If you work in an American company, you’ll probably see this phrase in emails sooner or later: “Per my last email.”
It appears in internal communication, project updates, and client conversations. And for many non-native English speakers, it can feel a little confusing—or even slightly uncomfortable.
Does it mean someone is annoyed?
Is it a polite reminder?
Or is it a subtle way of saying, “You should have read my email”?
The truth is that “per my last email” is a common phrase in Business English used to refer back to information that was already shared earlier.
But like many workplace expressions, the tone and context matter.
Let’s break down what this phrase really means, when professionals use it, and how you can use it in a clear and professional way.
What Does “Per My Last Email” Mean?
The phrase “per my last email” simply means:
“As I mentioned in my previous email.”
It’s used when you want to remind someone about information that has already been communicated earlier.
Instead of rewriting the same explanation again, a professional might say:
“Per my last email, the meeting is scheduled for Thursday.”
In other words, the information already exists in a previous message.
This phrase helps keep communication efficient and concise, which is highly valued in American workplaces.
Why Professionals Use This Phrase
In busy work environments, people receive dozens—or even hundreds—of emails every day.
Because of that, messages sometimes get:
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Overlooked
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Skimmed too quickly
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Forgotten
When that happens, someone may need to refer back to an earlier message without repeating everything.
That’s where “per my last email” comes in.
It’s a quick way to say:
“This was already shared earlier.”
The goal is usually clarity and efficiency, not criticism.
Common Situations Where “Per My Last Email” Appears
There are a few typical workplace situations where this phrase is used.
Let’s look at the most common ones.
1. When Someone Missed a Previous Email
Sometimes an earlier message simply didn’t receive a response.
In that case, someone might write:
“Per my last email, the meeting is scheduled for Thursday.”
This gently reminds the reader that the information has already been provided.
2. When a Question Was Already Answered
Another common situation is when someone asks a question that was addressed earlier.
For example:
“Per my last email, the deadline is May 12.”
Instead of repeating a long explanation, the writer refers back to the previous message.
This keeps the communication clear and efficient.
3. When Reminding Someone About Instructions
This phrase is also used when someone needs to repeat a process or instruction.
Example:
“Per my last email, please submit the report through the portal.”
Here, the phrase helps reinforce an existing instruction.
The Tone of “Per My Last Email”
Now here’s an important cultural detail.
In American workplace communication, tone matters a lot.
Although “per my last email” is technically neutral, it can sometimes sound a little sharp or direct.
Why?
Because it highlights that the information was already shared.
In certain situations, readers might interpret it as:
“I already told you this.”
That’s why some professionals avoid using it too frequently.
Instead, they choose softer alternatives that sound more collaborative.
Softer Alternatives Professionals Often Use
If you want to sound slightly more friendly or neutral, there are several phrases you can use instead.
For example:
“As mentioned in my previous email…”
Example:
“As mentioned in my previous email, the meeting is scheduled for Thursday.”
Another option is:
“As I shared earlier…”
Example:
“As I shared earlier, the deadline is May 12.”
Both of these expressions communicate the same information, but they often sound less direct.
Many professionals prefer them for maintaining a positive tone.
More Real Workplace Examples
Let’s look at a few more examples of how this phrase appears in professional emails.
Example 1:
“Per my last email, the files are located in the shared folder.”
Example 2:
“Per my last email, the client requested revisions to the proposal.”
Example 3:
“Per my last email, the meeting was moved to 2 PM.”
In each of these examples, the phrase simply points back to information that was already communicated.
The message remains short, clear, and efficient.
When You Should Use It
Using “per my last email” is perfectly acceptable in professional communication.
However, it’s best used when:
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You truly shared the information earlier
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The previous message was clear
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You want to keep the response short
In those situations, the phrase helps maintain efficiency without repeating unnecessary details.
When You Might Avoid It
Sometimes it’s better to choose a softer tone.
For example, if you’re communicating with:
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A new colleague
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A client
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Someone you haven’t worked with before
Using alternatives like “as mentioned earlier” can sound more collaborative.
Professional communication is not just about clarity—it’s also about maintaining positive relationships.
The Key Takeaway
Let’s summarize the main idea.
“Per my last email” means:
“I already mentioned this earlier.”
It’s a common phrase used in Business English to refer back to previous communication.
But tone matters.
Sometimes professionals prefer softer alternatives like:
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“As mentioned in my previous email…”
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“As shared earlier…”
Understanding these subtle differences helps you communicate more effectively in American workplaces.
Want to Sound More Natural in American Business English?
Understanding phrases like “Per My Last Email” isn’t just about vocabulary — it’s about tone, timing, and cultural awareness.
If you want structured practice with real workplace scenarios, the ChatterFox Business English Course is designed specifically for non-native professionals working in U.S. environments.
The course includes:
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Real American workplace phrases and how to use them naturally
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Email and meeting communication practice
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Tone correction and clarity training
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AI speech recognition technology
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Coaching support from certified accent and communication coaches
It’s built to help you speak clearly, confidently, and professionally — not just grammatically correctly.
Final Thoughts
Many workplace phrases can sound confusing when you first encounter them.
But once you understand their purpose and tone, they become much easier to interpret.
Now when you see “per my last email,” you’ll know exactly what it means—and how to use it appropriately in professional communication.
Small phrases like this are part of becoming fluent not just in English, but in real workplace communication.
And that kind of fluency makes everyday professional interactions much smoother.
