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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Essay & Composition Writing
Hello
I am from South Asia.
The form of English used here is mainly British, though as elsewhere American is beginning to make itself felt because of the explosion of the internet.
We retain some words that have fallen out of fashion in Britain.
Suppose I want a favour or something to be done, I would write to a friend like "Kindly do the needful".
I am told this sentence is out of fashion or never used in Britain. I feel that I speak English of 1940's.
Could anyone tell me what is the equivalent sentence spoken in Britian/America nowadays for "Kindly do the needful".
So far, I've been using this sentence in my official mails whenever I send e-mail to my American clients. I want to be sure whether my American clients really understood what I tried to say.
Thanks in advance.
With regards,
Tom
The form of English used here is mainly British, though as elsewhere American is beginning to make itself felt because of the explosion of the internet.
We retain some words that have fallen out of fashion in Britain.
Suppose I want a favour or something to be done, I would write to a friend like "Kindly do the needful".
I am told this sentence is out of fashion or never used in Britain. I feel that I speak English of 1940's.
Could anyone tell me what is the equivalent sentence spoken in Britian/America nowadays for "Kindly do the needful".
So far, I've been using this sentence in my official mails whenever I send e-mail to my American clients. I want to be sure whether my American clients really understood what I tried to say.
Thanks in advance.
With regards,
Tom
Top answer
Hello, Tom. I must tell you honestly that when I first read 'Kindly do the needful' in an international letter, I was taken back almost to my namesake, Mr Micawber, in the days of Charles Dickens. Then I came to understand that it was a common phrase in some Asian Englishes, and as such, it should still be used with your domestic correspondents.
- Hello, Tom.
- I must tell you honestly that when I first read 'Kindly do the needful' in an international letter, I was taken back almost to my namesake, Mr Micawber, in the days of Charles Dickens.
- Then I came to understand that it was a common phrase in some Asian Englishes, and as such, it should still be used with your domestic correspondents.
- It does indeed sound quaint to American ears, at least.
- When I am editing business letters for students, I usually change that phrase to something like 'Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter' or 'Thank you for your consideration'.
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1 Answers
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Hello, Tom.
I must tell you honestly that when I first read 'Kindly do the needful' in an international letter, I was taken back almost to my namesake, Mr Micawber, in the days of Charles Dickens. Then I came to understand that it was a common phrase in some Asian Englishes, and as such, it should still be used with your domestic correspondents. It does indeed sound quaint to American
I must tell you honestly that when I first read 'Kindly do the needful' in an international letter, I was taken back almost to my namesake, Mr Micawber, in the days of Charles Dickens. Then I came to understand that it was a common phrase in some Asian Englishes, and as such, it should still be used with your domestic correspondents. It does indeed sound quaint to American
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