If received an email, document, invoice, or something else, you should let the sender know you got it. Here we describe how to acknowledge an email and provide 5 examples.
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We regularly send acknowledgment emails to confirm receipt of something. Whether it’s a message, document, application, invoice, or something else you've received, you should let the sender know it has arrived!
In this article, we describe how to acknowledge an email, explaining why the most effective emails are short and straightforward.
Then, we'll show you how with 5 acknowledgment email reply samples and a completely customizable template. At Flowrite, we're making acknowledgment emails as easy as possible!
We often tackle tough email issues, but acknowledgment emails are easy. In many cases, they'll be just a few lines long.
The purpose of acknowledgment emails is to reassure the sender that their email has been received. They're similar to confirmation emails, going light on detail (but often including next steps, dates, and deadlines, as we'll explore later).
An acknowledgment email is often used to buy you some time. You can accept an email that has been received (or an resume successfully submitted), then set out the next steps. This strategy is often used with acknowledgment emails for job applications, for example.
You can acknowledge receipt of the message and then set out the steps for a more considered reply. More information means fewer questions!
One of the reasons acknowledgment emails are so easy to write is that they use a standard format. So let's get to business and break that down.
If you're going to send an acknowledgment email, do it as soon as you can. It's easy to forget to craft a message or send an email, but this could cause disruption or even damage your relationship.
If you're going to send an acknowledgment email, send it as soon as you've received the original message.
The acknowledgment email format is easy to understand and put into practice. There are three elements to every email sent to acknowledge receipt, including:
Here's some more detail about each section.
You'll want to use the subject line to convey your message quickly. State the who, what, and when and move on to the next section.
Here are some sample acknowledgment email subject lines:
The best emails get to business and keep it brief. Often one sentence is enough to tell the person you've received their message. It's always a good idea to thank someone who has sent you a message (even if it's an invoice or bill).
You can also add certain things to the email with specific details. Take the example of a job application; you may want to add some additional information to ensure they understand the process. (This can reduce the likelihood of them emailing you to ask further questions!)
You’ll want to close the email with details of how to contact you, or ask for more information if it’s needed.
As you'll see from our email samples, you don't need to create pages of content. The essential rule is to keep the email brief and get straight to the point – so that's what we'll do. Onward to our acknowledgment email samples.
We've scoured our inboxes and outboxes to identify 5 everyday situations where an acknowledgment email reply is required. You’ll find a short and simple example of how to acknowledge a job application and confirm receipt of payment.
We finish in Flowrite style with a customizable template you can shape for every situation.
Let's start with a short and snappy email acknowledgment reply sample. It's short, easy to understand, and should take a few seconds to write and send.
Hi (Recipient's name),
I can acknowledge receipt of (whatever it is that you have received).
Thank you for sending it to me. I'll be in touch with my response shortly.
Many thanks,
(Your name)
We're all sending documents, reports, and more by email. It's polite and professional to acknowledge receipt of documents, particularly if they're sensitive or from outside your organization.
Hi (Recipient's name),
Thank you for sending me the (insert details) documents. I can confirm that I received them on (insert date).
We will review the documents and prepare our response shortly.
Kind regards,
(Your name)
If your boss emails you something important, you should acknowledge and reply to your boss ASAP. Don't waste time or wait; get on with crafting a message!
So, how to acknowledge an email from a boss? Check out our sample here.
Hi (Recipient's name),
I can confirm that I have received (whatever your boss has sent you!). Thank you for sending it to me so quickly; it's appreciated.
I'll get to work. (outline what you'll do with the information or documents your boss has sent you!)
If someone has sent you cash (in a professional context or a personal one), you have to acknowledge that as soon as possible.
There's always a risk with sending money online, so this email will provide peace of mind that it's reached the right person or place.
This is how we recommend acknowledging receipt of payment.
Hi (Recipient's name),
I'm contacting you to acknowledge your payment of (amount) for (the product or service they have purchased).
We'll send you a copy of your receipt separately.
Now that we have received your payment, we can (set out the next steps).
Thanks for paying so promptly. It's appreciated!
(Your name)
Acknowledging receipt of a job application is essential, as someone's career could rest upon it. A simple one-line message works, but enthusiastic applicants will often email you with questions.
We recommend adding as much detail as possible in your acknowledgment emails to counteract that happening (and cut out future unwanted emails!). Set out the next steps, including dates and future correspondence.
Hi (Recipient's name),
Thank you for applying for the (job role) post at (company). We acknowledge receipt of your application.
The deadline for applications closes at (insert date). After this, we will review all applications and contact those who have successfully secured an interview.
We will be in touch as soon as we can.
Many thanks,
(Your name)
If you've read our guide this far but are still stuck on how to send an acknowledgment email, this template is for you.
We've broken down the email into blocks. Work your way through from top to bottom, adding information, editing sections, and deleting unwanted blocks.
By the end, you'll have an acknowledgment email suitable for your specific situation.
Hi (Recipient's name),
Thank you for your email. I acknowledge that I/we received it on (you can add a date here).
(You can add details about what you are going to do here. )
Kind regards,
(Your name)
Thanks for reading this guide! We acknowledge that you should now have all the skills (and samples) to create great emails.
Acknowledgment emails really are as simple as a couple of sentences, so don't over-complicate them. Instead, learn the principles (or how to cut and paste) and get on with the rest of the day.
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