（2015-04-24）「Feedback」是非常容易使用到，用來傳達回應的字。但除此之外，還有哪些說法？

《Alternatives to Using “Feedback”》

（文╱Robert Tolmasoff）The term “feedback” is used very frequently, and in a lot of cases, it is used either incorrectly or could easily be replaced by another term or phrase. First, let’s take a look at the common mistakes made when using the term “feedback”.

X: I will feedback you by the end of the day.
X: Please give your feedbacks by the end of the day.

Both of the sentences above are incorrect. The first sentence is incorrect because “feedback” should only be used as a noun; it is not a verb. The second sentence is incorrect because “feedback” is not countable in English. Below are correct versions of the sentences above.

O: I will give you my feedback by the end of the day.
O: Please give me your feedback by the end of the day.

While the sentences may be grammatically correct, they may not be the best way to express the intended meaning. Overall, “feedback” is overused, and it should often be replaced by common and acceptable words or phrases used every day in business situations.

If you are using “feedback” to say “reply to someone” like in the first sentence above, then use a different term. See the following common expressions used in place of feedback.

O: I will get back to you by the end of the day.
O: I will have something for you by the end of the day.

If you want to set a deadline, try one of the following expressions

O: I would appreciate it if you could get back to me by the end of the day.


If you are using “feedback” to say that you are going to review something and provide advice or suggestions, then use the expressions below.

O: Please let me know what you think by the end of the day.
O:Please give me your thoughts or ideas on this by the end of day.
O: I look forward to hearing what your advice or thoughts are on this matter.

When do native speakers use “feedback” the most? The term is mostly used in situations where a manager wants to provide more formal advice or instruction. This could come in the form of “corrective feedback”, meaning the manager want a behavior changes or something improved. It might look something like this.

O: Just some feedback on the report. In the future, try to keep it to less than one page and is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Most often, the manger would omit the first sentence, and just start the statement with “in the future”.

The key points here are first that there are a lot of grammatical mistakes made when using the term “feedback”. Second, there are often alternatives to using “feedback” that would make the same point.

Robert Tolmasoff is a trainer, editor, and author based in Taipei. His clients include international companies as well as individuals looking to sharpen their communications skills. Robert’s last two books, 上班族完美英文e-mail輕鬆寫 and 1000 Essential Business English Terms, are available in books stores and from McGraw-Hill Taiwan. Have ideas for future columns or questions? Email Robert at rtlmsff@gmail.com