What are the most hated office email phrases?

  Posted on 15/11/2019

We’ve all seen them – emails from colleagues/associates that make you cringe.

But what are the most hated office email phrases?

Email, according to a survey carried out by Adobe Software in 2018, is the preferred method of communication for office workers. Striking the right tone with your email correspondence, however, is often easier said than done. Certain phrases are hated more than others; phrases such as “per my last email” and “just checking in” are amongst the most hated phrases with office colleagues.

In addition to the survey, according to a study by Grammarly, the best way to sign off emails are as follows:

Best wishes - This is viewed as a friendly way to end an email, without being too casual or too formal.

Cheers - The study concluded that “Cheers” works well as it is friendly and is most likely to get an email response.

Best Often -  seen as safe but dull.

Regards/Sincerely - These are classed as professional and should be used when you want to portray a professional image.

What not to use to sign off your email: Love, Thx, Take Care, Respectfully. In addition, the study found that slang terms used in emails should always be avoided such as “LOL” “OMG” and “BTW.”

Certain email phrases are often perceived to have different meanings.

“Hope this helps” – (Just stop bothering me)

“I see your point” – (You can express your opinion, but I really don’t care)

“As stated below” – (You need to re-read my email again)

“Per my last email” - (You better re-read my last email again, so you won’t ask me stupid questions)

Typographical errors in emails were also seen as a “pet hate.”

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