Unit 9: Email etiquette

Unit 9: Email etiquette

Don’t be rude! Be sure to follow these fundamental rules on what to write and what not to write in your emails.

Email etiquette

In Task 1, you will see the rules that are left blank in the article below.

Email dos and don'ts

A lot of people still have problems writing emails. I should know – I receive badly written emails every day! So I hope these suggestions will help.

Rule 1:

Always check you've got the right name in the 'To' box. And make sure your email only goes to the people who need to read it. Remember that if you reply to all, then everyone will get your email. Does the whole sales team really need to read your email to one person about something unimportant?

Rule 2:

This sounds obvious, but don't forget to attach them! A word of advice – attach the file you want to send before you start writing. That way, you can't forget to attach it!

Rule 3:

No. If you write 'CAN YOU LET ME KNOW THIS WEEK?' you are basically shouting at your reader. They will think you are very rude. So just don't do it.

Rule 4:

Short emails sometimes sound rude. People won't read very long emails. Keep emails short, but remember to be polite and friendly, too.

Rule 5:

This is important, especially if it's a work email. If you make mistakes in your email, people will think you also make mistakes in your work. So always check everything carefully. Ask a colleague to read and check it before you hit 'Send'.

Task 1

Task 2

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Average: 4.5 (6 votes)
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Submitted by Alistoteles on Tue, 02/01/2024 - 08:34

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It was very helpful, thanks for your help

Submitted by Yazmin Contreras on Tue, 25/07/2023 - 09:18

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It was interesting. Good to practice my English.

Submitted by Tahtooha on Tue, 04/04/2023 - 08:49

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Thanks for helping.
Finally, I could write an email without fear.

Submitted by Mounika29 on Tue, 11/10/2022 - 18:29

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I have learnt so any things. Thank you.

Submitted by jyoti Chaudhary on Thu, 26/05/2022 - 13:03

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I understand everything that you taught me in this lesson. I will apply all the rules before sending an email. thank you for your help.

Submitted by Alexandr Shaforosotv on Sun, 05/12/2021 - 14:33

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Thanks for your course!

Submitted by Olga_Chernyav on Fri, 19/11/2021 - 18:19

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Thanks for your course!

Submitted by IlyaK on Tue, 16/03/2021 - 20:40

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I think that this course is important for everyone!

Hello IlyaK,

I'm glad you found it useful. I just let you know that our Effective email communication course, which is available to our subscribers, goes into much more detail. I even learned some useful things from it myself!

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team