How to Fix Singlish in Business Emails (Singapore Guide + 15 Copy-Paste Examples)
Last updated: 2025-12-30
We all know the feeling. You’re rushing a reply to a client while grabbing your morning kopi-o siew dai. You type out a quick, “Can or not? Let me know, thanks!” and hit send.
In a local context, that’s perfectly efficient. Your teammates know exactly what you mean. But when that email lands in the inbox of a regional director or a Western client, the vibe changes. Suddenly, you don’t sound like an efficient expert—you sound like you’re firing off a WhatsApp message to a friend.
Singlish isn’t “wrong English.” It’s our cultural heartbeat: fast, expressive, uniquely Singaporean.
But in client-facing emails, phrases like “please revert back” or “off day” can sound unclear, overly casual, or even confusing to international readers.
In this guide, you’ll learn a simple step-by-step method to code-switch into professional Business English, plus 15 common Singlish lines rewritten and copy-paste templates you can use immediately.
TL;DR (60 seconds)
- Replace Singlish “localisms” with clear verbs (reply, confirm, proceed).
- Soften tone with polite framing (“Could you please…”, “When convenient…”).
- Use the templates below to sound professional without sounding robotic.
Why Singlish Can Hurt Your Professional Image
Efficiency is the hallmark of Singlish. Why use ten words when three will do?
However, in professional Business English, nuance matters—especially when you’re dealing with clients, stakeholders, or regional teams.
Singlish often omits subjects and verbs. That works at the hawker centre, but in formal communication it can:
- sound too blunt
- feel unclear to non-Singlish speakers
- make you appear more junior than you are (fair or not)
The Importance of Code-Switching
The most effective professionals in Singapore are masters of code-switching: using Singlish to build rapport with local teammates, then switching to Standard English for formal emails, negotiations, and presentations.
If you don’t make that switch, your emails may come across as:
- Too blunt: demanding or impatient to those unfamiliar with Singlish
- Unclear: common phrases confuse global colleagues
- Junior: polished writing is often (unfairly) associated with seniority and leadership
Step-by-step: How to Professionalise Singlish Emails
Step 1 — Identify “localisms” that don’t travel well
Look for phrases that sound normal locally but confuse international readers: “please revert”, “do the needful”, “can or not”, “off day”, “your one”.
Step 2 — Add a clear subject + verb
Turn fragments into complete sentences. Instead of “Can or not?”, write: “Would this be possible?”
Step 3 — Soften the tone (without being fluffy)
Add polite framing:
- “Could you please…”
- “When convenient…”
- “If possible…”
Step 4 — Make action + deadline explicit
Replace “ASAP” with a time: “Could you reply by today 5pm so we can proceed?”
15 Common Singlish Email Phrases (and Professional Rewrites)
Below are common Singlish lines and professional rewrites you can copy and paste.
Asking for a reply / follow-up
| Singlish phrase | Why it causes issues | Professional rewrite |
|---|---|---|
| “Please revert back to me.” | “Revert” = return to previous state | “Please get back to me.” / “I look forward to your reply.” (please revert alternatives) |
| “Can or not?” | Too informal / vague | “Would this be possible?” / “Is this feasible?” |
| “Any update?” | Can sound impatient | “Could you share an update when you have a moment?” |
| “Kindly do the needful.” | Jargon; unclear | “Please proceed with the next steps.” / “Please take the necessary steps.” |
| “ASAP.” | Abrupt without context | “Could we have this by (date/time) if possible?” |
Requesting action / giving instructions
| Singlish phrase | Why it causes issues | Professional rewrite |
|---|---|---|
| “Send me the report by 5pm.” | Sounds like an order | “Could you please share the report by 5pm today?” |
| “I want you to…” | Too direct | “Could you please…” / “Would you be able to…” |
| “Do by today can?” | Grammar + tone | “Could this be completed by today?” |
| “Help me to check.” | Awkward phrasing | “Could you help me review this?” |
Availability / scheduling
| Singlish phrase | Why it causes issues | Professional rewrite |
|---|---|---|
| “I apply off day tomorrow.” | “Off day” is colloquial | “I’ll be taking leave tomorrow.” / “I’ll be out of office tomorrow.” |
| “We discuss later.” | Too vague | “Let’s discuss this in our call at (time).” |
| “I on the way.” (in email) | Too chat-like | “I’m on my way and will arrive at (time).” |
Clarity / comparison
| Singlish phrase | Why it causes issues | Professional rewrite |
|---|---|---|
| “Stay tuned.” (meaning “wait for me”) | Misused | “I’ll keep you updated.” |
| “Your one is better.” | Singlish “one” | “Yours is better.” / “Your proposal seems more suitable.” |
| “Can is can.” | Slang | “Yes, that works.” / “That’s feasible.” |
Tip: If you’re emailing global clients, use the rewrite. If you’re chatting internally, Singlish is totally fine—just code-switch when it matters.
Copy-paste Templates (Ready to Send)
Acknowledging / confirming
- “Thanks for the update—I'll review and get back to you by (time).”
- “Noted, thank you. I’ll proceed and keep you posted.” (improve “noted with thanks” tone)
Following up
- “Just checking in—could you share an update by (date/time)?”
- “Gentle reminder: could you confirm by (time) so we can proceed?”
Requesting action
- “Could you please proceed with (task) by (deadline)?”
- “Would you be able to share (document/info) by (time)?”
Clarifying
- “Just to confirm, do you mean (option A) or (option B)?”
- “Could you clarify (point) so I can proceed correctly?”
60-Second Proofreading Checklist (Before You Hit Send)
- Read it aloud (you’ll catch “invisible lah/lors/mehs”)
- Check tone: does it sound like an order? If yes, add “Could you please…”
- Replace vague words (“ASAP”, “later”) with a clear time
- Use full sentences (subject + verb)
- If it’s client-facing: run it through a tool that understands local patterns
FAQ
Is Singlish wrong English?
No. Singlish is a local variety used for speed and rapport. The key is knowing when to code-switch in professional settings.
Why do international clients misunderstand Singlish emails?
Many Singlish phrases rely on shared local context. Without it, the message can feel abrupt or unclear.
Is “please revert” acceptable in business emails?
It’s common in Singapore, but internationally “revert” means “return to a previous state.” Use “please reply” or “please get back to me.”
How do I sound professional without sounding robotic?
Use clear verbs + polite framing (“could you please…”, “when convenient…”) and add a specific deadline.
What’s the fastest way to fix Singlish in emails?
Use a checklist + a specialised AI tool (generic spellcheckers may “correct” the meaning instead of improving clarity).
Call to Action
Want to rewrite Singlish into professional Business English in seconds—without losing your meaning?
Try Ai Grammar Buddy to:
- detect Singlish “localisms” that confuse international readers
- suggest professional rewrites with the right tone
- generate ready-to-send templates