Vraag: Mag je een formele brief beginnen met I? Mijn tweede corrector rekende dit fout, maar volgens mij is dit correct.

Antwoord: Ja. In het Engels is dit geen probleem.

Toelichting:

Heel vaak zie je formele brieven die beginnen met “I am writing to ... “. Zo heb ik talloze sollicitatiebrieven gezien die beginnen met “I am writing to apply for the post of …” en “I wish to apply for …” Hieronder een aantal openingszinnen uit formele brieven. Indien gewenst, kan ik de bronnen (UK) geven:

I am writing this letter to accept your job offer as network administrator in your prestigious organization.

I am writing this letter to apply for a 7 days leave from work.

I am writing to ask your readers to consider joining me in making a donation to WellChild for its Reach Out for Sick Children nurse appeal.

I wish to apply for the post of accounts manager as advertised in the November issue of People Management.

I am writing to cancel the above order which I placed with you.

I am writing to complain about the above holiday from which I have just returned with my family.

I am writing to complain about the poor standard of workmanship I received in relation to the above job.

I am writing to inform you of my deep concern about the ‘proposed amendment’ to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which would make it a criminal offence to 'incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality'.