If you are writing an email and you are unsure whether to use “borrow” or “lend,” the direct answer is this: use borrow when you are the person receiving something temporarily, and use lend when you are the person giving something temporarily. In email writing, choosing the wrong word can confuse your reader or make your request sound unnatural. This guide will help you use both words correctly in professional and casual emails.

Quick Answer

Borrow means to take something from someone with the intention of returning it. Lend means to give something to someone with the expectation of getting it back. In an email, if you are asking for something, you say “Can I borrow…?” If you are offering something, you say “I can lend you…” or “I am happy to lend…”

Understanding the Core Difference

The confusion between “borrow” and “lend” is very common among English learners because many languages use a single verb for both actions. In English, the direction of the action matters.

• Borrow = take (the action moves toward you).
• Lend = give (the action moves away from you).

Think of it this way: you borrow from someone, and you lend to someone. This small preposition difference is a helpful clue.

Formal and Informal Tone in Emails

In formal emails, “lend” can sound a bit direct or old-fashioned. “Borrow” is generally safer for requests. However, in informal emails to colleagues or friends, both words are perfectly natural.

• Formal request: “Could I borrow your report for a few hours?”
• Formal offer: “I would be happy to lend you my notes.”
• Informal request: “Can I borrow your charger?”
• Informal offer: “I can lend you my laptop.”

Comparison Table: Borrow vs. Lend

Feature	Borrow	Lend
Direction of action	You receive / take	You give / provide
Common preposition	from (borrow from someone)	to (lend to someone)
Subject in sentence	The person who needs the item	The person who provides the item
Example sentence	“I need to borrow your pen.”	“I can lend you my pen.”
Typical email use	Making a request	Making an offer or granting permission
Formal tone	Very common and natural	Acceptable but less common in requests

Natural Examples for Emails

Here are examples that show how “borrow” and “lend” work in real email situations.

Using “Borrow” in Emails

• “Could I borrow your presentation template for tomorrow’s meeting?”
• “I was wondering if I could borrow your copy of the contract for a quick review.”
• “May I borrow your office key for the afternoon?”
• “Is it possible to borrow your notes from yesterday’s training?”

Using “Lend” in Emails

• “I am happy to lend you my laptop while yours is being repaired.”
• “Can you lend me a hand with the data entry?” (Note: “lend a hand” is a fixed phrase meaning “help.”)
• “I can lend you my parking pass for the conference.”
• “Would you be able to lend me your calculator for the exam?”

Common Mistakes

Even advanced learners make these errors. Here are the most frequent ones and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using “borrow” when you mean “lend”

Incorrect: “Can you borrow me your book?”
Correct: “Can you lend me your book?” or “Can I borrow your book?”

Why it is wrong: “Borrow” does not mean “give to me.” It means “take from you.”

Mistake 2: Using “lend” when you mean “borrow”

Incorrect: “I need to lend your stapler.”
Correct: “I need to borrow your stapler.”

Why it is wrong: “Lend” means you are giving, not taking.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the preposition

Incorrect: “I borrowed my colleague the file.”
Correct: “I borrowed the file from my colleague.”

Why it is wrong: “Borrow” needs “from” to show the source. “Lend” needs “to” to show the receiver.

Mistake 4: Confusing “borrow” and “lend” in the same sentence

Incorrect: “She borrowed me her notes, so I can lend them to the team.”
Correct: “She lent me her notes, so I can borrow them for the team.” (Or: “She lent me her notes, so I can share them with the team.”)

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes, using “borrow” or “lend” can feel too direct. Here are alternatives that work well in emails.

Instead of “Can I borrow…?”

• “Could I have access to…?” (Good for digital files or shared resources.)
• “Would it be possible to use…?” (Very polite and formal.)
• “I would appreciate it if I could use…” (Soft and respectful.)

Instead of “I can lend you…”

• “I am happy to share…” (Friendly and collaborative.)
• “You are welcome to use…” (Generous and polite.)
• “I can provide…” (Professional and clear.)

When to use the original words

Use “borrow” and “lend” when you want to be clear and direct. They are best for short emails, quick requests, or informal communication with people you know well. Use alternatives when you need to sound more polite or when the situation is formal.

Mini Practice: 4 Questions

Test your understanding. Choose the correct word for each sentence.

1. “Could I ______ your USB drive for a moment?” (borrow / lend)
2. “I can ______ you my notes from the meeting.” (borrow / lend)
3. “She asked if she could ______ my phone charger.” (borrow / lend)
4. “Would you be able to ______ me your car for the weekend?” (borrow / lend)

Answers

1. borrow – You are receiving the USB drive.
2. lend – You are giving your notes.
3. borrow – She is taking your charger.
4. lend – You are being asked to give your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use “borrow” and “lend” in the same email?

Yes, but be careful with the direction. For example: “I can lend you my report if you need it, but I will need to borrow your pen to sign it.” This is perfectly correct.

2. Is “borrow” or “lend” more polite?

Neither is inherently more polite. Politeness comes from the tone and the words around them. “Could I possibly borrow…?” is very polite. “Lend me your pen” is direct and less polite.

3. What about “loan”? Is it the same as “lend”?

“Loan” can be a noun (“I need a loan”) or a verb, especially in American English. “Loan” as a verb is very similar to “lend,” but “lend” is more common in everyday English. In formal writing, “lend” is usually preferred.

4. Can I use “borrow” for non-physical things?

Yes. You can borrow an idea, a phrase, or a concept. For example: “I borrowed that phrase from your email.” This is a figurative use and is very common.

Final Tip for Email Writing

When you are writing an email, read your sentence aloud. If you are asking for something, you should be the subject of “borrow.” If you are offering something, you should be the subject of “lend.” This simple check will help you avoid the most common mistakes. For more help with similar word pairs, explore our Writing and Email Differences section, or check our Grammar Word Differences for other confusing pairs.

In email writing, the choice between hear and listen depends on whether you are referring to receiving information passively or paying active attention. Use hear when you want to say that a message has reached you, without focusing on effort. Use listen when you want to emphasize that you are paying careful attention to what someone has said or written. The wrong choice can make your email sound either too distant or too intense.

Quick Answer

Hear = to receive sound or information (passive).
Listen = to pay attention to sound or information (active).

In emails:
– Use hear for general updates, news, or when something comes to your attention.
– Use listen when you want to show you are carefully considering someone’s words, feedback, or request.

Understanding the Core Difference

The main difference between hear and listen is intention and focus. When you hear something, it happens to you. When you listen to something, you choose to give it your attention. This distinction is especially important in professional emails, where tone and clarity matter.

Hear in Email Context

In email writing, hear is often used to acknowledge that you have received information, news, or an update. It is neutral and does not imply deep engagement. For example:

• “I heard that the project deadline has been extended.”
• “Let me know if you hear anything about the client meeting.”

This works well for informal updates, quick confirmations, or when you are not the primary decision-maker.

Listen in Email Context

Listen is more deliberate. It shows that you are giving your full attention to someone’s words, opinions, or concerns. In emails, it is often used to build rapport or show respect. For example:

• “I listened carefully to your feedback during the call.”
• “Thank you for sharing your concerns. I am listening.”

Using listen in an email can make the recipient feel valued and heard.

Comparison Table: Hear vs. Listen in Emails

Aspect	Hear	Listen
Meaning	To receive sound or information	To pay attention to sound or information
Focus	Passive, unintentional	Active, intentional
Email tone	Neutral, casual, or distant	Engaged, respectful, or formal
Common use	Updates, news, general info	Feedback, instructions, concerns
Example phrase	“I heard about the change.”	“I listened to your advice.”
Preposition	Usually no preposition (or “about”)	Always “to” (listen to)

Natural Examples

Here are realistic email sentences that show how hear and listen are used naturally:

• “I heard from the team that the report is ready.”
• “Please listen to the attached voice message and let me know your thoughts.”
• “I heard you are looking for a new vendor. I have a recommendation.”
• “I listened to your presentation recording. The data section was very clear.”
• “Did you hear about the policy update? It was sent yesterday.”
• “I want to listen to your concerns before we make a decision.”

Common Mistakes

Even advanced English learners sometimes confuse these two words in emails. Here are the most frequent errors:

• Mistake: “I listened about the new policy.”
  Correction: “I heard about the new policy.” (Use “hear about” for news, not “listen about.”)
• Mistake: “Please hear to my instructions.”
  Correction: “Please listen to my instructions.” (Use “listen to” for active attention.)
• Mistake: “I heard you carefully during the meeting.”
  Correction: “I listened to you carefully during the meeting.” (Active attention requires “listen.”)
• Mistake: “I want to hear your feedback.” (This is acceptable but sounds less engaged.)
  Better: “I want to listen to your feedback.” (Shows more respect and attention.)

Better Alternatives: When to Use Each Word

To make your emails more precise, consider these guidelines:

Use “hear” when:

• You are referring to news or updates: “I heard the meeting is rescheduled.”
• You want to sound neutral or casual: “Let me know if you hear anything.”
• You are acknowledging information without deep analysis: “I heard your point.”

Use “listen” when:

• You want to show respect or engagement: “I listened to your suggestions.”
• You are referring to active attention during a conversation or recording: “Please listen to the audio file.”
• You are asking someone to pay careful attention: “Listen to the client’s requirements.”

Mini Practice: 4 Questions

Test your understanding. Choose the correct word for each sentence.

1. I _____ about the budget cut from my manager.
   a) heard
   b) listened to
2. Please _____ the attached voicemail and reply.
   a) hear
   b) listen to
3. She _____ his explanation but did not agree.
   a) heard
   b) listened to
4. Did you _____ the announcement about the new software?
   a) hear
   b) listen to

Answers:
1. a) heard
2. b) listen to
3. b) listened to (active attention)
4. a) hear (passive reception of news)

FAQ: Hear vs. Listen in Emails

1. Can I use “hear” and “listen” interchangeably in emails?

No. They have different meanings. Using “hear” when you mean “listen” can make you sound disengaged. Using “listen” when you mean “hear” can sound overly formal or intense.

2. Is “I hear you” polite in an email?

Yes, “I hear you” is a common phrase that means “I understand your point.” It is informal but acceptable in many workplace emails. For a more respectful tone, use “I am listening to you.”

3. Should I use “listen to” or “hear” in a formal email?

In formal emails, use “listen to” when you want to show careful consideration. Use “hear” for general updates. For example: “I listened to your proposal carefully” is more formal than “I heard your proposal.”

4. What preposition should I use with “listen” in emails?

Always use “to” after “listen.” For example: “listen to the feedback,” “listen to the recording.” Never say “listen about” or “listen at.”

Final Note

Choosing between hear and listen in emails is about matching your intention to the right word. If you are simply acknowledging information, use hear. If you want to show active attention and respect, use listen. This small choice can improve the clarity and tone of your professional communication.

For more help with similar word pairs, visit our Writing and Email Differences section. You can also explore Grammar Word Differences and Usage Confusions for related topics. If you have questions, check our FAQ or contact us.

In email writing, the choice between “look” and “see” depends on whether you are directing someone’s attention to something specific (look) or acknowledging that something is visible or understood (see). “Look” is an active, intentional action, while “see” is often passive or refers to perception. For example, you would write “Please look at the attachment” to ask someone to examine it, but “I see your point” to show understanding. This guide explains the difference clearly, with practical examples for real email situations.

Quick Answer

Use “look” when you want someone to actively pay attention to something, such as a file, a link, or a detail. Use “see” when you refer to something that is already visible, or when you mean “understand” or “check.” In emails, “see” is common in phrases like “see below” or “as you can see,” while “look” appears in requests like “look over” or “look at.”

Understanding the Core Difference

The main difference between “look” and “see” is about intention and effort. “Look” implies a deliberate action: you move your eyes to focus on something. “See” is more about the result: you notice something without necessarily trying. In emails, this distinction affects tone and clarity.

When to Use “Look” in Emails

Use “look” when you need the reader to examine, check, or review something. It is direct and often used in requests or instructions.

• “Please look at the revised proposal.”
• “Could you look over the contract?”
• “Look for the updated figures in the spreadsheet.”

“Look” can also be used in informal emails to mean “consider” or “think about,” as in “Look into this issue.”

When to Use “See” in Emails

Use “see” when you refer to something that is already visible or when you mean “understand.” It is common in references and acknowledgments.

• “See the attached file for details.”
• “As you can see, the numbers have improved.”
• “I see what you mean about the deadline.”

“See” is also used in polite phrases like “I’ll see you at the meeting” or “See the notes below.”

Comparison Table: Look vs. See in Emails

Aspect	Look	See
Action type	Active, intentional	Passive or perceptual
Common email use	Requests to examine or review	References to visible content or understanding
Example phrase	“Please look at the report.”	“See the table below.”
Tone	Direct, sometimes urgent	Neutral, polite
Formal vs. informal	Works in both, but more direct	Often more formal or neutral
Nuance	Implies effort or focus	Implies availability or comprehension

Natural Examples in Email Contexts

Here are realistic email sentences that show how “look” and “see” are used differently.

• Look: “Please look at the agenda before the meeting.” (Request to review)
• See: “You can see the agenda attached.” (Pointing to existing content)
• Look: “I’ll look into the shipping delay.” (Investigate)
• See: “I see that the shipment has arrived.” (Acknowledge information)
• Look: “Look for the confirmation number in your inbox.” (Search actively)
• See: “See the confirmation email for details.” (Reference)

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse these two words in emails. Here are typical errors and corrections.

• Mistake: “Please see at the attachment.”
  Correction: “Please look at the attachment.” (Use “look at” for active examination.)
• Mistake: “I look your point.”
  Correction: “I see your point.” (Use “see” for understanding.)
• Mistake: “Look the email below.”
  Correction: “See the email below.” (Use “see” for references to visible content.)
• Mistake: “Can you see into this problem?”
  Correction: “Can you look into this problem?” (Use “look into” for investigating.)

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes you can replace “look” or “see” with more precise words. Here are alternatives for common email situations.

• Instead of “look at”: Use “review,” “check,” or “examine.” Example: “Please review the document.”
• Instead of “see”: Use “refer to,” “note,” or “understand.” Example: “Refer to the instructions below.”
• Instead of “look into”: Use “investigate” or “research.” Example: “I will investigate the issue.”
• Instead of “I see”: Use “I understand” or “I acknowledge.” Example: “I understand your concern.”

These alternatives can make your email sound more professional or precise, especially in formal writing.

Mini Practice: Look or See?

Choose the correct word for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. Please _____ at the updated schedule. (look / see)
2. I _____ that the payment was processed. (look / see)
3. Can you _____ over the proposal? (look / see)
4. _____ the notes at the end of the email. (Look / See)

Answers:

1. look (active request to examine)
2. see (acknowledging information)
3. look (request to review)
4. See (reference to visible content)

FAQ: Look and See in Emails

1. Can I use “look” and “see” in the same email?

Yes. For example, “Please look at the chart, and you will see the trend.” This is natural because “look” asks for active attention, while “see” describes the result.

2. Is “see” more formal than “look”?

Not exactly. “See” can be neutral or formal, especially in phrases like “as you can see.” “Look” is more direct and can feel less formal, but both are acceptable in professional emails.

3. What about “look forward to” and “see you”?

These are fixed phrases. “I look forward to your reply” uses “look” as part of an idiom. “See you at the meeting” uses “see” as a greeting. They do not follow the same rules as the main difference.

4. How do I teach this difference to a beginner?

Explain that “look” is like aiming a camera—you choose where to point. “See” is like the picture that appears. In emails, “look” means “pay attention to this,” and “see” means “notice or understand this.”

Final Tips for Email Writing

When you write an email, think about what you want the reader to do. If you need them to examine something actively, use “look.” If you are simply pointing out information or showing understanding, use “see.” Practice with real emails you receive, and notice how native speakers use these words. Over time, the choice will feel natural.

For more help with similar word pairs, visit our Writing and Email Differences section. You can also read our About Us page to learn more about this site, or check our FAQ for common questions. If you have feedback, feel free to contact us. Our Editorial Policy explains how we create these guides.

Choosing between say and tell in emails comes down to one simple rule: tell always needs a person as the listener, while say focuses on the words spoken or written. In email writing, you use tell when you directly address someone (e.g., “I told my manager”), and you use say when you report information without specifying the listener (e.g., “I said the meeting is at 3 PM”). This distinction affects tone, clarity, and formality in professional messages.

Quick Answer

Use tell when you mention the person receiving the information. Use say when you focus on the information itself. In emails, tell sounds more direct and personal, while say works better for reporting facts or quoting someone.

Understanding the Core Difference

The main difference between say and tell is grammatical structure and meaning. Tell requires an indirect object (the person you are addressing). Say does not require a listener; it can stand alone or be followed by a clause.

Grammatical Structure

• Tell + person + clause: “I told him the report is ready.”
• Say + clause: “I said the report is ready.”
• Say + something to someone: “I said the report is ready to him.” (less common in emails)

Formal and Informal Contexts

In formal emails, say is often used for quoting or reporting facts. Tell is more common in direct instructions or when addressing a specific person. For example:

• Formal: “The policy says all submissions must be in PDF format.”
• Informal: “I told you to send the PDF.”

Comparison Table: Say vs. Tell in Emails

Aspect	Say	Tell
Requires a person?	No	Yes
Focus	Words or information	Listener or recipient
Common email use	Reporting facts, quoting	Giving instructions, informing directly
Example	“She said the deadline is Friday.”	“She told me the deadline is Friday.”
Tone	Neutral, factual	Direct, personal
Can be used without object?	Yes	No

Natural Examples in Email Contexts

Here are realistic email sentences showing correct usage:

• “I said the meeting is rescheduled to Tuesday.” (focus on the information)
• “I told the team the meeting is rescheduled.” (focus on who received the information)
• “Please tell your client about the delay.” (direct instruction with a person)
• “The email says we need to confirm by noon.” (reporting what the email states)
• “He told me to forward the attachment.” (person + instruction)
• “She said nothing about the budget.” (no person mentioned)

Common Mistakes

Many learners make these errors when writing emails. Avoid them:

• Incorrect: “I said him the update.” Correct: “I told him the update.” (say cannot take a person directly)
• Incorrect: “I told the update.” Correct: “I said the update.” (tell needs a person)
• Incorrect: “She told that the project is late.” Correct: “She said that the project is late.” (tell needs a person before the clause)
• Incorrect: “Please say me your decision.” Correct: “Please tell me your decision.” (say cannot take me directly)

Better Alternatives for Common Email Situations

When you are unsure, consider these alternatives that fit specific email contexts:

• To report information: Use say or state (more formal). Example: “The report states that sales increased.”
• To give an instruction: Use tell or instruct. Example: “I told the team to submit by Friday.”
• To quote someone: Use say. Example: “As the manager said, ‘We need to cut costs.'”
• To share news directly: Use tell. Example: “I am writing to tell you about the new policy.”

When to Use Say vs. Tell in Different Email Types

Formal Business Emails

In formal emails, say is often used for stating facts or quoting policies. Tell is used when addressing a specific person, but it can sound less formal. For example:

• “The contract says payment is due within 30 days.” (formal, factual)
• “I told the client about the terms.” (direct, but acceptable in formal contexts)

Informal Internal Emails

In casual team emails, tell is common and natural. Say is still used for reporting.

• “I told John we can push the deadline.” (informal, direct)
• “He said he will check the numbers.” (reporting)

Customer Support Emails

Use tell when giving instructions to customers. Use say when explaining policies.

• “Please tell us your order number.” (instruction)
• “Our policy says refunds take 5 business days.” (fact)

Mini Practice: Say or Tell?

Choose the correct word for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. Please ______ me your availability for next week.
2. She ______ that the invoice was sent yesterday.
3. I ______ the team about the new schedule.
4. The email ______ we need to register by Monday.

Answers:

1. tell (needs a person: me)
2. said (no person mentioned)
3. told (person: the team)
4. says (focus on the email content)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use “say” and “tell” interchangeably in emails?

No, they are not interchangeable. Tell always needs a person as the listener. Say does not. Using the wrong one can confuse the reader or sound unnatural.

2. Is “tell” too informal for professional emails?

Not at all. Tell is appropriate in most professional emails when you are addressing a specific person. It is direct and clear. For very formal writing, you might use inform or notify instead, but tell is still acceptable.

3. What about “say to someone” in emails?

You can use “say something to someone,” but it is less common in emails than “tell someone something.” For example: “I said the update to the manager” is correct but sounds more formal and less direct than “I told the manager the update.”

4. How do I remember the rule?

Remember: Tell needs a person. Say needs words. If you can replace the verb with “inform” or “notify,” use tell. If you can replace it with “state” or “mention,” use say.

Final Tips for Email Writing

When writing emails, always check if you have included the person receiving the information. If you have, use tell. If you are only reporting the information, use say. This simple check will make your emails clearer and more professional. For more help with similar word choices, explore our Writing and Email Differences guides. If you have questions about this topic, visit our FAQ page or contact us.

If you are writing an email and hesitate between “do” and “make,” the direct answer is this: use “do” for tasks, work, and general actions that do not produce a physical object, and use “make” when you create, produce, or cause something new. In email writing, “do” is more common for routine actions (do a review, do the needful), while “make” appears when you produce a result (make a decision, make a request). This guide will help you choose correctly every time.

Quick Answer: Do vs. Make in Emails

Here is a simple rule for email contexts:

• Do = perform an action, complete a task, or handle work (e.g., do a report, do the follow-up, do your part).
• Make = create, produce, or cause something (e.g., make a plan, make an offer, make a mistake).

If you are unsure, ask: “Am I performing an existing task (do) or am I creating something new (make)?” This will guide you most of the time.

Understanding the Core Difference

The confusion between “do” and “make” is common because both verbs describe actions. However, they are not interchangeable. The key difference lies in the result of the action.

When to Use “Do” in Emails

Use “do” when the action is about work, duties, or general activities. The focus is on the process, not on creating a physical thing.

• Routine tasks: “I will do the research by Friday.”
• Work or duties: “Please do the needful and update the file.”
• General activities: “We need to do a review of the contract.”
• Negative or vague actions: “I did not do anything wrong.”

In formal emails, “do” often appears with nouns like “work,” “task,” “job,” “report,” “analysis,” “follow-up,” and “review.”

When to Use “Make” in Emails

Use “make” when the action results in something new, such as a decision, a product, a plan, or a change. The focus is on the outcome.

• Decisions and plans: “We need to make a decision by Monday.”
• Requests and offers: “I would like to make a request for additional resources.”
• Mistakes and corrections: “I made an error in the attachment.”
• Arrangements: “Let’s make an appointment for next week.”

In emails, “make” is common with nouns like “decision,” “request,” “offer,” “suggestion,” “change,” “plan,” “arrangement,” “mistake,” and “progress.”

Comparison Table: Do vs. Make in Email Contexts

Context	Use “Do”	Use “Make”
Completing a task	do the report	make a report (create it)
Decision	do the deciding (rare)	make a decision
Request	do a request (incorrect)	make a request
Mistake	do a mistake (incorrect)	make a mistake
Work	do the work	make work (create work)
Plan	do a plan (incorrect)	make a plan
Follow-up	do a follow-up	make a follow-up (less common)
Offer	do an offer (incorrect)	make an offer
Review	do a review	make a review (create a review)

Natural Examples in Email Writing

Here are realistic email sentences that show the correct use of “do” and “make.”

Examples with “Do”

• “I will do the analysis and send you the results.”
• “Please do the needful and confirm receipt.”
• “We need to do a thorough review before the deadline.”
• “She did a great job on the presentation.”
• “Can you do me a favor and check the attachment?”

Examples with “Make”

• “Let’s make a decision by the end of the day.”
• “I made a mistake in the invoice; please find the corrected version attached.”
• “We should make a plan for the next quarter.”
• “I would like to make a suggestion regarding the timeline.”
• “Please make an appointment with the client for Thursday.”

Common Mistakes with Do and Make in Emails

Even advanced learners sometimes mix these up. Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: “Make a report” vs. “Do a report”

Incorrect: “I will make the report by tomorrow.” (If you mean complete an existing task)
Correct: “I will do the report by tomorrow.” (If you mean complete the task)
Also correct: “I will make a report on the findings.” (If you mean create a new document)

Tip: If the report already exists as a template or assignment, use “do.” If you are creating it from scratch, use “make.”

Mistake 2: “Do a decision”

Incorrect: “We need to do a decision soon.”
Correct: “We need to make a decision soon.”

Why: “Decision” is a result of thinking, not a task. You create a decision, so use “make.”

Mistake 3: “Make a follow-up”

Incorrect: “I will make a follow-up with the client.”
Correct: “I will do a follow-up with the client.”

Why: “Follow-up” is a task or action, not something you create. Use “do.”

Mistake 4: “Do an offer”

Incorrect: “We can do an offer for a discount.”
Correct: “We can make an offer for a discount.”

Why: An offer is something you propose or create, so use “make.”

Better Alternatives for Common Email Phrases

Sometimes, you can avoid the “do vs. make” confusion by using a more precise verb. Here are some alternatives that sound natural in professional emails.

Phrase with Do/Make	Better Alternative
do a review	review
do an analysis	analyze
make a decision	decide
make a request	request
do a follow-up	follow up
make a plan	plan
do the needful	take the necessary action

Using a single verb often makes your writing clearer and more direct. For example, instead of “I will do a review,” write “I will review the document.” Instead of “We need to make a decision,” write “We need to decide.”

Formal vs. Informal Tone in Emails

The choice between “do” and “make” is not usually about formality, but some phrases are more common in formal or informal contexts.

Formal Email Phrases

• “We will make a formal request for an extension.”
• “Please do the necessary checks before submission.”
• “I would like to make a suggestion regarding the budget.”

Informal Email Phrases

• “Can you do me a favor?”
• “Let’s make a quick plan for lunch.”
• “I did the research you asked for.”

In very formal writing, avoid “do the needful” as it can sound old-fashioned. Instead, use “take the appropriate action” or “complete the required steps.”

Mini Practice: Do or Make?

Test your understanding. Choose the correct verb for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. I need to _______ a decision about the project deadline.
2. She will _______ the presentation for the meeting.
3. Please _______ a reservation for dinner at 7 PM.
4. We should _______ a review of the contract before signing.

Answers:

1. make (a decision is created)
2. do (the presentation is a task to complete) or make (if she creates it from scratch – both are possible, but “do” is more common for a routine task)
3. make (a reservation is something you create)
4. do (a review is a task to perform)

FAQ: Do and Make in Emails

1. Is it “do a mistake” or “make a mistake”?

Always use “make a mistake.” “Do a mistake” is incorrect. Mistakes are results of actions, so you create them.

2. Can I use “do” and “make” in the same email?

Yes, absolutely. For example: “I will do the research and then make a recommendation.” Just remember the rule: “do” for tasks, “make” for creating something new.

3. What about “do business” vs. “make business”?

Use “do business.” For example: “We do business with several international clients.” “Make business” is not standard English.

4. Is “do the needful” correct in emails?

It is grammatically correct and common in Indian English and some other regions. However, in global business English, it can sound outdated. A clearer alternative is “please take the necessary action” or “please complete the required steps.”

Final Tips for Email Writing

To avoid confusion between “do” and “make” in your emails, follow these three steps:

1. Identify the noun: Is it a task (do) or a result (make)?
2. Think about creation: Are you creating something new? If yes, use “make.” If you are performing an existing duty, use “do.”
3. When in doubt, use a stronger verb: Replace “do a review” with “review,” or “make a decision” with “decide.” This eliminates the problem entirely.

For more help with similar word choices, explore our guides on Grammar Word Differences and Writing and Email Differences. If you have questions about this topic, visit our FAQ page or contact us.

When writing emails, the choice between “in” and “on” often comes down to whether you are referring to something contained within the email itself (use “in”) or to a topic, subject line, or specific point of reference (use “on”). For example, you write “Please find the details in the email below” but “I am following up on the project update.” This simple distinction will help you sound more natural and professional in your written communication.

Quick Answer

Use “in” when you mean inside the email message, such as attachments, text, or links. Use “on” when you refer to a subject, topic, or a specific point like a date or a line item. Here is a quick reference:

• In the email = inside the message (e.g., “in the email below,” “in the attachment”)
• On the email = about the topic or subject line (e.g., “on the email thread,” “on the subject of”)
• On is also used for days and dates: “on Monday,” “on the 15th”

Understanding the Core Difference

The confusion between “in” and “on” in emails is common because both prepositions can appear in similar contexts. The key is to think about the relationship between the object and the email.

When to Use “In” in Emails

Use “in” when something is physically or conceptually inside the email message. This includes:

• Attachments: “I have attached the report in this email.”
• Text or content: “The instructions are written in the email.”
• Links: “You will find the link in the email I sent yesterday.”
• Quoted material: “As stated in the email from Sarah…”

When to Use “On” in Emails

Use “on” when you are referring to a topic, subject, or a specific point of reference. This includes:

• Subject lines: “I am writing on the subject of your invoice.”
• Topics: “Let me update you on the project status.”
• Email threads: “Please see my comments on the thread below.”
• Days and dates: “I will send the file on Friday.”

Comparison Table: In vs. On in Emails

Context	Use “In”	Use “On”
Attachment or file	“The PDF is in the email.”	Not used
Text or content	“The answer is in the email.”	“I have a comment on that line.”
Subject or topic	Not used	“I am following up on the meeting.”
Email thread	“See the details in the thread.”	“My note is on the thread.”
Day or date	Not used	“I will reply on Tuesday.”
Quoting someone	“As mentioned in your email…”	“I agree on that point.”

Natural Examples

Here are real-life email sentences that show the correct usage:

• In: “Please find the signed contract in the attachment.”
• On: “I am writing to follow up on the proposal we discussed.”
• In: “The error was noted in the email from last week.”
• On: “Let me clarify on the budget line item.”
• In: “All the instructions are in the email below.”
• On: “I will send the update on Monday morning.”

Common Mistakes

Even advanced learners sometimes mix these up. Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them:

• Mistake: “I have attached the file on this email.”
  Correction: “I have attached the file in this email.” (The file is inside the message.)
• Mistake: “Please see my comments in the subject line.”
  Correction: “Please see my comments on the subject line.” (You are commenting about the subject.)
• Mistake: “I will reply you in Friday.”
  Correction: “I will reply on Friday.” (Days use “on.”)
• Mistake: “As discussed on the email below…”
  Correction: “As discussed in the email below…” (The discussion is inside the email.)

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes you can avoid the confusion entirely by rephrasing. Here are some alternatives:

• Instead of “in the email,” try “in the message” or “in the attachment.”
• Instead of “on the email,” try “regarding the email” or “about the email.”
• For dates, you can also use “by” (e.g., “by Friday”) if you mean a deadline.
• For topics, “about” is often clearer: “I am writing about the project.”

When to use it: Use “in” for anything inside the email body or attachment. Use “on” for topics, subject lines, and dates. If you are unsure, rephrase the sentence to see if “inside” or “about” fits better.

Formal vs. Informal Tone

Both “in” and “on” are used in formal and informal emails, but the context matters:

• Formal: “Please find the details in the attached document.” (Correct and professional.)
• Informal: “Check the details in the email I sent.” (Still correct, but more casual.)
• Formal: “I am writing on the matter of your account.” (Polite and clear.)
• Informal: “Just following up on that thing we talked about.” (Acceptable in casual emails.)

In very formal writing, avoid using “on” for vague topics. Instead, be specific: “I am writing regarding your invoice” is better than “I am writing on your invoice.”

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose “in” or “on” for each blank.

1. Please find the agenda ______ the email I sent yesterday.
2. I will follow up ______ the sales report next week.
3. She included her phone number ______ the message.
4. Let me comment ______ the point you raised.

Answers:

1. in
2. on
3. in
4. on

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it “in the email below” or “on the email below”?

It is “in the email below.” The phrase refers to the content inside the email that appears lower in the message.

2. Can I use “on” for email attachments?

No. Attachments are inside the email, so use “in.” For example, “The file is in the attachment.”

3. What about “on the email thread”?

Yes, “on the email thread” is correct when you mean you are commenting about the thread. For example, “I have a note on the email thread.” But if you mean the text inside the thread, use “in.”

4. Is “in Monday” ever correct?

No. Use “on Monday” for days. “In” is used for months, years, and longer periods (e.g., “in March,” “in 2024”).

Final Tips for Real Writing

When you are drafting an email, pause for a second and ask yourself: Am I talking about something inside the message, or am I talking about a topic or date? If it is inside, choose “in.” If it is a topic or a day, choose “on.” With a little practice, this will become automatic. For more help with similar word differences, explore our Writing and Email Differences guides, or check out our Grammar Word Differences section for other common confusions. If you have questions, feel free to contact us or visit our FAQ page.

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