Help with the messages that are hard to word

Pick the situation. Each page shows a before and after, the tone that fits and what to include.

• Apologize

  A good apology is short, specific and does not make excuses. Write it plainly, then use OnKey to smooth the wording and pick a warmer tone.

• Decline politely

  Declining an invitation or a request is easier when the message is kind and short. OnKey has a "Politely decline" starter for exactly this.

• Follow up

  A good follow-up reminds, asks one clear thing and makes it easy to answer. Draft it quickly, then let OnKey polish it.

• Cover letter

  The opening of a cover letter should say who you are and why you are writing. Write your rough version, then refine it.

• Resignation email

  A resignation note needs three things: that you are leaving, your last day and a word of thanks. Keep it brief and kind.

• Ask for a raise

  The message only has to open the conversation. Say what you want to discuss and suggest a time.

• Thank-you note

  A thank-you works best when it says what you are thankful for. OnKey has a "Say thanks" starter and a Thank you reply for when you are answering a message.

• Check in

  The hardest part is the first line. Let OnKey draft a light check-in, then make it sound like you.

• Schedule a meeting

  A good meeting request names the topic, offers two options and is easy to answer. OnKey has a Schedule a meeting stance for replies too.

• Dating reply

  OnKey does not send anything for you. It helps you find wording, and you choose what goes out.

• Customer support reply

  Good support replies apologise where it is due, say what happens next and avoid jargon.

• Writing in English as a second language

  If English is your second language, you may know exactly what you mean and still doubt the wording. Write it your way, tap Fix, and compare.