“Following up” is a widely used phrase, especially in emails and professional communication, to refer to checking in after a previous conversation or action. It’s a clear and polite way to remind someone or request an update. However, using the same phrase repeatedly can feel robotic. By having a variety of alternatives, you can keep your communication fresh, personalized, and appropriate to the tone you wish to convey.
Here are 25 alternative ways to say “Following Up” that will help you vary your language and improve your emails or messages.
1. Just Checking In
Meaning:
A casual way of reconnecting or asking for an update.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is warm and often used to casually remind someone of a previous message.
Scenario Example:
Hi Mark, just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my email.
Best Use:
Informal emails, internal messages.
Tone:
Friendly, light.
2. I Wanted to Touch Base
Meaning:
Reaching out to reconnect or follow up on a prior discussion.
Detailed Explanation:
A conversational and business-friendly phrase often used in project or client communication.
Scenario Example:
I wanted to touch base on our conversation last week about the partnership.
Best Use:
Networking, team check-ins.
Tone:
Professional, approachable.
3. Circling Back
Meaning:
Returning to a previous topic or conversation.
Detailed Explanation:
Useful when reintroducing an earlier topic that hasn’t been resolved or replied to.
Scenario Example:
Circling back to our meeting — any thoughts on the proposal?
Best Use:
Project updates, deadline reminders.
Tone:
Direct, efficient.
4. Just Reaching Out
Meaning:
Lightly initiating contact or checking in.
Detailed Explanation:
Softer and less formal, this phrase works well in both casual and professional situations.
Scenario Example:
Just reaching out to follow up on our last chat.
Best Use:
Friendly follow-ups, quick reminders.
Tone:
Casual, kind.
5. Quick Reminder
Meaning:
Gently brings attention back to something already mentioned.
Detailed Explanation:
Ideal when reminding someone about a task, event, or email without sounding pushy.
Scenario Example:
Quick reminder about our meeting tomorrow at 2 PM.
Best Use:
Meeting prep, scheduling.
Tone:
Polite, concise.
6. I Wanted to Reconnect
Meaning:
Trying to re-establish contact after a break or pause.
Detailed Explanation:
Great for when you haven’t heard back in a while and want to continue the conversation.
Scenario Example:
I wanted to reconnect and see if you had any questions about the offer.
Best Use:
Sales, networking.
Tone:
Professional, respectful.
7. Touching Base Again
Meaning:
Making a second or third contact regarding the same topic.
Detailed Explanation:
Adds continuity to the conversation while sounding friendly.
Scenario Example:
Touching base again to check if there’s an update on the timeline.
Best Use:
Ongoing projects, delayed responses.
Tone:
Polite, persistent.
8. Checking Back In
Meaning:
Returning to a topic or request for updates.
Detailed Explanation:
Often used when a fair amount of time has passed since the last message.
Scenario Example:
Checking back in to see if the contract has been reviewed.
Best Use:
Client communications, long email threads.
Tone:
Professional, neutral.
9. Just Wanted to See If You Had a Chance To…
Meaning:
Softly prompts someone to take action or reply.
Detailed Explanation:
Gentle and often effective in reducing pressure while encouraging a response.
Scenario Example:
Just wanted to see if you had a chance to look over the proposal.
Best Use:
Customer service, polite inquiries.
Tone:
Warm, patient.
10. Have You Had a Moment To…
Meaning:
Politely asks whether someone has found time to do something.
Detailed Explanation:
Useful when you don’t want to sound demanding.
Scenario Example:
Have you had a moment to review the updated report?
Best Use:
Colleague reminders, vendor updates.
Tone:
Courteous, soft.
11. Reaching Out Again
Meaning:
A follow-up message indicating continued interest or intent.
Detailed Explanation:
Slightly more formal than “just checking in,” works well when no reply has come yet.
Scenario Example:
Reaching out again in case you missed my last email.
Best Use:
Cold outreach, delayed responses.
Tone:
Professional, clear.
12. Gentle Follow-Up
Meaning:
A kind and considerate follow-up that respects the recipient’s time.
Detailed Explanation:
Especially good when you want to be polite and not sound aggressive.
Scenario Example:
This is just a gentle follow-up regarding our interview last week.
Best Use:
Recruitment, sensitive communication.
Tone:
Polite, calm.
13. Just Following Up On Our Last Conversation
Meaning:
Reminds the reader of your previous discussion.
Detailed Explanation:
Clarifies that this message is a continuation rather than a new topic.
Scenario Example:
Just following up on our last conversation to see where things stand.
Best Use:
Ongoing partnerships, internal updates.
Tone:
Respectful, neutral.
14. Wondering If There Are Any Updates
Meaning:
A polite way to ask for progress or news.
Detailed Explanation:
Less direct than asking “What’s the update?” but still invites action.
Scenario Example:
Wondering if there are any updates regarding the budget approval?
Best Use:
Team or vendor follow-ups.
Tone:
Subtle, considerate.
15. Just Checking Where Things Stand
Meaning:
Seeks a progress report or status.
Detailed Explanation:
Useful when projects or deals are mid-process and communication has paused.
Scenario Example:
Just checking where things stand with the shipment.
Best Use:
Operations, logistics.
Tone:
Professional, clear.
16. Wanted to Make Sure You Saw My Last Email
Meaning:
Checks if a previous message was received or missed.
Detailed Explanation:
Helps avoid assumptions and ensures your email wasn’t overlooked.
Scenario Example:
Just wanted to make sure you saw my last email regarding scheduling.
Best Use:
Busy inboxes, follow-up nudges.
Tone:
Considerate, clear.
17. Checking In To See If You Need Anything Else
Meaning:
Ensures the recipient has everything they need to proceed.
Detailed Explanation:
Great for showing continued support without applying pressure.
Scenario Example:
Just checking in to see if you need anything else before we finalize the design.
Best Use:
Customer support, project handoff.
Tone:
Helpful, proactive.
18. Following Up On My Previous Message
Meaning:
Specifically refers to a past email or message for continuity.
Detailed Explanation:
Makes it clear that this is a continuation and not a fresh message.
Scenario Example:
Following up on my previous message regarding the event agenda.
Best Use:
Email chains, task updates.
Tone:
Professional, direct.
19. Just Making Sure Everything’s On Track
Meaning:
Checks whether tasks or projects are progressing as planned.
Detailed Explanation:
Adds a tone of accountability and interest in the outcome.
Scenario Example:
Just making sure everything’s on track for tomorrow’s delivery.
Best Use:
Project management, operations.
Tone:
Supportive, responsible.
20. Checking In Again
Meaning:
Repeated follow-up to a previous message.
Detailed Explanation:
Works well when you’ve already followed up once and need to do so again.
Scenario Example:
Checking in again in case my earlier email got buried.
Best Use:
Persistent follow-ups, sales communication.
Tone:
Persistent, polite.
21. Wondering If You’ve Had Time To Review
Meaning:
Asks if the recipient has reviewed something you sent.
Detailed Explanation:
Helpful when waiting on feedback or approval.
Scenario Example:
Just wondering if you’ve had time to review the attached file.
Best Use:
Design approvals, document reviews.
Tone:
Courteous, light.
22. Thought I’d Check In
Meaning:
A warm and informal check-in.
Detailed Explanation:
Sounds thoughtful and non-intrusive.
Scenario Example:
Thought I’d check in to see how things are going on your end.
Best Use:
Team chats, client care.
Tone:
Warm, casual.
23. Following Up To Keep Things Moving
Meaning:
Indicates urgency without sounding pushy.
Detailed Explanation:
Used when action is needed to maintain momentum.
Scenario Example:
Following up to keep things moving on our timeline.
Best Use:
Project tracking, management communication.
Tone:
Efficient, clear.
24. Looping Back Around
Meaning:
Returns to a prior point or topic after a gap.
Detailed Explanation:
Friendly and conversational, good for re-engagement.
Scenario Example:
Looping back around on the invoice from earlier this month.
Best Use:
Long gaps in communication, reminders.
Tone:
Relaxed, friendly.
25. Just Touching Base Again Before We Wrap Up
Meaning:
Checking in one last time before completing something.
Detailed Explanation:
Ideal for final reminders or closing actions.
Scenario Example:
Just touching base again before we wrap up the project.
Best Use:
Closing messages, wrap-up tasks.
Tone:
Conclusive, polite.
Conclusion
“Following up” is essential in professional communication, but using the same phrase repeatedly can come across as mechanical. These 25 powerful alternatives let you adapt your message to your audience, tone, and context — whether you want to be casual, respectful, helpful, or direct.
