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Change a Thread's Subject When the Topic Changes

Pivot the conversation without losing the thread

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 26, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Retain the Original Subject Caveats When Changing a Subject Starting Over May Be a Better Choice In mailing lists, message boards, and group emails, individual posts often spark lively discussions. As these discussions grow longer, the topic can change. Usually, it has nothing to do anymore with the subject of the original message. You can change the subject header line of a message thread when it becomes apparent that the topic of the discussion has pivoted.

Retain the Original Subject

Depending on where you are, you may be able to change the subject by typing a new one in the Subject line when writing your reply. But this may not be the best path to take. Tim Robberts / Getty Images Rather than change the subject, make it clear that you're continuing an old thread and not starting a new one by including the previous subject line with the new one. If the original subject was "New cloud form discovered," and you want to change it to "The finest English umbrella," the complete new Subject line could be "The finest English umbrella (was: New cloud form discovered)." You can, and probably should shorten the original. If you reply to a message with a (was:) block, remove it. It isn't needed any longer.

Caveats When Changing a Subject

If you choose to change the subject: Don't edit any of the earlier content or thread messages.Don't remove the recipients of the earlier emails.State why you are changing the subject to avoid confusion.

Sometimes Starting Over Is a Better Choice

Changing the subject line to start a new conversation can lead to display problems for others and yourself. Email programs and services may lump together the wrong messages in threads. To avoid this problem and the likelihood of being seen as threadjacking, which occurs when someone takes over a thread or email discussion and intentionally posts on a subject unrelated to the original post. They create a new message with a new topic instead of starting with a reply. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Read Emails in Threads With iPhone Mail How to Write the Perfect Email Subject How to Get Alerts for New Replies in a Thread with iOS Mail How to Indent Text or Decrease Quote Level in iPhone Mail How to Group Messages by Thread in Mac Mail Program The 8 Best Facebook Alternatives in 2022 What Is a Subreddit? How to Manage and Control Email Threads How to View Mail Grouped by Conversation Thread in Outlook How to Send a New Email With iPhone Mail App How to Forward an Email as an Attachment in Outlook How to Turn Conversation View On or Off in Gmail EOM: What It Means and How It Saves Time How to Search Mail in iPhone Mail How to Send Email From a PHP Script How to Fix It When Attachments Aren't Showing in Outlook Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies