"Noted With Thanks" — Professional or Rude? Better Alternatives for Singapore Emails

Quick Answer

"Noted with thanks" is acceptable in transactional Singapore business emails but can appear cold, dismissive, or robotic to Western colleagues. It sounds like you are "filing away" their message rather than engaging with it.

Better approach: Use warmer, more conversational phrases like "Thanks for the update," "Got it, thanks," or "Thank you for letting me know."

The "Noted With Thanks" Debate

In Singapore fast-paced corporate culture, "Noted with thanks" is the ultimate efficiency tool. It acknowledges receipt and says thank you in three words.

However, communication is about perception.

Why it can feel rude

To an American or European reader, "Noted" is a passive, administrative word. It implies:

"I have recorded this information. End of conversation."

Adding "with thanks" tries to soften it, but often fails not to sound bureaucratic. It’s a "shut down" phrase that doesn't invite further connection.

10 Better Alternatives

Here are 10 phrases that convey the same meaning but feel much warmer and more human.

For acknowledging information (Neutral/Polite)

Thank you for letting me know. Professional and safe for all contexts.
Thanks for the update. Great for ongoing projects.
Thank you for the information. Formal but polite.

For Casual/Internal communication

Got it, thanks! Short, punchy, and friendly.
Thanks for sharing this. Shows appreciation for their effort.
Thanks for keeping me in the loop. Excellent when you were cc'd on an update.

For Confirmation

Acknowledged, thank you. A direct replacement for "noted" that sounds slightly more active.
Received with thanks. Good for confirming file transfers or formal documents.
Great, thanks for confirming. Use this when they’ve answered your question.
Thanks, I'll take note of this. Shows you are actively paying attention, not just "noting" it.

When is "Noted with thanks" okay?

Everything has its place. You can still use it when:

You are replying to a massive group email and just need to register receipt.
The relationship is strictly transactional/administrative (e.g., acknowledging an HR circular).
Your boss uses it and prefers that style.

However, if you are building a relationship with a client or working with a global team, swap it out. A little warmth goes a long way.