A Gentle Nudge

A Gentle Nudge — Use modal and indirect forms to make a follow-up request sound polite but clear.

The repair that is still pending

You reported a leaking kitchen tap last week. A plumber visited, but the tap is still dripping and you have not heard when the repair will be finished. You want to follow up without sounding impatient. Notice how the message gives a brief update, describes the impact, asks for a date and makes access easy to arrange. Subject: Follow-up on the kitchen tap Dear Ms Patel, I’m writing to follow up on the repair to the kitchen tap. Although the plumber visited on Tuesday, it is still dripping, and I’m having to keep a bowl underneath it. Could you let me know when the repair is likely to be completed? I’m available for access on Wednesday after 5 p.m. or Friday between 9 and 11 a.m. Please let me know if either time would suit the plumber. Thank you for your help. Kind regards, Alex

Small choices that soften a request

A considerate email convention

In many English-language professional and service emails, a brief courteous opening and closing are a natural way to keep a practical request cooperative. If you know the recipient’s name, “Dear Ms Patel” and “Kind regards” are safe, neutral choices in many contexts. You do not need to over-apologise: a clear account of the problem and a specific, reasonable request are already considerate.

Build a clear, courteous follow-up

Write your own gentle nudge

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