The concept of “cc” has been around for a long time, long before the advent of email. In fact, the term “carbon copy” originated in the days of typewriters, where a sheet of carbon paper was placed between two sheets of paper to create an identical copy of the original document.
With the advent of electronic communication, the concept of “cc” was adapted to emails. In the early days of email, cc’ing was an essential feature that allowed people to send copies of their messages to multiple recipients. The use of cc in emails was popularized in the 1990s when email became widely used in the corporate world.
Before the widespread use of email, there were other methods for sending copies of messages to multiple recipients. For example, in a letter, you could include a “cc” note at the bottom of the letter indicating who else was receiving a copy. Faxes also had a similar feature, where you could send copies of the same document to multiple fax numbers.
Today, cc’ing is an integral part of email communication, and it’s an important tool for keeping people informed about important information. However, as with any tool, it’s essential to use cc judiciously and only include people who need to be informed. Too many cc’s can lead to email overload and may cause people to ignore your emails.
Sample Emails when you CC people
Email 1: Informing someone that you cc’d another person
Subject: Project Status Update
Dear [Recipient],
I wanted to provide you with an update on the status of our project. I have cc’d [Name] on this email so they can be kept in the loop as well. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Email 2: Explaining why you cc’d someone
Subject: Meeting Agenda
Dear [Recipient],
I am sending you the agenda for our upcoming meeting on [Date]. I have cc’d [Name] on this email because they will be presenting on a related topic and I thought it would be helpful for them to have a copy of the agenda as well.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if there are any additional items you would like to add to the agenda.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Email 3: Acknowledging that someone else cc’d you
Subject: Follow-up on Our Call
Dear [Recipient],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me earlier today. I appreciate your insights and suggestions.
I also wanted to acknowledge that [Name] cc’d me on their email to you earlier this week. I’m glad to see that we are all on the same page and working together to move this project forward.
Best regards, [Your Name]
What else to know about CC’ing people
Another consideration when using cc in emails is the potential for privacy issues. When you cc someone, you are sharing the contents of the email with them. Therefore, you should be careful not to cc someone if the information in the email is sensitive or confidential. This is especially important in a corporate setting, where confidential information can be damaging if it falls into the wrong hands.
It’s also important to note that cc’ing someone in an email can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. For example, if you cc someone who is not familiar with the context of the email, they may misinterpret the information or take offense at being included. Therefore, it’s important to provide context and explain why you are cc’ing someone in the email.
When sending emails, it’s important to consider the purpose of cc and use it appropriately. Cc is a useful tool for keeping people informed, but it should not be overused or used inappropriately. Always think about who needs to be included and why before adding someone to the cc field. By doing so, you can ensure that your emails are effective, informative, and well-received by the recipients.
In addition to using cc appropriately, it’s also important to keep in mind the tone and wording of the email when cc’ing someone. When you cc someone, you are essentially copying them on a message that is intended for someone else. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the message is clear and respectful to all parties involved.
One common mistake people make when cc’ing is using it as a way to “cc shame” someone. For example, you might cc someone’s boss to make them aware of a mistake they made, or you might cc someone to show that you are keeping tabs on them. This type of behavior is unprofessional and can damage relationships in the workplace.
On the other hand, cc’ing can be a useful tool for giving credit where credit is due. For example, you might cc someone’s supervisor to let them know that they did a great job on a project. This type of cc’ing can be a great way to build relationships and show appreciation for your colleagues.
Finally, when using cc in emails, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone may be familiar with the concept. If you are cc’ing someone who is not familiar with email etiquette, it may be helpful to explain the purpose of cc and why you are including them. This can help avoid confusion and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Cc’d or CC’ed – Which is correct?
Both “cc’d” and “cc’ed” are considered correct when referring to copying someone on an email. However, “cc’d” is more commonly used in formal writing, while “cc’ed” is more commonly used in informal writing, such as emails or instant messages.
In the end, the choice between “cc’d” and “cc’ed” is a matter of personal preference and style. The most important thing is to be consistent with whichever spelling you choose to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cc’ing is a useful tool for keeping people informed and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. However, it’s important to use it appropriately, considerately, and professionally. By doing so, you can ensure that your emails are effective, respectful, and well-received by all parties involved.
