Email Etiquette: Synonyms for “Please Kindly”

In professional and formal communication, the words we choose significantly impact how our message is perceived. Using phrases like “please kindly” can sometimes sound outdated or redundant.

Understanding effective synonyms and alternatives is crucial for crafting clear, concise, and respectful emails. This article explores various ways to replace “please kindly” with more modern and impactful language, enhancing your email communication skills.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve their email etiquette, this guide will provide you with the tools to communicate more effectively.

By mastering these alternatives, you’ll be able to write emails that are not only polite but also clear, professional, and tailored to your specific audience and purpose. This will help you build stronger relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and achieve your communication goals more effectively.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Definition of “Please Kindly”
  3. Structural Breakdown: Why It’s Used
  4. Alternatives to “Please Kindly”
  5. Examples of Synonyms in Use
  6. Usage Rules and Best Practices
  7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  8. Practice Exercises
  9. Advanced Topics: Tone and Nuance
  10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  11. Conclusion

Definition of “Please Kindly”

“Please kindly” is a phrase used in emails and other forms of written communication to make a request or give a command in a polite manner. It combines the words “please,” which is a standard politeness marker, and “kindly,” an adverb meaning “in a kind manner.” The intention behind using this phrase is to soften the request and show respect to the recipient.

Historically, “please kindly” was more common in formal business correspondence, particularly in British English. However, its usage has declined in modern communication due to its perceived redundancy and potential to sound overly formal or even passive-aggressive in certain contexts.

While the intention is generally positive, the phrase can sometimes come across as old-fashioned or even insincere if not used carefully. Therefore, it’s essential to understand its nuances and consider more contemporary alternatives that convey politeness without sounding outdated.

Structural Breakdown: Why It’s Used

The structure of “please kindly” is straightforward, comprising two elements:

  1. “Please:” This is a universal politeness marker used to soften requests and make them more agreeable. It indicates that the speaker or writer is aware of the imposition being made and is attempting to mitigate it.
  2. “Kindly:” This adverb modifies the implied verb (e.g., “do,” “provide,” “consider”) and suggests that the action should be performed in a kind or considerate manner. It adds an extra layer of politeness to the request.

The combination of these two elements aims to create a doubly polite request. However, the redundancy is what often makes the phrase sound clunky or unnecessary in modern English.

The underlying idea is to ensure the recipient feels respected and valued, but this can be achieved more effectively with alternative phrasing.

The perceived politeness of “please kindly” stems from its historical use in formal settings. In the past, when social hierarchies were more rigidly observed, such elaborate politeness markers were essential for maintaining decorum.

Today, however, a more direct yet still respectful approach is generally preferred.

Alternatives to “Please Kindly”

There are numerous ways to convey politeness and respect in your emails without relying on the outdated phrase “please kindly.” The best alternative will depend on the specific context, your relationship with the recipient, and the level of formality required.

Using “Please” Alone

In many cases, simply using “please” is sufficient to convey politeness. It is a versatile and widely accepted way to soften a request without sounding overly formal.

For example, instead of saying “Please kindly submit your report by Friday,” you can simply say “Please submit your report by Friday.” This is more concise and direct while still being polite.

Using “Kindly” Alone

In certain contexts, “kindly” can be used on its own, although this is less common than using “please.” It is generally more appropriate for instructions or requests where a degree of formality is desired but not excessive.

For instance, you might say “Kindly review the attached document” instead of “Please kindly review the attached document.” However, be mindful that “kindly” can sometimes sound slightly abrupt or demanding if not used carefully.

“Would You Mind” and “Could You”

Using modal verbs like “would,” “could,” and “can” is a great way to soften a request and make it more polite. These constructions frame the request as a question, giving the recipient a sense of agency.

  • “Would you mind…?” This is a very polite way to make a request, especially when it involves a slight inconvenience for the recipient. For example, “Would you mind sending me the updated figures?”
  • “Could you…?” This is a more direct but still polite way to make a request. For example, “Could you please provide me with the project timeline?”

Expressing Appreciation

Expressing appreciation in advance can be a very effective way to soften a request. This approach acknowledges the recipient’s effort and shows that you value their contribution.

For example, instead of saying “Please kindly send me the report,” you could say “I would appreciate it if you could send me the report.” This phrasing is both polite and appreciative.

Direct Requests

In some situations, especially in professional settings, a direct request can be the most effective approach. This involves clearly stating what you need without excessive politeness markers.

For example, instead of saying “Please kindly let me know your availability,” you could say “Please let me know your availability.” This is concise and to the point.

Formal Alternatives

In very formal situations, such as communicating with senior executives or clients, you might want to use more elevated language to convey respect.

  • “I would be grateful if you could…”
  • “I would be most obliged if you could…”
  • “Your assistance with this matter would be greatly appreciated.”

Informal Alternatives

In informal settings, such as communicating with colleagues or friends, you can use more casual language.

  • “Could you possibly…?”
  • “If you could…”
  • “Let me know if you can…”

Examples of Synonyms in Use

The following tables provide examples of how to replace “please kindly” with more effective alternatives in various contexts. Each table focuses on a specific type of request, illustrating the different options available.

General Requests

This table provides examples of how to replace “please kindly” in general requests. It includes various options, from simply using “please” to more elaborate expressions of appreciation.

Original (Using “Please Kindly”) Alternative 1 (Using “Please”) Alternative 2 (Using “Could You”) Alternative 3 (Expressing Appreciation)
Please kindly send me the document. Please send me the document. Could you please send me the document? I would appreciate it if you could send me the document.
Please kindly review the proposal. Please review the proposal. Could you review the proposal? I would be grateful if you could review the proposal.
Please kindly confirm your attendance. Please confirm your attendance. Could you please confirm your attendance? I would appreciate it if you could confirm your attendance.
Please kindly provide your feedback. Please provide your feedback. Could you please provide your feedback? I would be grateful for your feedback on this.
Please kindly update the spreadsheet. Please update the spreadsheet. Could you update the spreadsheet? I would appreciate it if you could update the spreadsheet.
Please kindly submit your report by Friday. Please submit your report by Friday. Could you please submit your report by Friday? I would appreciate it if you could submit your report by Friday.
Please kindly let me know your availability. Please let me know your availability. Could you please let me know your availability? I would appreciate it if you could let me know your availability.
Please kindly sign the contract. Please sign the contract. Could you please sign the contract? I would appreciate it if you could sign the contract.
Please kindly forward this email. Please forward this email. Could you please forward this email? I would appreciate it if you could forward this email.
Please kindly respond to this message. Please respond to this message. Could you please respond to this message? I would appreciate a response to this message.
Please kindly check the attachment. Please check the attachment. Could you please check the attachment? I would appreciate it if you could check the attachment.
Please kindly consider my request. Please consider my request. Could you please consider my request? I would appreciate your consideration of my request.
Please kindly handle this with care. Please handle this with care. Could you please handle this with care? I would appreciate it if you could handle this with care.
Please kindly take a look at this. Please take a look at this. Could you please take a look at this? I would appreciate it if you could take a look at this.
Please kindly review this matter. Please review this matter. Could you please review this matter? I would appreciate your review of this matter.
Please kindly provide a summary. Please provide a summary. Could you please provide a summary? I would appreciate it if you could provide a summary.
Please kindly share your thoughts. Please share your thoughts. Could you please share your thoughts? I would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Please kindly offer your assistance. Please offer your assistance. Could you please offer your assistance? I would appreciate any assistance you can offer.
Please kindly give me your opinion. Please give me your opinion. Could you please give me your opinion? I would appreciate your opinion on this.
Please kindly consider these points. Please consider these points. Could you please consider these points? I would appreciate your consideration of these points.
See also  Synonyms for "Deepens": Enrich Your Vocabulary

Urgent Requests

This table shows how to phrase urgent requests without using “please kindly.” Emphasizing the urgency and the reason behind it can be more effective.

Original (Using “Please Kindly”) Alternative 1 (Emphasizing Urgency) Alternative 2 (Providing Reason) Alternative 3 (Direct Request)
Please kindly respond to this urgently. Please respond to this as soon as possible. Please respond to this urgently, as we need to finalize the decision. Your urgent response would be appreciated.
Please kindly review this immediately. Please review this immediately. Please review this immediately, as it affects the project timeline. Immediate review is needed.
Please kindly update the system right away. Please update the system right away. Please update the system right away to prevent further issues. An immediate system update is required.
Please kindly send the report ASAP. Please send the report as soon as possible. Please send the report ASAP, as it’s needed for the meeting. We need the report urgently.
Please kindly confirm your decision quickly. Please confirm your decision quickly. Please confirm your decision quickly so we can proceed with the plan. A quick decision is needed.
Please kindly prioritize this task. Please prioritize this task urgently. Please prioritize this task as it’s critical for the deadline. This task requires immediate prioritization.
Please kindly address this issue promptly. Please address this issue promptly. Please address this issue promptly to avoid further complications. Prompt attention to this issue is required.
Please kindly take immediate action. Please take immediate action. Please take immediate action to resolve the problem. Immediate action is needed to resolve this.
Please kindly respond to this within the hour. Please respond to this within the hour. Please respond to this within the hour, as it’s time-sensitive. A response is needed within the hour.
Please kindly resolve this matter urgently. Please resolve this matter urgently. Please resolve this matter urgently to prevent further delays. Urgent resolution is required.
Please kindly fix this issue right now. Please fix this issue right now. Please fix this issue right now to prevent service interruption. Immediate fix is needed.
Please kindly address this problem immediately. Please address this problem immediately. Please address this problem immediately to ensure customer satisfaction. Immediate problem resolution is required.
Please kindly send the data urgently. Please send the data urgently. Please send the data urgently for immediate analysis. Immediate data submission is needed.
Please kindly finalize this report quickly. Please finalize this report quickly. Please finalize this report quickly to meet the deadline. Quick report finalization is required.
Please kindly review the changes ASAP. Please review the changes ASAP. Please review the changes ASAP as they are critical for the launch. Immediate review of changes is required.
Please kindly approve this request urgently. Please approve this request urgently. Please approve this request urgently to keep the project on track. Urgent approval is needed.
Please kindly provide feedback immediately. Please provide feedback immediately. Please provide feedback immediately to guide our next steps. Immediate feedback is required.
Please kindly update the records promptly. Please update the records promptly. Please update the records promptly to ensure accuracy. Prompt record update is needed.
Please kindly verify this information quickly. Please verify this information quickly. Please verify this information quickly to avoid errors. Quick information verification is required.
Please kindly send the confirmation immediately. Please send the confirmation immediately. Please send the confirmation immediately to proceed with the process. Immediate confirmation is needed.

Follow-up Requests

When following up on a previous request, it’s important to be polite but also clear about your expectations. This table provides alternatives to “please kindly” in follow-up emails.

Original (Using “Please Kindly”) Alternative 1 (Gentle Reminder) Alternative 2 (Direct Inquiry) Alternative 3 (Expressing Urgency)
Please kindly update me on the status. I was hoping to get an update on the status. Could you please provide an update on the status? We urgently need an update on the status.
Please kindly send the revised document. I’m following up on the revised document. Could you please send the revised document at your earliest convenience? We need the revised document to proceed.
Please kindly confirm receipt of this email. Just checking in to see if you received this email. Could you please confirm that you received this email? Please confirm receipt of this email as soon as possible.
Please kindly let me know your thoughts. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on this. Could you please share your thoughts on this when you have a moment? We need your feedback to move forward.
Please kindly provide the missing information. I’m following up on the missing information. Could you please provide the missing information at your convenience? We require the missing information to complete this.
Please kindly provide an update on the project. I am following up on the project update. Could you please provide an update on the project status? We require an immediate update on the project.
Please kindly send the presentation slides. Just checking in about the presentation slides. Could you please send the presentation slides when you have a chance? We need the presentation slides to prepare for the meeting.
Please kindly review the attached file. I am following up on the attached file for review. Could you please review the attached file when you get a moment? We need your review of the attached file urgently.
Please kindly confirm the meeting time. I am following up on the meeting time confirmation. Could you please confirm the meeting time at your earliest convenience? We need to confirm the meeting time to schedule it.
Please kindly provide feedback on the draft. Just checking in about your feedback on the draft. Could you please provide feedback on the draft when you have time? We need your feedback on the draft to proceed.
Please kindly send the finalized report. I am following up on the finalized report. Could you please send the finalized report as soon as possible? We need the finalized report to complete the analysis.
Please kindly provide the necessary documents. Just checking in about the necessary documents. Could you please provide the necessary documents at your earliest convenience? We need the necessary documents to continue.
Please kindly update the project timeline. I am following up on the project timeline update. Could you please update the project timeline when you have a moment? We need the updated project timeline to track progress.
Please kindly review the contract terms. Just checking in about your review of the contract terms. Could you please review the contract terms when you have a chance? We need your review of the contract terms before signing.
Please kindly confirm your availability for a call. I am following up on your availability for a call. Could you please confirm your availability for a call at your convenience? We need to schedule a call promptly.
Please kindly send the updated budget. Just checking in about the updated budget. Could you please send the updated budget as soon as possible? We need the updated budget for planning.
Please kindly provide the required approvals. I am following up on the required approvals. Could you please provide the required approvals when you have time? We need the required approvals to proceed with the project.
Please kindly update the task status. Just checking in about the task status updates. Could you please update the task status at your earliest convenience? We need the updated task status to monitor progress.
Please kindly review the policy changes. I am following up on your review of the policy changes. Could you please review the policy changes when you have a chance? We need your review of the policy changes before implementation.
Please kindly confirm your participation in the event. Just checking in about your participation in the event. Could you please confirm your participation in the event at your convenience? We need to confirm your participation for event planning.
See also  Other Ways to Say "Someone With a Good Memory"

Requesting Information

When requesting information, being clear and specific is key. This table provides examples of how to ask for information without using “please kindly.”

Original (Using “Please Kindly”) Alternative 1 (Direct Request) Alternative 2 (Polite Inquiry) Alternative 3 (Expressing Need)
Please kindly provide the sales figures for Q3. Please provide the sales figures for Q3. Could you provide the sales figures for Q3? We require the sales figures for Q3.
Please kindly share the project timeline. Please share the project timeline. Could you share the project timeline with me? We need the project timeline for planning purposes.
Please kindly let me know the meeting agenda. Please let me know the meeting agenda. Could you please let me know the meeting agenda? I need to know the meeting agenda to prepare.
Please kindly provide details of the new policy. Please provide details of the new policy. Could you please provide details of the new policy? We need details on the new policy for compliance.
Please kindly inform me of the decision. Please inform me of the decision. Could you please inform me of the decision? I need to be informed of the decision promptly.
Please kindly provide the budget breakdown. Please provide the budget breakdown. Could you please provide the budget breakdown for review? We require the budget breakdown for our analysis.
Please kindly share the customer feedback data. Please share the customer feedback data. Could you please share the customer feedback data with me? We need the customer feedback data for improvement.
Please kindly let me know the project status. Please let me know the project status. Could you please let me know the project status at your convenience? I need to know the project status to update stakeholders.
Please kindly provide the technical specifications. Please provide the technical specifications. Could you please provide the technical specifications for the product? We require the technical specifications for development.
Please kindly inform me of the launch date. Please inform me of the launch date. Could you please inform me of the launch date when you have it? I need to be informed of the launch date for planning.
Please kindly provide the employee directory. Please provide the employee directory. Could you please provide the employee directory for reference? We require the employee directory for internal communications.
Please kindly share the training materials. Please share the training materials. Could you please share the training materials with the new hires? We need the training materials for onboarding.
Please kindly let me know the conference details. Please let me know the conference details. Could you please let me know the conference details at your convenience? I need to know the conference details for registration.
Please kindly provide the meeting minutes. Please provide the meeting minutes. Could you please provide the meeting minutes from the last meeting? We require the meeting minutes for record-keeping.
Please kindly inform me of the decision-making process. Please inform me of the decision-making process. Could you please inform me of the decision-making process in the company? I need to be informed of the decision-making process for transparency.
Please kindly provide the security guidelines. Please provide the security guidelines. Could you please provide the security guidelines for our team? We require the security guidelines for compliance.
Please kindly share the market research data. Please share the market research data. Could you please share the market research data with the marketing team? We need the market research data for strategy development.
Please kindly let me know the updated contact details. Please let me know the updated contact details. Could you please let me know the updated contact details at your convenience? I need to know the updated contact details for communication.
Please kindly provide the policy documentation. Please provide the policy documentation. Could you please provide the policy documentation for review? We require the policy documentation for compliance checks.
Please kindly inform me of the system maintenance schedule. Please inform me of the system maintenance schedule. Could you please inform me of the system maintenance schedule in advance? I need to be informed of the system maintenance schedule for planning.

Requesting Action

When you need someone to take a specific action, it’s important to be clear about what you need them to do. This table provides alternatives to “please kindly” when requesting action.

Original (Using “Please Kindly”) Alternative 1 (Direct Command) Alternative 2 (Polite Request) Alternative 3 (Explanation)
Please kindly approve the purchase order. Please approve the purchase order. Could you please approve the purchase order? Please approve the purchase order so we can proceed with the purchase.
Please kindly submit the expense report. Please submit the expense report. Could you please submit the expense report by Friday? Please submit the expense report to ensure timely reimbursement.
Please kindly update the project plan. Please update the project plan. Could you please update the project plan with the latest changes? Please update the project plan to reflect the current status.
Please kindly review the document and provide feedback. Please review the document and provide feedback. Could you please review the document and provide your feedback? Please review the document and provide feedback to improve its quality.
Please kindly sign the agreement. Please sign the agreement. Could you please sign the agreement at your earliest convenience? Please sign the agreement to formalize the partnership.
Please kindly schedule the meeting. Please schedule the meeting. Could you please schedule the meeting for next week? Please schedule the meeting to discuss the project progress.
Please kindly implement the changes. Please implement the changes. Could you please implement the changes as soon as possible? Please implement the changes to improve the system performance.
Please kindly test the software. Please test the software. Could you please test the software before the release? Please test the software to identify and fix any bugs.
Please kindly confirm the reservation. Please confirm the reservation. Could you please confirm the reservation to secure the venue? Please confirm the reservation to ensure we have a place.
Please kindly process the payment. Please process the payment. Could you please process the payment to complete the transaction? Please process the payment so we can finalize the deal.
Please kindly approve the budget request. Please approve the budget request. Could you please approve the budget request for Q4? Please approve the budget request to allocate resources for the project.
Please kindly submit the application form. Please submit the application form. Could you please submit the application form by the deadline? Please submit the application form to be considered for the position.
Please kindly update the customer database. Please update the customer database. Could you please update the customer database with the latest information? Please update the customer database to maintain accurate records.
Please kindly review and approve the proposal. Please review and approve the proposal. Could you please review and approve the proposal at your earliest convenience? Please review and approve the proposal to secure the funding.
Please kindly activate the account. Please activate the account. Could you please activate the account so the user can access the system? Please activate the account to grant system access.
Please kindly reset the password. Please reset the password. Could you please reset the password for the user? Please reset the password to restore access to the account.
Please kindly install the update. Please install the update. Could you please install the update to improve the software performance? Please install the update to benefit from the latest features.
Please kindly verify the information. Please verify the information. Could you please verify the information to ensure accuracy? Please verify the information to avoid errors.
Please kindly confirm your participation. Please confirm your participation. Could you please confirm your participation in the event? Please confirm your participation to help us with event planning.
Please kindly complete the survey. Please complete the survey. Could you please complete the survey to provide your valuable feedback? Please complete the survey to help us improve our services.
See also  Words for Sad Beauty: Exploring Melancholy in Language

Usage Rules and Best Practices

When choosing an alternative to “please kindly,” consider the following guidelines:

  • Know Your Audience: Tailor your language to

    the recipient. A formal tone is appropriate for senior management or external clients, while a more casual tone may be suitable for colleagues.

  • Consider the Context: The nature of your request and the situation it relates to will influence your choice of words. Urgent requests may require more direct language, while routine requests can be softer.
  • Be Clear and Concise: Regardless of the level of formality, always ensure your message is clear and easy to understand. Avoid ambiguity and get straight to the point.
  • Use Positive Language: Frame your requests in a positive way to encourage cooperation. For example, instead of saying “Don’t forget to send the report,” try “Please remember to send the report.”
  • Proofread Carefully: Always proofread your emails before sending them to catch any errors in grammar or spelling. This will help you maintain a professional image.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good understanding of alternatives, it’s easy to make mistakes in your email communication. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Overusing Politeness Markers: While politeness is important, excessive use of phrases like “please” and “thank you” can make your message sound insincere or even passive-aggressive. Strive for a balance between politeness and directness.
  • Using Outdated Language: Avoid using phrases that sound old-fashioned or overly formal, such as “please be advised” or “please kindly.” These phrases can make you sound out of touch.
  • Being Too Informal: On the other hand, being too informal in a professional setting can be equally damaging. Avoid using slang, jargon, or overly casual language when communicating with senior colleagues or clients.
  • Failing to Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your credibility and make your message difficult to understand. Always take the time to proofread your emails before sending them.
  • Ignoring Your Audience: Failing to tailor your language to your audience can lead to misunderstandings and offense. Consider your relationship with the recipient and the context of your message when choosing your words.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of alternatives to “please kindly,” try the following exercises:

Exercise 1: Rewriting Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences, replacing “please kindly” with a more appropriate alternative:

  1. Please kindly send me the updated report.
  2. Please kindly review the attached document.
  3. Please kindly confirm your attendance at the meeting.
  4. Please kindly provide your feedback on the proposal.
  5. Please kindly update the project timeline.

Possible Answers:

  1. Please send me the updated report.
  2. Could you please review the attached document?
  3. Please confirm your attendance at the meeting.
  4. I would appreciate your feedback on the proposal.
  5. Please update the project timeline.

Exercise 2: Choosing the Right Tone

For each of the following scenarios, choose the most appropriate way to phrase the request:

  1. Requesting a report from your direct report.
  2. Requesting information from a senior executive.
  3. Following up on a request with a colleague.

Possible Answers:

  1. Please send me the report by Friday. (Direct and clear)
  2. I would be grateful if you could provide information on… (Formal and respectful)
  3. Just checking in on the status of… (Informal and friendly)

Advanced Topics: Tone and Nuance

Mastering email communication involves more than just choosing the right words; it also requires understanding tone and nuance. Tone refers to the overall feeling or attitude conveyed in your message, while nuance refers to subtle differences in meaning.

Here are some tips for conveying the right tone and nuance in your emails:

  • Be Mindful of Your Word Choice: Different words can evoke different emotions. Choose your words carefully to convey the intended tone. For example, “require” sounds more demanding than “request.”
  • Use Emoticons Sparingly: Emoticons can help convey emotion in informal emails, but they are generally not appropriate for professional communication. Use them sparingly and only when appropriate for your audience and context.
  • Pay Attention to Punctuation: Punctuation can also affect the tone of your message. For example, using excessive exclamation points can make you sound overly enthusiastic or even unprofessional.
  • Consider Your Audience’s Perspective: Before sending an email, take a moment to consider how your message might be received by the recipient. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your message is well-received.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is “please kindly” considered outdated?

While it was once common, “please kindly” can sound redundant and overly formal in modern communication. More concise and direct alternatives are generally preferred.

Is it ever appropriate to use “please kindly”?

In very rare cases, such as when communicating with someone from a culture where such formal language is still common, it might be acceptable. However, it’s generally best to avoid it.

What’s the best alternative to “please kindly” in a formal email?

Formal alternatives include “I would be grateful if you could…” or “Your assistance with this matter would be greatly appreciated.”

What’s the best alternative to “please kindly” in an informal email?

Informal alternatives include “Could you please…” or simply “Please…”

How can I ensure my emails are polite without sounding insincere?

Be genuine in your expression of appreciation and tailor your language to your audience. Avoid excessive politeness markers and focus on being clear and concise.

Conclusion

Mastering effective email communication is essential for success in today’s professional world. By understanding the nuances of language and choosing the right words, you can craft emails that are not only polite but also clear, concise, and impactful.

While “please kindly” may have been a common phrase in the past, there are now many better alternatives that will help you communicate more effectively. By following the guidelines and practicing the exercises in this article, you can enhance your email etiquette and build stronger relationships with your colleagues, clients, and other contacts.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *