Email is basically unavoidable at this point. Whether you’re firing off messages at work, submitting assignments for school or introducing yourself to someone you’ve never met, you're going to use email in your daily life. It feels quick and casual, like the digital version of talking, so most people don’t overthink it. In fact, in most cases, you type, you hit "send" and you move on. But that “It’s just an email” mindset is exactly where things can go sideways, especially in professional settings. Believe it or not, the tiniest details can actually completely change how your message lands, which is why the punctuation you use matters. So, when it comes to the dos and don'ts of writing emails, it's understandable if you need some guidance. To help you out, see why an etiquette expert is begging you to stop using this punctuation in emails.
Can you guess what it is? After all, you don't want to sound too eager, or cold, or passive-aggressive—you just want to sound friendly and get your point across. However, when the person on the other end has zero context of who you are, they’re left to read between the lines. And if you add the wrong punctuation mark or leave it out, you may regret it. Suddenly, that little dot or dash you barely thought about is doing a lot more heavy lifting than you intended.
Luckily, Nick Leighton—an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the etiquette and manners podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?—is lending his know-how on this topic. Read on to see what expert advice he has and find out if you're guilty of making this email mistake or not. You may be surprised, as the punctuation he shares people need to stop using is probably something you've done to try to make yourself seem extra friendly.
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The Punctuation To Stop Using in Emails, an Etiquette Expert Warns
When typing emails, people often think adding exclamation points is safe, because in their mind, they may think it makes them sound nice and lets the other person know they are friendly to work with. However, Leighton reveals that it can be a bit much, and actually backfire, especially if you're ending every sentence with one or you're tacking on multiple to a sentence as you might in a text message.
"Using two exclamation points in an email to someone is extreme, but can be fun for emphasis," he points out. And even though it can "be fun," you should be careful about typing too many.
"... Using three exclamation points stops conveying enthusiasm and starts to make the reader question your sanity," he adds. "For example, writing something to a potential client like, 'Let’s schedule brunch for noon!!!' doesn’t come across as more sincere or enthusiastic than writing it with just one and typing out, 'Let’s schedule brunch for noon!'"
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While he says that using multiple exclamation points in a row and more than two in a single email is the punctuation mark he wishes people wouldn't use—and wishes were more cautious about—he explains that using one exclamation point is always recommended in an email.
"On the other hand, a single exclamation mark when well-placed is certainly one way to inject warmth into a message that might otherwise come across as flat," Leighton tells Parade.
So, where is the best way to incorporate an exclamation point? "Opening your email with 'Hi!' or closing your email with 'Thank you!' are often good places to put it," he suggests.
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That's not the only form of punctuation that Leighton says people should be careful with and avoid using in emails. He reveals four others as well.
"There’s definitely a time and place for a well-placed ellipsis," he says. "But certainly if you’re ending a sentence with an ellipsis, that can definitely come across as super passive-aggressive in an email. For example, saying, 'The report was due on my desk on Friday…' can come across as you being judgmental or disappointed. To some people who see that in an email, it can even seem like a veiled threat."
2. Multiple question marks
Another punctuation mark that he says etiquette experts, like himself, advise thinking twice about before typing is using multiple question marks.
"Stacking question marks takes a neutral question into new territory," he reveals. "It turns mere curiosity into impatience or disbelief when someone sees it in an email. For example, writing, 'Did you get my email ?' is very aggressive-like, compared to just, 'Did you get my email?'"
According to Leighton, one more punctuation that etiquette experts advise against is a dash (—).
"People may think that a dash can sometimes take the place of a softer transition, but it depends on how it’s used, as that's not always how it comes across," he explains. "For example, writing, 'I’ll handle it—please don’t send more' can feel sharper than a softer, more spaced-out sentence. Therefore, using a dash can often add emphasis or a sudden shift in tone, which can come across as a little abrupt in emails—especially if the rest of the message is already brief or direct."
4. Too many periods
Lastly, while using periods is usually a person's go-to when crafting an email, Leighton shares that you still need to add some personality so you don't come across in a cold manner.
"Overusing periods can be a mistake in an email. In fact, sentences with only periods can make an email feel cold," he states. "In an age where everything can be over-analyzed, the humble period is now getting increased scrutiny. Sure, some sentences can be made to feel deliberately cold when they end with a period, like 'Fine.'"
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4 Expert-Approved Punctuations To Use in Emails Instead
There are tons of punctuations that Leighton approves of and suggests people use more of.
Leighton says commas can help soften the tone of your email.
"Commas give people those natural pauses that they use when they speak, so when they’re in our writing and used well, they can sometimes help make you come across as friendlier or more conversational," he points out.
2. Colons
Colons are also another great punctuation mark to include in emails to help create structure in a friendly way.
"A colon says, 'Get ready… here’s what’s coming!' It preps the reader for what’s ahead and helps keep things organized," Leighton states. "They’re also very helpful when skimming an email because they’re often followed by a short list. Being considerate of the reader is always polite. A good example is, 'Here’s what we need:'"
Slashes can be good to include in an email as well to create a casual and friendly tone.
"A slash can be pretty chill," Leighton reveals. "It often gives an either/or vibe and signals that you’re not attached to either suggestion, so you’re letting the reader decide which they prefer. It’s often a low-pressure way to give someone options, like sending them a note that says, 'We can meet in person/virtually.'"
4. Parentheses
This last punctuation mark that Leighton suggests using may be one you might not think of. It's parentheses! He mentions they can be good to use in emails to give soft-toned side notes, like saying, "(if that works for you)."
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Source:
Nick Leighton is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the etiquette and manners podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?Hence then, the article about an etiquette expert is begging you to stop using this punctuation in emails was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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