A formal letter sent to a university admissions department contains the following opening sentence: 'Por medio de la presente, me dirijo a usted para solicitar información sobre el programa de becas.' Which of the following best describes the function of the phrase 'Por medio de la presente' in this context?
- It is a formal formula used to state that the letter itself is the vehicle for the sender's inquiry.Answer
- BIt is a temporal marker indicating that the request is urgent and must be addressed in the present moment.
- CIt is a spatial reference showing that the writer is physically present at the institution.
- DIt is an introductory phrase implying that a previous communication has already been acknowledged.
Answer
It is a formal formula used to state that the letter itself is the vehicle for the sender's inquiry.
The correct answer is the option stating that the letter itself is the vehicle for the sender's inquiry. The phrase 'por medio de la presente' is a highly common opening formula in formal Spanish letters, translating to 'by means of this letter' or 'hereby.' It formally indicates that the letter being read is the direct instrument through which the writer is contacting the recipient.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying the meaning and function of formal Spanish correspondence formulas in context.