01/10/2024

Thank You in Advance: The Power, Politeness and Potential Pitfalls

Why "thank you in advance" is more than a phrase

Picture this: You're drafting an email to a colleague on the same tier, making a request for some data you need by the next meeting. As you are about to sign off, you hesitate. Should you say "thanks?" Or, is "thank you in advance" more appropriate? This may seem trivial; however, such nuances in our communication can have profound implications for relationships and collaboration.

The phrase "thank you in advance" has become a staple in professional emails and correspondence. But what does it truly convey? What are the implicit expectations when you use it? How might the receiver feel? And are there any cultural or situational considerations you should be aware of? Today, we dive deep into the mechanics of this phrase, its history and the debates surrounding its appropriateness.

You can use it if you are seeking assistance and you are pretty sure the recipient is going to say yes because you have had an ongoing dialogue or your working relationship is already cooperative.

Please select this link to read the complete blog post from Serchen.