gentle reminder
Polite prompt
Literalmente: A kind or soft way to help someone remember.
Use it to ask for something overdue while maintaining a friendly, professional relationship.
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to nudge someone who forgot a task.
- Perfect for emails, texts, and professional follow-ups.
- Softens the blow of a request to avoid sounding bossy.
Significado
A 'gentle reminder' is a soft way to tell someone they forgot something. It helps you ask for what you need without sounding bossy or rude.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Emailing a colleague about a report
Just a gentle reminder that the project notes are due tomorrow.
Just a polite prompt that the notes are due tomorrow.
Texting a friend about dinner plans
Hey! Just a gentle reminder to let me know if you're coming tonight.
Hey! Just a soft nudge to tell me if you're coming.
A landlord to a tenant
This is a gentle reminder that rent is due on the first of the month.
This is a polite notice that rent is due soon.
Contexto cultural
This phrase is a hallmark of 'politeness theory' in English-speaking cultures. It is designed to minimize the 'face-threatening act' of telling someone they failed to do something. It rose to massive popularity with the birth of office email culture in the 1990s.
The 'Just' Trick
Adding the word `just` before `a gentle reminder` makes it sound even softer and less demanding.
Don't Overuse It
If you send three 'gentle reminders' in one day, you will stop sounding gentle and start sounding annoying!
Em 15 segundos
- A polite way to nudge someone who forgot a task.
- Perfect for emails, texts, and professional follow-ups.
- Softens the blow of a request to avoid sounding bossy.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a soft tap on the shoulder. It is a way to say 'Hey, don't forget!' without being aggressive. You are basically telling the other person that you know they are busy. You assume they didn't ignore you on purpose. It turns a demand into a polite nudge.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of an email or a text. You can say 'Just a gentle reminder that...' or 'This is a gentle reminder about...'. It works best when you follow it with a specific task or deadline. It acts like a social lubricant to keep things moving smoothly. Use it when someone is late but you aren't angry yet.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when a colleague owes you a report. Use it with friends when they haven't replied to your dinner invite. It is perfect for professional emails where you want to stay 'classy.' It also works for gym memberships or library books that are almost due. It says 'I'm being nice, so please be nice back.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if the person is three weeks late. At that point, 'gentle' feels sarcastic or passive-aggressive. Avoid it in emergencies where you need an answer in five minutes. If you are actually very angry, this phrase might make you sound fake. Also, don't use it with your boss if they are the one who forgot. That might feel like you are lecturing them!
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'softening' language. We often feel uncomfortable being direct because it feels like a confrontation. This phrase became a standard 'corporate' way to be firm but polite. It reflects a culture that values 'saving face.' It allows the other person to pretend they just 'missed the email.'
Common Variations
You might hear 'friendly reminder' which is almost the same thing. Some people just say 'a quick nudge.' In very formal settings, you might see 'may I remind you.' But gentle reminder remains the king of polite follow-ups. It is the gold standard for not being the 'annoying person' in the group chat.
Notas de uso
This is a 'safe' phrase for B1 learners. It works in 90% of professional and social situations where you need to ask for something twice.
The 'Just' Trick
Adding the word `just` before `a gentle reminder` makes it sound even softer and less demanding.
Don't Overuse It
If you send three 'gentle reminders' in one day, you will stop sounding gentle and start sounding annoying!
The Passive-Aggressive Trap
In some offices, this phrase is a 'polite' way of being angry. Pay attention to the timing—if it's sent 5 minutes after a deadline, it's a warning!
Exemplos
6Just a gentle reminder that the project notes are due tomorrow.
Just a polite prompt that the notes are due tomorrow.
Professional and standard for office work.
Hey! Just a gentle reminder to let me know if you're coming tonight.
Hey! Just a soft nudge to tell me if you're coming.
Keeps the friendship casual while getting an answer.
This is a gentle reminder that rent is due on the first of the month.
This is a polite notice that rent is due soon.
Firm but keeps the relationship positive.
A gentle reminder that you still owe me twenty dollars from 2015.
A funny way to say you haven't paid me back yet.
The 'gentle' part is funny because the debt is so old.
I sent a gentle reminder about our dinner, but I guess you missed it.
I tried to remind you nicely, but you forgot anyway.
Shows slight hurt feelings without starting a big fight.
Gentle reminder: please send your share of the gift money by Friday!
Polite prompt: please pay for the gift by Friday.
Effective for managing groups without sounding like a debt collector.
Teste-se
Choose the best word to complete the polite email.
Just a ___ reminder that our meeting starts in ten minutes.
The word 'gentle' is the standard collocation used to make a reminder sound polite.
Complete the sentence for a casual text message.
Sending a ___ reminder about the party on Saturday!
Using 'gentle' keeps the tone light and friendly for a social event.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of Reminders
Used with close friends.
Hey, don't forget!
The 'Sweet Spot' for most situations.
Just a gentle reminder...
Official or legal notices.
Please be advised that...
Where to use a Gentle Reminder
Work Email
Deadlines
Group Chat
Splitting bills
Customer Service
Unpaid invoices
Social Life
RSVPs
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot at all! It is very common in group chats. You can use it to be polite when asking friends for money or RSVPs.
Yes, but be careful. It is better to phrase it as a question, like 'I wanted to send a gentle reminder about the signature?'
They are almost identical. Friendly reminder sounds slightly more casual, while gentle reminder is the standard for business.
If they are very late, you might need something stronger. Using gentle when you are actually frustrated can sound sarcastic.
Usually in the first sentence. For example: Hi Sam, just a gentle reminder that the files are due today.
Yes, but it is much more common in writing. In person, people usually say 'I just wanted to remind you...'
It can if you use it too often. To avoid this, include a reason why you are reminding them, like so I can finish the report.
No, soft reminder is not a common collocation. Stick with gentle or friendly.
It is used globally in all major English dialects. It is a universal 'corporate' English phrase.
Then it's time for a 'follow-up.' You can say Following up on my previous note... which is slightly firmer.
Frases relacionadas
Friendly reminder
A slightly more casual version of a gentle reminder.
Just a nudge
An informal way to remind someone, often used in texting.
Following up
A professional way to check on the status of something.
To bring to your attention
A more formal way to point something out.
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