Per My Last Email — Alternatives
“Per my last email” refers the reader back to an earlier message, but it can sound blame-oriented or passive-aggressive when used to point out that information was already provided.
Instead of “per my last email,” briefly repeat the needed information and move the task forward: “I’m following up on my previous email about…” or “To recap, the deadline is Friday.”
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
The phrase is not grammatically incorrect; its risk is interpersonal tone, especially in tense or delayed exchanges.
Further guidance
Clarity
Repeating the essential fact is often more efficient for the reader than forcing them to search the thread.
Practical Application
Replace “per my last email” with wording that repeats the needed fact and states the next action. Use a neutral follow-up when the goal is progress, and reserve explicit reference to the earlier message for cases where the record itself matters.
Reader Check
What does the recipient need now—information, a deadline reminder, a decision, or an action—and can you state that directly without implying blame?
Tone
Grammarly lists “per my last email” as a common passive-aggressive communication example and recommends a neutral follow-up formulation.
Worked Example
Instead of “Per my last email, this was due Friday,” write “To recap, the form was due Friday. Please send it by 3 p.m. today or let me know what is blocking completion.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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