20 Other Ways to Say “I Just Wanted to Follow Up”
The phrase “I just wanted to follow up” usually precedes a reminder or a request for an update or response. It’s a polite way to show persistence without being overbearing. Depending on the context, you might consider varying your language for tone and clarity. Here are twenty alternative ways to say it, each with an example sentence and an explanation.
Formal Variants
1. I am touching base regarding
- Example: “I am touching base regarding our previous conversation about the annual report.”
- Explanation: A professional and subtle way of checking in about a past discussion or a pending item.
2. I am writing to inquire about
- Example: “I am writing to inquire about the status of the contract we discussed last week.”
- Explanation: A formal request for information or an update that comes across as polite and standard in business communication.
3. I would like to confirm
- Example: “I would like to confirm our meeting time for Tuesday to ensure it is still convenient for you.”
- Explanation: This phrase shows politeness and is often used to politely remind someone of confirmed plans.
4. To revisit our earlier dialogue
- Example: “To revisit our earlier dialogue, have you had a chance to review the proposal?”
- Explanation: A refined way to bring up a past conversation and ask for an update or response.
5. Seeking an update on
- Example: “I am seeking an update on your decision regarding the software upgrade.”
- Explanation: A formal way to request current information or a decision status.
Semi-formal Variants
6. Checking in on
- Example: “Just checking in on the task list I sent over last week to see if there are any questions.”
- Explanation: A more relaxed but still professional way of requesting feedback or progress on an issue.
7. Circling back to our last conversation
- Example: “Circling back to our last conversation, I’m eager to hear your thoughts.”
- Explanation: Friendly and semi-formal, it references a previous discussion while implying anticipation for a response.
8. I’m following up to see
- Example: “I’m following up to see if you require further information to process the payment.”
- Explanation: Indicates a check-in that is helpful and oriented towards problem-solving.
9. Revisiting the topic of
- Example: “Revisiting the topic of the team retreat, have we come to a decision on the location?”
- Explanation: A semi-formal prompt used to resume a discussion and seek a conclusion or further deliberation.
10. To continue our previous correspondence
- Example: “To continue our previous correspondence, has there been any progress on the issues raised?”
- Explanation: Formal yet with a softer tone, it refers to an ongoing conversation through email or letters.
Informal Variants
11. Just a quick reminder about
- Example: “Just a quick reminder about the documents I need from you by Friday.”
- Explanation: An informal and straightforward way to remind someone of a deadline or request.
12. Following up on
- Example: “Hey, following up on our chat last night, did you decide what you want to do?”
- Explanation: Casual and direct, this phrase doesn’t beat around the bush and seeks an immediate response.
13. Just popping in to ask about
- Example: “Just popping in to ask about whether you’ve had a chance to sign off on those report edits.”
- Explanation: An informal and breezy check-in that retains courtesy while nudging for a response.
14. Anything new with
- Example: “Hey, anything new with the equipment order we talked about?”
- Explanation: It’s an informal and succinct way to solicit a status update.
15. Have you had a chance to
- Example: “Just wondering, have you had a chance to check out that article I sent you?”
- Explanation: A soft touch for nudging someone in a casual manner, implying curiosity or gentle reminder.
Polite Variants
16. I hope this message finds you well. I’m seeking clarity on
- Example: “I hope this message finds you well. I’m seeking clarity on our schedule for the upcoming training sessions.”
- Explanation: Starts with a polite wish for the recipient’s well-being followed by a clear purpose for the follow-up.
17. May I kindly request an update
- Example: “May I kindly request an update on the feedback for the designs I submitted?”
- Explanation: This polite query is suitable for when you’re expecting feedback or a response.
18. I was hoping to hear your thoughts on
- Example: “I was hoping to hear your thoughts on the proposal by now. Can we discuss this soon?”
- Explanation: A gentle reminder that you are awaiting a reply, phrased as a hopeful expectation.
19. Your input would be greatly valued on
- Example: “I’m revisiting our last meeting’s topics; your input would be greatly valued on the marketing strategy.”
- Explanation: It shows respect for the recipient’s opinions or decisions while subtly prompting them for input.
20. Prompted to check if there has been progress on
- Example: “I’m prompted to check if there has been progress on the issue we raised last week.”
- Explanation: A polite way to signal that you’re checking in due to external motivations or reminders, rather than impatience.
Conclusion
Initiating a follow-up can be nuanced – you want to express the need for information or action without seeming pushy. The language you choose to use can set the tone of the conversation and show respect for the recipient’s time and workload. Whether in a formal email, a semi-formal discussion, or a casual chat, employing the right phrase can ensure your follow-up is positively received and effective.