How to ask my professor politely about his decision by email?

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ZOEYW

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My professor was supposed to reply to me regarding his decision about my working hours yesterday but he might forgot it I guess. So how to ask him politely by email? Thanks.
 

Matthew Wai

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'I would like to remind you that I am waiting for your decision.'

Not a teacher.
 

emsr2d2

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My professor was supposed to reply to me regarding his decision about my working hours yesterday but [strike]he might forgot it I guess[/strike] I think he might have forgotten. So how [strike]to[/strike] can I [strike]ask[/strike] remind him politely by email? Thanks.

Dear XXX

I was hoping to hear from you yesterday regarding your decision about my working hours. I would be very grateful if you would let me know your decision as soon as possible.

Thank you.

[Your name]
 

emsr2d2

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Hello. [strike]but[/strike] It is too short. Is it [strike]ok]/strike] OK?

I don't understand your post. Are you suggesting that you think that MatthewWai's suggestion was too short? If so, I disagree. My suggestion was a little longer but there was nothing wrong with the first suggestion.

Note that we write in complete sentences in English. We also write "okay" (lower case) or "OK" (upper case) but we don't write "ok".
 

Polyester

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I don't understand your post. Are you suggesting that you think that MatthewWai's suggestion was too short? If so, I disagree. My suggestion was a little longer but there was nothing wrong with the first suggestion.

Note that we write in complete sentences in English. We also write "okay" (lower case) or "OK" (upper case) but we don't write "ok".

If it is OK, I'm OK too!

Thank your your revision for my post.
 

Barb_D

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I think "I would like to remind you" is a bit rude and inappropriate for a student when addressing a professor. This could be a regional difference.
 

Raymott

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Do you mean in your region it is inappropriate for one to remind one's senior?
No, the meaning is that it might not be inappropriate elsewhere (in other regions) to say "I would like to remind you". It is not inappropriate to remind one's seniors of anything, if necessary. The impropriety is in the phrase, "I would like to remind you."
That wouldn't go over well in my region either.
 

tzfujimino

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The professor was supposed to do it, but he didn't. I find it impolite to keep somebody waiting. It doesn't matter how hard he is working. He should have done what he was supposed to do, and he is the one who is impolite.
For the reasons stated above, "I would like to remind you" doesn't sound rude to me (, at least).:-D
 

Matthew Wai

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The professor ... is the one who is impolite.
The decision is in the professor's hand, so the OP must be very polite towards him however impolite he is towards the OP.

Not a teacher.
 

tzfujimino

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I would have simply written 'What the hell is going on with my working hours?":2gunfire:
(No. I'm only joking. I can't possibly do that.:angel:)
 

ZOEYW

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Now I have found the best message as a reply to him! LOL :)
I would have simply written 'What the hell is going on with my working hours?":2gunfire:
(No. I'm only joking. I can't possibly do that.:angel:)
 

kwfine

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I would try this: "My dear Professor XXX, have you made your decision yet?"

I often write to the professors who have taught me. I like them and they like me.
cheers

Kitty
 

Matthew Wai

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Is it OK to say 'I am still looking forward to your decision'?
 

emsr2d2

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I would try this: "My dear Professor XXX, have you made your decision yet?"

"My dear Professor" sounds like a romantic overture. I would not use it.
 

emsr2d2

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Is it OK to say 'I am still looking forward to your decision'?

"Looking forward to" sounds like excitement. It also doesn't suggest that the decision is overdue.
 

Raymott

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"Dear Professor, have you come to a conclusion yet regarding my working hours? We were to discuss it yesterday but didn't get around to it.
... have you had time to consider the question of my working hours ...?

Really, a lot depends on the type of relationship you have, your respective personalities, your local customs. But the idea would be to err on the side of politeness. Anything will get you an answer, but politeness might help you get the answer you want.
 
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