9 common passive-aggressive work emails and how to neutralize each of them to still get what you want

If that snippy coworker is being passive-aggressive in an email (again!), resist the urge to send an equally snarly response.

Dr. Neil J. Lavender, author of " target="_blank"Toxic Coworkers: How to Deal with Dysfunctional People on the Job," said you should focus on what you need to do to complete the task at hand, rather than "majoring in the minors."

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Adobe found the nine most-hated passive-aggressive email phrases in a recent survey. Below, take a look at some key phrases you can use to diffuse the situation when one of those emails lands in your inbox.

'Not sure if you saw my last email'

With 25% of workers saying this is the most annoying email phrase, "Not sure if you saw my last email" was by far the most disliked phrase in Adobe's survey.

Lavender suggested beginning your note with, simply, "T

'Per my last email'

Whitson recommended leading your response with an equally brief, "Thanks for the reminder."

'Per our conversation'

This might be a sign that your worker is trying to create a paper trail from your in-person talks.

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'Any update on this?'

A tenth of workers told Adobe that "Any updates?" is the most annoying phrase used in emails.

But it might not have any negative intentions.

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'Sorry for the double email'

Whitson said you should acknowledge their persistence, instead of getting angry at them for filling up your inbox.

"I have received both of your emails and will respond as soon as I have an answer for you," she recommended writing.

Lavender suggested a different route that acknowledges their apology (even thought it likely wasn't made in earnest): "T

'Please advise'

This phrase has several different meanings, according to Grammarly. It could mean "Let me know," "I need your advice," or "I'm waiting for your response, and have been waiting."

Not only is it vague, but it's often perceived as overly formal.

Still, you can't do anything if your coworker keeps sending this phrase to you. If they're asking for your advice, Lavender suggested responding, "W

'As previously stated'

Similarly to "Per my last email," try simply responding to this type of email with, "Thanks for the reminder."

"Don’t jeopardize your own professionalism by replying with the first sarcastic thought that pops into your mind, such as, 'Oh, did you state that previously? I must have missed it because you talk so much that I usually just tune you out,'" Whitson said.

'As discussed'

"Don’t mirror the hostility by replying, 'Not sure if you realize how busy I am,'" Whitson said.

Instead, go with, "Thanks for the recap of our last conversation."

'Re-attaching for convenience'

Whitson recommended this respectful response: "I appreciate that you re-sent the document."

If there's an ongoing pattern of passive aggression, sit down with your coworker