Are you worried that replying with “OK” sounds a bit rude and dismissive in an email?
Well, you’ll need to have a few options to help you avoid feeling like that!
Luckily, you’re in the right place.
This article will explore the best synonyms, showing you how to reply “OK” in a polite way.
Other Ways to Say “OK”
- Understood
- Got it
- Acknowledged
- Noted
- Roger that
- I’m on board
- Affirmative
- Sounds good
- All right
- I’m fine with that
- That works for me
- I’m okay with it
- That’s acceptable
- No problem
- Absolutely
- Very well
- Certainly
- Perfect
- Alright then
- Consider it done
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “OK” is a rude reply in most emails, especially if it’s the only thing you include in your email.
- Try “understood” for a more direct formal alternative that shows you know what the email asked of you.
- “Got it” works well as a more informal synonym when communicating with colleagues.
Keep reading to learn how to say “OK” professionally in an email. There are plenty of options, but we’ll touch on the best two to help you both formally and informally.
Also, you can read the final section to learn if it’s rude to reply “OK” in an email. Then, you’ll know whether it’s even necessary to have some alternatives ready.
Understood (Formal)
You can use “understood” as another way to say “OK” in an email. It’s incredibly effective and allows you to remain formal and respectful.
Of course, it has a similar problem to “OK” if you’re not careful. “Understood” is one word. So, only including it and nothing else in an email is problematic.
Instead, write “understood” to your boss and let them know what your next steps are.
That way, you can remain polite and open, explaining what you plan to do when moving forward.
It’s a great way to communicate with your boss. They’ll be a lot happier to see that you’ve understood an assignment and know what you expect of them.
This sample email should also help you with it:
Dear Mr. Jacobs,
Understood. Thanks so much for providing this information, and I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to move this forward.
All the best,
Madison Swims
Got It (Informal)
You can also use “got it” if you’re looking for a slightly more informal phrase to use.
It works just as well as “OK,” but it helps you to sound more friendly and conversational.
Usually, friendly phrases like “got it” work better when contacting colleagues. You should only use it when you’re already quite friendly with the recipient.
It’s not wise to use “got it” when contacting a new client or your boss. The phrase is a little too casual, so it might sound even ruder than “OK” if you’re not careful with it.
If you get the wrong audience, you’re likely to cause issues! Stick to informal and casual emails.
You can also review this email example:
Hi Darius,
Got it, thanks! I knew I could count on you to help me understand what the next stage was supposed to be.
Yours,
William Brutus
Is It Rude to Reply “OK” in an Email?
It is rude to reply “OK” in an email if that’s the only thing you write. Most of the time, if you only want to say “OK” in an email, you’re better off not sending an email at all.
“OK” is a waste of an email. It clogs up someone’s inbox, and it implies that you didn’t read the original email carefully or care about whatever it contained.
Therefore, we don’t recommend using “OK” on its own in an email.
With that said, you can say it, but you should add more information. “OK” alone is rude. But “OK” with more information is much more effective and reasonable.
For example; here’s how to use “OK” in a more polite way:
Dear Mr. Judge,
OK. I’ll get right on it. Let me know if there’s anything else I need to do to help you.
All the best,
Sam Kwame
It’s also possible to come across “okay.” “Okay” and “OK” are synonymous. They are said in the same way. The only difference comes from the spelling.
So, this email sample is also correct:
Dear Ms. Hayward,
Okay. Thanks so much for getting that done for me. I’m excited to see what we can do with it moving forward.
All the best,
Sophie Hazelton