definitely on the formal side of the English spectrum. You’ll find it in official letters from banks, HR departments, or law firms. It uses the 'continuous' tense (are writing) to show action happening right now. Using we instead of I makes it sound like the whole company is speaking. It adds a layer of authority and institutional weight. You wouldn't use this in a casual text to your best friend. Imagine texting your roommate: We are writing to confirm that you will do the dishes. They would probably think you’ve joined a cult or a very boring law firm. Keep it for situations where professionalism is the top priority. It’s perfect for clients, bosses, and official services. It says, 'I am serious, professional, and I have a calendar.'
Real-Life Examples
Think about the last time you booked a hotel online. Within seconds, an email arrives with this phrase in the first line. It’s that digital sigh of relief that your vacation is actually happening. Or imagine you just finished a job interview that went surprisingly well. The recruiter sends a follow-up: We are writing to confirm your second interview. That’s the best kind of notification! You also see it in the 'boring' stuff, like bank statements or insurance updates. Even your favorite streaming service might use it when you change your password. We are writing to confirm your password change. It’s the language of security and verification. It pops up in the fine print of contracts and the headers of official memos. Basically, anywhere where a mistake would be expensive or annoying, this phrase is there. It’s the 'verified' checkmark of the English language.
When To Use It
You should reach for this phrase after a phone call or a verbal agreement. It’s the best way to summarize what was said so everyone remembers. Use it when an appointment is scheduled or a flight is booked. It’s also great for confirming that you received a payment or a document. If you’ve changed a plan, use this to make the new plan official. It’s the perfect bridge between 'talking' and 'doing.' If you’re working in a team, it keeps everyone on the same page. Use it when you want to look like you have your life completely together. It’s the phrase that says, 'I am an organized professional who never forgets a deadline.' Even if you actually have three sticky notes on your forehead. Use it for peace of mind and professional protection.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for casual social plans unless you want to be funny. If you send this to a date, they might think you're a robot. We are writing to confirm our coffee date sounds more like a business merger than a romance. Also, avoid using it if the information is still 'up in the air.' If the meeting might not happen, don't 'confirm' it yet! You should also avoid it in internal Slack messages with close teammates. It can feel a bit cold and robotic if used too much. If you're just sending a quick 'thanks,' this phrase is too heavy. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Keep it for the official stuff where a record is needed. Don't use it if you're feeling grumpy, as the formality can sometimes sound a bit passive-aggressive. 'We are writing to confirm that you are still late' is a very mean email.
Common Mistakes
One big mistake is forgetting the to after writing. People sometimes say We are writing confirm, which sounds like a broken robot. Another one is using the wrong tense, like We write to confirm. While that's technically okay in legal documents, it sounds very old-fashioned. Most people today prefer the continuous are writing. A very common error is mixing up confirm and conform. We are writing to conform means you are trying to fit in, which is very different! Also, watch out for the 'Subject' line. Don't just write 'Confirm.' Be specific! Some learners also use it for things they haven't actually agreed on yet. ✗ We are writing to confirm you like us → ✓ We are writing to confirm your order. Don't assume the confirmation before it's time. Lastly, don't use confirm when you really mean ask. ✗ We are writing to confirm if you are coming → ✓ We are writing to ask if you are coming.
Common Variations
If you want to sound slightly less like a giant corporation, you can say I am writing to confirm. This feels more personal and direct. For a slightly softer touch, try This is just a quick note to confirm. It takes the 'official' edge off while keeping the clarity. In very fast-paced environments like tech startups, you might see Just confirming. That’s the 'cool younger brother' of our phrase. If you’re responding to someone else’s request, you could say As requested, we are confirming. For a more 'legal' vibe, you might see This letter serves to confirm. That one sounds like it comes with a very expensive fountain pen. You can also use This is to confirm, which is short and punchy. Each variation changes the 'vibe' slightly, from 'stiff suit' to 'business casual.' Choose the one that matches your office culture.
Real Conversations
Speaker A: Hello, I’m calling about the catering for Saturday.
Speaker B: Oh yes, we spoke yesterday. I'll send you an email right now.
Speaker B (in email): We are writing to confirm our order of 50 vegetarian wraps for Saturday at noon.
Speaker A (replying): Perfect, we have received the confirmation. See you then!
Speaker C: Did you send the contract to the new client?
Speaker D: Yes, I just hit send. I used the standard opening.
We are writing to confirm that we have received your signed contract and will begin work on Monday.Speaker C: Great, that makes us look very professional.
Quick FAQ
Is it always we? Usually, yes, because you are representing a business. But I is fine if you're a freelancer. Does it need a that? It depends on the sentence. Confirm the date (no that) vs Confirm that the date is set (needs that). Can I use it for a funeral? Yes, but maybe stick to a softer phrase like We would like to confirm. Is it okay for British English? Absolutely, it’s a global business standard. Does it sound too bossy? Not at all; it sounds helpful and clear. Can I use it in a text? Only if you want to sound like a prankster or a debt collector. What if I make a mistake in the confirmation? Send a new email immediately titled 'Correction' and use We are writing to clarify. Clarity is always better than being 'perfectly' formal.
Usage Notes
This phrase is the gold standard for formal business openings. It is safe, clear, and professional. Just remember to use 'to' + 'confirm' and keep it for official contexts where a record of the agreement is important for both parties.
The 'That' Clause
If you are confirming a fact rather than a noun, use 'that'. Example: 'We are writing to confirm THAT the meeting is cancelled.'
Don't Overuse
If you send 5 emails in a row to the same person, don't start every single one with this phrase. It becomes repetitive and robotic.
Examples
10We are writing to confirm your reservation for a deluxe suite from June 10th to June 15th.
We are writing to confirm your reservation for a deluxe suite from June 10th to June 15th.
Standard opening for a travel confirmation email.
We are writing to confirm your interview with the marketing team this Friday at 2:00 PM.
We are writing to confirm your interview with the marketing team this Friday at 2:00 PM.
Used to ensure the candidate knows the exact time and date.
We are writing to confirm that your subscription has been successfully renewed for another year.
We are writing to confirm that your subscription has been successfully renewed for another year.
Provides security and proof of payment to the user.
✗ We are writing confirm the meeting → ✓ We are writing to confirm the meeting.
✗ We are writing confirm the meeting → ✓ We are writing to confirm the meeting.
You must include 'to' before 'confirm' to create the infinitive form.
We are writing to confirm the winner of our summer giveaway - check your DMs!
We are writing to confirm the winner of our summer giveaway - check your DMs!
A formal phrase used in a social media context to add excitement and legitimacy.
We are writing to confirm that a large transaction was made from your account today.
We are writing to confirm that a large transaction was made from your account today.
A serious security notification that requires immediate attention.
✗ We are writing to confirm you are my best friend → ✓ I'm just texting to say you're my best friend!
✗ We are writing to confirm you are my best friend → ✓ I'm just texting to say you're my best friend!
The phrase is too stiff and formal for close friendships; it sounds weird.
We are writing to confirm that the catering will include vegan and gluten-free options.
We are writing to confirm that the catering will include vegan and gluten-free options.
Used to reassure the client about specific important details.
We are writing to confirm the details for the memorial service following our previous discussion.
We are writing to confirm the details for the memorial service following our previous discussion.
Maintains a respectful, organized tone during a difficult time.
We are writing to confirm that your ticket has been resolved and closed.
We are writing to confirm that your ticket has been resolved and closed.
Final communication after a technical problem is fixed.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and verb form.
We are writing ___ _______ (confirm) your reservation.
We use 'to' + the base form of the verb to express purpose in formal writing.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and standard business vocabulary ('receipt', 'application').
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. 'We are writing to confirm...' | 2. 'Just a quick note to confirm...' | 3. 'We hereby confirm...'
Standard 'We are writing' is for general business; 'Just a quick note' is for colleagues; 'Hereby' is for legal contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to Confirm
Travel
- • Flights
- • Hotels
- • Car Rentals
Work
- • Meetings
- • Job Offers
- • Deadlines
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWe are writing ___ _______ (confirm) your reservation.
We use 'to' + the base form of the verb to express purpose in formal writing.
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and standard business vocabulary ('receipt', 'application').
1. 'We are writing to confirm...' | 2. 'Just a quick note to confirm...' | 3. 'We hereby confirm...'
Standard 'We are writing' is for general business; 'Just a quick note' is for colleagues; 'Hereby' is for legal contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes! 'I' is more personal and better if you are a freelancer or if you have a very close relationship with the client. 'We' is better for representing a company.
It's not grammatically wrong, but it sounds very old-fashioned. In 99% of modern business emails, 'We are writing' is preferred.
'Confirm' is used for arrangements and agreements. 'Verify' is used for checking if data or facts are true (like a password or a bank account).
Related Phrases
This is to notify you
similarTo officially tell someone about a fact.
Please find attached
builds onLook at the document I included.
In reference to
builds onRegarding a previous topic.