Remember a few basic rules to help you capitalize correctly. For example, always capitalize the first and last words of your subject lines. You should also always capitalize nouns (Mountain, Presentation, Building), pronouns (He, She, They), verbs (Go, Change), adverbs (Quickly, Slowly), and adjectives (Sloppy, Excellent). You should not capitalize articles (a, an, the), prepositions (in, out), or coordinating conjunctions (and, but). [4] X Research source

Be aware that some spam filters will automatically slate emails with punctuated subject lines to the junk mail filter. You may occasionally want to use a question mark to grab your reader’s attention. Don’t overuse this strategy. Connect multiple phrases in subject lines with dashes. For example, the subject line: “Scheduled Meeting for Tuesday - Your Attendance Required,” contains two distinct phrases connected with a dash.

It may not always be possible to keep your subject lines at or under 50 characters. Sometimes, you’ll go ten or so characters over. If you start to shoot for the 50-character rule, however, you’ll automatically begin writing shorter subject lines.

Generally, you should start your subject line off with a word that indicates why you’re contacting your reader. If you’ve recently changed office regulations, for example, write: “Changed Company Regulations - Needs Your Review Today. ”

Instead of: “Contacting you to check out new info,” write: “Revised HR Rules - Needs Approval by Wed. ” In the second version of the subject line, you’ve clarified exactly what the “new info” is, and why you’re contacting the reader. You’ve corrected any confusion as to whether the recipient needs to read the email and what they need to do once they open it.

A subject line asking for a letter of recommendation or reference could look like: “Requesting Reference for Tamara G. by Friday 6/2. ” If you’re offering your reader a benefit, try something like: “Change Your Oil at Jim’s 50% Off This Week Only. ”[9] X Research source

Instead of writing, “Reaching Out for a Favor,” make your subject line: “Need Your Help Writing Project Proposal Next Week. ” This lets the reader know not only that you’re asking for help, but also explains exactly what you hope the reader will do for you.

If your email is especially important and needs immediate reply, you can use the words “Urgent,” “Critical,” or “Immediate Response Needed” to let your reader know that they should pay particular attention to this note.

Maybe you’re a student getting in touch with a local politician for a school project. Write: “High School Senior Requesting Interview for Project, Due 6/24. ”

Perhaps you had a brief discussion at a conference or dinner about some of your mutual interests. Make your subject line: “Following Up on our Chat at Writers’ Conf, 4/30. ”

For example, write, “Dr. Smith’s Student @ Hopkins, Requesting Meeting Next Month. ”

Avoid using obscure vocabulary when a simpler word will do. Choose: “New Office Rules - Review and Respond Quickly,” instead of “New Office Rules - Review and Respond with Alacrity. ” “Quickly” and “with alacrity” mean the same thing, but the first option is less off-putting and confusing.

For example, days of the week can all be shortened. “@” is a common symbol for “at. ” You can also use “RE:” to mean “about. ” “EOM” may be used for “end of message,” and “EOD” may stand in for “end of day. ”

Email spell-checkers may not cover the subject lines, so be especially careful with spelling mistakes. If you’re worried, copy and paste the subject line into a Word or Google doc and run spellcheck there. Your subject line may not need to be a complete sentence. However, avoid common grammatical errors such as confusing “they’re,” “their,” and “there” or “you’re” and “your. ”

If you’re in a public place, read the words softly under your breath.