The tone of an email is sometimes hard to read. Lately, I have recieved numerous emails that end with "please advise". I don't know if I'm reading into this too much but the phrase "please advise" seems to be a passive aggressive way of saying, "you figure this out and let me know what I need to know but don't know how to ask for." What do you think?
2007-05-28 16:36:51 · 21 answers · asked by virgilwatson 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
"please advise" is an incomplete sentence that really means" Please give me an answer to the question(s) that I just asked you.
If there are no questions asked, then the phrase is misused. I would respond by asking, "What exactly do you need from me?"
It's not passive agressive but it IS passing the buck if no question is clear.
It can be a legitimate request for information, however improperly stated it may be.
2007-05-29 06:25:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Emails are sometimes hard to read...I don't think you should worry about the tone either way...this may consume you and keep you off task. Since you seem conscious about it ,maybe you should make sure your replies are always as you would expect, you may be the one to change the way people respond to you and others.
I can tell you that I am used to just getting to the point, but in a new position I have had to learn to rephrase a lot...For instance, my previous statement "please advise" is now "please advise at your earliest convenience"...but for the record, in the fast paced environment, I still reply with only the facts to fellow employees. "KISS" Keep It Short & Simple"
2007-05-28 16:50:15 · answer #2 · answered by Christina 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What matter isn't what happens at the end of the day, it's what happens at the end of the universe. Scientists say the universe will collapse into a series of black holes, and since time doesn't transpire inside black holes, that will be the end of the universe. Yet again, the Bible is confirmed by science. Does that sound a little bit like, oh, I don't know, HELL!?
2016-04-01 02:05:13 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do it all the time, and receive several business emails a day with this line. It's neither rude nor passive aggressive IMO. It means you have given your recommendation and/or opinions and are awaiting for approval or advise from higher ups or others concerned on the issue.
2007-05-28 18:58:06 · answer #4 · answered by Tammy 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Please advise always sounds passive aggressive to me because it is typically vague in context to the emails I receive. I usually don't know what they are asking for. But that's most likely my situation. It would be better if the people using this term would just explain exactly what they want.
2014-04-11 13:36:56 · answer #5 · answered by Pete 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If my boss, who has two PHDs, and I email this in our e-mails to one another, why would you think this would be passive aggressive? We are wanting information from the other on a matter that isn't clear and would like clarification to clear up a misunderstanding. Do not read so much into two little words.
2007-05-28 16:40:50 · answer #6 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is rude. It requires that a question was, first, asked... It THEN implies that the person reading was not going to reply, as though they are lazy.
It's an effort to use a big word, "advise," to support the email which should not need support, if it's sensible on its own. I think it's a terrible thing to put in any email or message.
Say it to someone out loud after a verbal question, see how they respond.
2014-02-06 08:54:39 · answer #7 · answered by zestysteve1 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Please advise is exactly what you are doing........
asking other's to advise.
Also, what is the person asking advice..... ON???
What proceded the question?
Exampel: Help! I'm in love with my grand mother...please advise?
OR. you dirty so and so...you think you know eveything....please!
oh please advise?
Now, I could be wrong. I 've been know to give unsolicited advice. Some actually get angry, slam the door right in my face asd Im only trying to help them. It's a hard job. Now I know what true meaning of the word...rejection. Jesus and I have quite a lot in common. They didn't listen to him either.
Say you sell Kirby vacuums to senior citizens, you know all the tricks. I'll bet you can help me. What am I doing wrong?
I've got to do more than stick foot in the door, my feet are killiong me and I go through a pair of shoes in three weeks....
Just between us.........be a good oh boy......please advise!
2007-05-28 20:59:06 · answer #8 · answered by DR OSCAR WILDE 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not rude to say "please advise" which means the begging of an answer to his request or to his email. And it is a matter of acknowleging that the email was received by the supposed rec eiver of the email. There is nothing wrong about it.
jtm
2007-05-28 16:42:05 · answer #9 · answered by Jesus M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't see it as being rude, in fact I use it all the time.
When I use it I'm asking you, "what do you think given the situation we should do"? I'm asking for the person's opinion in this case, I'm not asking them to give me the answer so much as to find out what they feel should be done. That doesn't mean I'm going to follow their view 100% or even do what they say.
I'm just looking for a second opinion.
2007-05-28 16:44:59 · answer #10 · answered by JavaJoe 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋