The Most Common Passive-Aggressive Phrases Used at Work

Working closely with others—especially people you don’t naturally click with—can be challenging. Daily frustrations, missed expectations, and miscommunication can make it tempting to say something pointed or sarcastic.

That’s often when passive-aggressive comments slip in.

While these remarks may feel satisfying in the moment, they rarely improve the situation. More often, they damage trust, stall progress, and make collaboration harder. Recognizing passive-aggressive language is the first step toward responding more constructively.

Below are some of the most common passive-aggressive phrases heard in the workplace—and why they tend to backfire.

“As I Mentioned Before…” / “Per My Previous Email…”

These phrases are often used to signal that someone missed information—but they can come across as condescending or dismissive. The implication is that the other person wasn’t paying attention or didn’t understand something “obvious.”

Before using these phrases, consider whether the original message may not have been as clear as you thought. What feels obvious to the writer isn’t always obvious to the reader.

A more productive approach is to restate the information calmly and clearly. Repetition doesn’t mean failure—it often means clarification.

“I’m CC’ing My Boss…”

Copying a supervisor when it isn’t necessary can signal distrust or escalate tension unnecessarily. It may suggest that you don’t believe the recipient will respond or take the issue seriously without oversight.

If urgency or accountability is the concern, it’s usually more effective to ask directly for a timeline or clarify priorities. If there’s an ongoing issue, address it privately with your manager rather than using CC as leverage.

“A Lot of Us Think That…”

This phrase can make the recipient feel ambushed. It implies that conversations are happening behind their back and creates confusion about who “us” actually includes.

It also limits resolution. When feedback is vague or anonymous, it’s difficult for anyone to respond constructively. A better approach is to speak for yourself. Clear, direct ownership helps keep conversations honest and actionable.

“Obviously…” / “Clearly…”

Starting a sentence this way suggests that the other person should already know something—and that not knowing it is a failure.

Even when unintentional, these words can sound dismissive or hostile. A more respectful alternative is something like:

“I’m not sure if this has been shared yet…”or“Just to make sure we’re aligned…”

These phrases keep communication open without putting anyone down.

“No Offense, But…”

This phrase is often a warning sign. It usually signals that something potentially offensive is about to follow—and that the speaker knows it.

Instead, try acknowledging sensitivity before giving feedback:

“I want to share some feedback, and I want to make sure it comes across constructively.”

This shows awareness and respect, rather than dismissal.

Preventing Passive-Aggressive Communication

Passive-aggressive behavior often surfaces when people don’t feel comfortable being direct—or aren’t fully clear about what’s bothering them. Building trust within teams is one of the most effective ways to prevent this.

When employees feel safe, heard, and respected, they’re far more likely to communicate openly. Helping people identify the root of their frustration—and giving them tools to address it directly—reduces the need for sarcasm or coded language.

A workplace built on trust and clarity creates space for honest conversations—and healthier working relationships.