When you need this

Half the emails you write at work are questions: a date from a supplier, a number from finance, a name from someone in another office. The other person doesn't owe you a fast answer, so the way you ask decides how quickly you get one.

A request email that works has three parts. Say what you need in the first two lines, because most people read the top and skim the rest. Make the question polite but specific ("Could you let me know..." rather than "I need..."). Then give a time frame, softened with "if possible" or "when you get a chance." Indirect frames like "I was wondering whether..." are useful when you're writing to someone senior or outside your team; with a close colleague they can sound a little stiff.

Phrases

a clear opening that names the topic

a polite request for a fact

a softer request, good for someone senior or outside your team

asking for a document or file

asking when you're not sure they have the answer

tells them the email is short

a soft deadline that still sounds friendly

softens a deadline or a request

tells them the request isn't urgent

makes it clear there's no pressure

a formal, polite request

asking for one detail to be made clearer

asking who or where to go if they can't help

thanks before they help; friendly, but a little pushy for some readers

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.