25 Email Etiquette Examples for Remote Workers (Phrase Edition)

Remote workers prefer email to other forms of communication. 

This article goes beyond a list of best practices and gives you 25 practical phrases that you can use in your email communication.

Here's why email etiquette is important:

• 81% of remote workers check on their emails outside of working hours
• Forbes Advisor says that 42% of respondents have ‘tone of voice’ anxiety

These professional email etiquette examples will help you solve challenges that you may not have noticed before. Things get lost in translation. Tone is misinterpreted. Some people draft long detailed emails, and others stick to short bullet points.

Whatever your style – you should never underestimate the importance of tone, structure and saying something in the right way, to the right person.

Whether you’re crafting a pitch, responding to a colleague or raising concerns with senior leadership, word choice matters. And that’s why we’re bringing you these easy-to-use alternative statements.  

Here are 25 common email etiquette examples that will boost your professional image.

Email Etiquette That Adjusts Your Tone: Professionalism First

1) "Stop trying to call before work starts."

Let's respect our working hours for calls. 

2) "That sounds like a horrible idea."

I have some concerns about this approach. 

3) "Did you just take credit for my work?"

I would appreciate recognition for my contribution to this project. 

4) "That sounds like a you problem."

 I believe that falls within your scope of responsibilities, but I am happy to support where it makes sense​​.

5) "I am not paid enough to do this."

This task seems beyond my current job responsibilities. 

6) "You are not my boss."

I believe this might be more appropriate coming from my manager.

7) "I totally forgot about your email."

Your email slipped through my radar, but I’m on it now. 

8) "That’s not my job."

This request seems outside the scope of my current role. 

9) "I told you so."

As previously discussed, there were some potential issues that have now become apparent. 

10) "Answer my emails!"

I’d appreciate a timely response to my earlier emails. 

11) "I already told you this."

As I mentioned earlier... (reiterate the point)

12) "Stop bombarding me with messages."

To ensure clarity and efficiency, could we streamline our communication? 

13) "I couldn't care less."

I trust your judgment on this matter. 

14) "Stay in your own lane."

I think it’s important for us to focus on our individual areas of expertise.

15) "I'm not staying late to deal with this."

 I need to stick to my work schedule, but I’ll prioritize this first thing tomorrow. 

16) "I don't want to talk to you right now."

I’m currently tied up, can we schedule a time to talk? 

17) "Stop micromanaging me."

I appreciate your input, and I’d also value some autonomy in how I manage these tasks. 

18) "We don’t need to have a meeting about this."

Perhaps we can resolve this via email or a quick call instead of a formal meeting. 

19) "Can you do your job and respond to my email."

I’m looking forward to your insights on my last email.

20) "Do your job!"

Could you please assist with this matter as it falls within your responsibilities?

21) "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

Could you please provide more context or clarity?

22) "What you're saying doesn't make sense."

I’m having trouble following, could you please elaborate?

23) "Please hurry up and get this done."

Could we expedite the process due to time constraints? 

24) "I'll provide an update when I have one. Stop bothering me."

I will update you as soon as I have more information. 

25) "This is not my problem!"

This issue might be better addressed by someone in (relevant department or role).

Phrases for Your Remote Work Toolkit

With these power phrases, you’ll be a master of email etiquette in no time. Add these to your remote work toolkit as an essential resource. 

Remember that how you say something is just as important as what you say! With these on your side, you'll never underestimate the importance of email etiquette again.

Whether it’s adjusting your tone to be more respectful, being clear and concise or diplomatically navigating tricky remote communication dynamics, these phrases will come in handy.

With every email that you send, you’re saying something about who you are and how you connect with the world.

Project the best possible professional image, and people will appreciate your emails.