If I had 1€ for every vague email I’ve received… Especially when it ends with “Can you confirm receipt of this?”
Of what, exactly?
The email? The document? The information? And what do you want me to do with it?
When I worked as an executive assistant, vague email phrases like this drove me crazy.
In fast-paced business settings, where documents and decisions fly back and forth all day, unclear messages slow things down.
“Can you confirm receipt of this?” is:
✖ Vague
✖ Passive
✖ Easy to ignore or misunderstand
✖ And in some cultures, it can feel oddly demanding
If you want action, be specific. If you want clarity, be clear.
What you really need is a message that:
✅ Says exactly what you want the person to do
✅ Prompts them to engage, not just read
✅ Makes sure they got the message and understood it
Swipe for 4 clearer alternatives you can start using today.👇
What about you? What’s a phrase that instantly makes you roll your eyes?
