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)
Profile picture for user Kirk Moore

Submitted by Kirk Moore on Sat, 11/04/2020 - 09:36

In reply to by Lal

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Hello Lal

You are right in thinking that 'why' and 'what for' mean the same thing, but please note that 'what' is used with 'for':

What did you leave the meeting early for?
Why did you leave the meeting early?

All the best

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by kuchkarovamuhayyo on Tue, 09/07/2019 - 13:58

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I also think that these tips are useful in official writing. If you are applying for a job, you must write your resume in an official form. Concise and clear tips on working with e-mail. I always left a message saying that you need to be careful with any sending letter.

Submitted by Nazarova Feruza on Fri, 05/07/2019 - 07:49

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Necessary rules for writing E-mail letters.

Submitted by Nazarova Feruza on Fri, 05/07/2019 - 07:25

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I also think it is not possible to write short letters all the time.

Submitted by Shoira on Fri, 28/06/2019 - 13:25

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I also always mostly use e-mail, in the future I will try to use these rules

Submitted by Shoira on Tue, 25/06/2019 - 11:43

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I also think that writing letters should be as short as possible, understandable and always without mistakes.

Submitted by MINH HUE on Mon, 24/06/2019 - 03:02

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The short and straightforward tips for pertinent email for works. I send the email without attached files or wrongful email addresses although I always keep reminder myself to be carefully with any sending email.

Submitted by d makhmudova on Sat, 22/06/2019 - 18:30

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I consider this tips are useful in formal writing. If you are applying for a job you need to write your CV in formal way. Even your letter which is being sent to employer should be written accurately in formal form.