I remember receiving emails titled "Gentle Reminder" from University administrative staff. But I am not sure if this is a friendly phrase. You may be wondering what I mean by friendly. Let me give you an example of what I have in mind:
-
Please take off your shoes before entering the house. – friendly
-
Kindly take off your shoes before entering the house. – not friendly
[Well, at least that's what I have been told.]
The reason I am asking about the phrase "Gentle Reminder" is that I want to write a short note reminding my referee (person who writes reference letters for me) that the letter is due in a few days. Would "Gentle Reminder" be a friendly phrase to use in this context?:
Hi, XXX,
Just a gentle reminder that the reference letter for the position of
[name of position] is due on XXX. Thanks very much.Thanks!
Best Answer
Interesting. This might be a matter of opinion, since neither
seem friendly to me. I think most people would agree that they are polite, but not necessarily friendly. It would also depend on the speaker's tone, if it was spoken. If it is said in a friendly tone, then you could take it to be friendly. If it is said sternly, then it might not be as friendly.
Regarding "gentle reminder", yes this seems friendly. I don't think I have ever heard or read it before. But what I have seen and heard is