Do you consider these phrases passive-aggressive?

  1. Please advise - definitely passive and could be PA in a lot of situations

  2. Noted - Just WTF does this mean exactly? Almost always PA when compared to “Thanks for the information”, “Great catch, I’ll incorporate this new information”, etc.

  3. Friendly Reminder - almost an oxymoron. Definitely PA. Reminders are reminders, neither friendly nor hostile.

  4. Will do - When is this PA? I definitely use this when getting a request from my boss. An immediate acknowledgement is expected and if I can’t do what is asked, some explanation, but if I can, short and sweet is the expected reply.

  5. Thanks in advance - Thanks works (when making a request of a subordinate, always lead with please and end with thanks) but TIA has a hint of PA.

  6. Per our last conversation - A little convoluted, but I routinely use something along this line when sending an email which includes colleagues who weren’t party to some discussion/decision, so as to bring everyone up to speed.

  7. Circling back - no…just no

  8. As per my last email - see 7. Also, if you want to reference the previous email, just make sure it’s part of this email.

  9. As promised - Certainly redundant, but hard to stretch to full PAness.

  10. As discussed - see 6. Certainly a little passive. “As we discussed” get’s it more into an active voice, but if you are bringing someone new into the conversation, this phrase is the opposite of PA.