For writers · Email tone
Does this email sound rude? An email tone checker with real people
An email tone checker is most useful just before a message that could be read the wrong way. Show a short, anonymised draft to verified UK adults and ask how it comes across. We aim for first answers within about 15 minutes in UK daytime; replies can be slower for now.
We review requests by hand.
Questions for an email tone checker
A sender knows the intention behind a sentence; the recipient only sees the words. Ask how an anonymised draft actually sounds:
- Example: StudioLark asks how “Hi Jo, could you send the invoice today? Thank you.” sounds: Polite, Neutral or Blunt.
- How friendly does the same wording seem from 1 to 5?
- Which of two versions would you rather receive?
What the tone split and reasons show
Illustrative result: In the illustrative StudioLark result, 10 of 20 choose Polite, six Neutral and four Blunt. Reasons say the clear request and “thank you” soften the message, while a few readers still hear pressure in “today”. That gives the writer a choice: keep it for a close colleague or add context for a more sensitive relationship.
How to ask a neutral tone question
Remove real names and private details, then enter up to 280 characters or upload a screenshot. Ask a neutral tone question instead of “Does this sound rude?”, which could prime the answer. Members choose blind and explain their reaction. A second version can test whether a greeting or thanks changes the reading.
The Ask hub covers other formats.
Why people hear more than keywords
Automated tone tools can point to words, but people can tell you how a request actually lands for them. That is especially useful when a sentence is grammatically polite yet still feels abrupt. Use the reasons, not just the winning label.
Honest limit: The pool is mixed UK adults, not your recipient. Workplace culture and the history between two people affect tone. Do not put personal or confidential correspondence on the board without removing details first.
What it costs
Asking is free during early access, by invitation. At paid launch a quick take starts from 30p an answer plus 50p a question (launch example); 20 quick takes would come to about £6.50. You see the quote before asking.
Your questions, answered
How can I check the tone of an email?
Remove identifying details, show a short excerpt and ask how it sounds: polite, neutral or blunt. Read the reasons before rewriting. An automated check can help you proofread, but it cannot know the relationship with the person receiving the message.
Does my email sound rude?
A single phrase cannot be judged without context. In the illustrative StudioLark message, most people read the request as polite, while some hear pressure in “today”. If the recipient might feel rushed, add the reason for the deadline or soften the request.
Is there a free email tone checker?
Asking is free during early access, by invitation. PennyForYours asks people for a reaction and reason rather than giving an automated tone score. At paid launch a quote will be shown before you ask, and there is no set launch date.
Can I check a message to my landlord?
Yes, a short personal message can be tested if you remove names, addresses and any private information about someone else. Ask how the wording comes across, then make the final decision yourself. Do not upload documents you would not show a stranger.
How fast will I get an answer?
We aim for first answers within about 15 minutes in UK daytime. During early access, a small member group can take longer, and completing a pool takes longer than receiving one response. You will see an estimate before asking; it is not a promise.
How much does this test cost?
During invitation-only early access, asking is free. At paid launch, the example rate is 30p per answer plus 50p per question, so 20 answers would be about £6.50. You see the quote before posting. Put two versions of the same short email in one comparison; a later rewrite would be a separate question.
Find out what people really think.
Free during early access. No card needed.
Free during early access. We review requests by hand. Have an invite code? Join