Emails are still one of our most common means of communication at work, even with the rising popularity of Slack and other communication channels. And although it is our bread and butter, email culture moves in mysterious ways. Email phrases like “just to clarify” or “per my last email” are seemingly polite phrases, and yet most of us would rather not receive an email containing them.
Here are 12 relatable tweets that express how many of us feel about professional emails.
1. I hope this email finds you well
“I hope this email finds you well.” how this email finds me: pic.twitter.com/6I1erABEgj — maya houston (@elcincodemaya) August 29, 2020
2. Sorry for being sorry
Every work email I send: Hey! Sorry to bug you! Was just wondering (If it’s not too much trouble) Would it be possible to do thing you said you’d do? Totally fine if not! Prob my fault anyway I’m an idiot 🙂 Sorry to bother you! Sorry I exist! So sorry! Just let me know! Emily — Emily Murnane (@emily_murnane) October 19, 2018
3. I’ll let you take it from here
“I’ll let you two take it from here.” = “I’m not a part of this and don’t want to be.” — Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) January 29, 2020
4. Per my last email
Maybe not insufferable but I absolutely love how “per my last email” is code for “do you even know how to f’ing read?” — * VOTE, Vax, & wear a mask * (briana mcdougall) (@briana9) January 29, 2020
5. Per my last email – Part 2
Is it “did you even read my email?” or “as per my last email”? Asking for a friend. — kavin (@kaizer_sigma) September 21, 2021
6. Just to clarify…
“Just to clarify” = I’m gonna ask this question again, simpler this time, so you can see exactly how stupid what you’re asking me to do is. — Charlie Bressler (@ghost_Mk1) January 29, 2020
7. As previously discussed
“As previously discussed” = I didn’t put in writing last time because I thought you were an adult. — Mitch Dinkins (@MitchDinkins) January 29, 2020
8. I’m balancing a lot this week
“I’m balancing a lot this week” = “Just a quick reminder that I’m not your employee.” — David Gibb (@DaveWritesJunk) January 29, 2020
9. When you include so much gibberish it becomes unreadable
I just wanted to touch base per my last email. We need to circle the wagons and make sure we are all on the same page about the process before we face forward towards the user community. — Poor Man’s Cyborg (Deetlebee) (@pontelon) January 29, 2020
10. Exclamation points
Wait! You don’t have to end every sentence with an exclamation point?!
email culture is switching an exclamation point between your greeting and your first sentence because you don’t want to come on too strong by exclaiming twice in a row. — anna borges (@annabroges) April 11, 2019
11. Inspirational quotes in signatures – love it or hate it
Imagine you meet your soulmate then discover he has an inspirational quote in his email signature — Taylor Soule (@TaylorOSoule) August 18, 2019
12. Checking work emails after a week off
Me heading back into work tomorrow after not checking my emails for a week pic.twitter.com/FMK4Wy3owv — Helen Ingram (@drhingram) September 19, 2021
Write professional emails across cultures
Even if some business emails make us go up the wall, they’re still a fundamental part of our work life, and mastering them is an invaluable tool for professional growth.
Download our free guide How to Write Professional Emails in English and check out the following resources that will help you write professional business emails across cultures:
For a more interactive experience, attend one of our monthly free webinars or start learning with a teacher.
For any additional information or questions, you can also reach out at hello@talaera.com.
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