1. “With all due respect…”
This is usually a precursor to a criticism the sender has about you or something you did. It means that they don’t mean to disrespect you, but they have feedback for you that you may not want to hear.
2. “Let me see what I can do.”
If someone uses this email phrase in response to a request from you, they’re telling you that they’ll do what they can to fulfill your request. It isn’t a promise that they’ll do what you asked of them, just a confirmation that they’ll do what they can.
3. “I’ve had enough of this.”
Someone sending you this is telling you that they’re sick and tired of something. They could be referring to something you’ve been doing or something else in their life that’s frustrating them. Look for context clues in the email.
4. “Just in case you missed this…”
If someone uses this email phrase they’re probably reminding you of something that they believe you had been informed of previously, either from them or another source. It’s a heads-up that they need you to take some form of action, and sooner is better.
5. “I’m just following up…”
The meaning of this is similar to the previous email phrase, but not identical. It means that they contacted you previously and you didn’t respond, so they’re trying to get ahold of you again.
6. “I’m swamped.”
This email phrase is another way of saying “I’m busy”. It’s common when someone says this that they’re essentially telling you that they don’t have time to help you with something.
7. “Seeking a little closure…”
Someone seeking closure wants to understand why you did something, probably something that hurt their feelings. They don’t want resentful feelings to linger, preferring that you both get your grievances out in the open.
8. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you…”
Someone using this email phrase is telling you that they’d be happy to help you with something, if the occasion arrises.
9. “Cheers”
When someone says “Cheers” they’re thanking you and usually ending the conversation.
10. “Thought I’d see how you’re doing…”
This email phrase often means that the sender is worried about you, and is checking up to see if everything is okay.
11. “Maybe later.”
When someone tells you this after you ask them for something, they’re telling you that can’t do it right now but might be open to it in the future. Be warned, though, that this email phrase is often used when the sender is brushing you off.
12. “Quick favor.”
This is a way of asking you to help them by doing a (usually) easy task for them. If you do that for them the unspoken agreement is that they’ll help you with something that requires a similar level of effort when the need arises.
13. “Give me a minute.”
Someone saying this phrase in an email is telling you that they’re busy at the moment and that you’ll need to wait before they can help you. Oftentimes you have to wait a lot longer than 60 seconds.
14. “I’m in a bit of a bind.”
When someone tells you this, whether it be via email or in-person, they’re telling you that they’re in some sort of trouble. Usually when they say this they are next going to ask you for some kind of help.
15. “This may come as a complete surprise to you…”
Someone who sends this is informing you that what they’re saying next might be unexpected news to you. Featured photo credit: JASE Group LLC via flickr.com
