The phrase “following up” is widely used in professional communication to check on a previous message, request, or task. It’s a polite way to remind someone about something — such as an unanswered email, a pending proposal, or next steps on a project.
However, using “just following up” repeatedly can sound overused or impatient, especially in business or client communication.
To sound more polished, confident, and natural, try one of these 25+ alternatives — each with its meaning, example, best use, and tone.
1. Checking In
Meaning: A friendly, conversational way to ask for an update or response.
Example: Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my proposal.
Best Use: Informal or semi-formal emails.
Tone: Polite, approachable.
2. Touching Base
Meaning: Common business idiom meaning to reconnect or follow up briefly.
Example: I wanted to touch base regarding the meeting we discussed last week.
Best Use: Professional yet friendly communication.
Tone: Neutral, conversational.
3. Reaching Out
Meaning: Expresses initiative to connect or follow up on something.
Example: I’m reaching out to see if there are any updates on the project timeline.
Best Use: Professional, polite, and versatile for most contexts.
Tone: Courteous, professional.
4. Circling Back
Meaning: Indicates returning to a previous conversation or topic.
Example: I wanted to circle back on my earlier message about the design draft.
Best Use: Common in workplace or project-related discussions.
Tone: Friendly, confident.
5. Following Through
Meaning: Suggests responsibility for ensuring something is completed.
Example: I’m following through on our earlier discussion about your feedback.
Best Use: When demonstrating accountability.
Tone: Responsible, proactive.
6. Revisiting
Meaning: Refers to returning to a subject for further discussion or review.
Example: I’d like to revisit our conversation about the marketing strategy.
Best Use: Business meetings or thoughtful professional emails.
Tone: Professional, reflective.
7. Checking Back
Meaning: A casual, friendly way to remind someone about a pending matter.
Example: Just checking back to see if you’ve had time to look over the draft.
Best Use: Informal or friendly workplace tone.
Tone: Gentle, polite.
8. Touching In Again
Meaning: Similar to “checking in,” but implies a second or later contact.
Example: I’m touching in again regarding the update we discussed last week.
Best Use: For a polite second follow-up.
Tone: Respectful, soft.
9. Getting Back To
Meaning: Refers to returning to a previous topic or commitment.
Example: I’m getting back to our earlier discussion about next quarter’s goals.
Best Use: Internal team communication.
Tone: Straightforward, professional.
10. Following On From
Meaning: British English expression meaning to continue from a previous message.
Example: Following on from our meeting, I wanted to confirm the next steps.
Best Use: Formal or international business writing.
Tone: Formal, polished.
11. Continuing Our Conversation
Meaning: Politely resumes a discussion that was left open.
Example: Continuing our conversation from last week, I’d like to share some updates.
Best Use: When you’re expanding on a prior discussion.
Tone: Smooth, professional.
12. Checking Status On
Meaning: Focused and task-oriented way to ask for an update.
Example: I’m checking status on the report submission from last week.
Best Use: Project management or workflow contexts.
Tone: Clear, businesslike.
13. Reconnecting About
Meaning: Re-establishes communication after a pause or delay.
Example: Reconnecting about our earlier conversation on collaboration.
Best Use: Polite, professional follow-up after some time has passed.
Tone: Warm, respectful.
14. Wanted to See If
Meaning: Gentle way to ask for an update without sounding demanding.
Example: I wanted to see if you’ve had a chance to finalize the timeline.
Best Use: Professional or client follow-ups.
Tone: Courteous, patient.
15. Hope to Hear Back On
Meaning: Expresses polite anticipation of a response.
Example: I hope to hear back on the proposal we sent last week.
Best Use: Formal email closings.
Tone: Polite, formal.
16. Returning To This
Meaning: Indicates bringing attention back to an earlier topic.
Example: Returning to this conversation to confirm if we can proceed.
Best Use: Second or third follow-up messages.
Tone: Respectful, concise.
17. Wanted to Follow Through
Meaning: Communicates accountability and diligence.
Example: I wanted to follow through to ensure all points were addressed.
Best Use: When showing commitment or professionalism.
Tone: Responsible, polite.
18. Checking Progress On
Meaning: Focuses on tracking updates or progress.
Example: I’m checking progress on the proposal you mentioned last week.
Best Use: Project updates or team communication.
Tone: Neutral, efficient.
19. Continuing To Stay In Touch
Meaning: Maintains communication in an ongoing process.
Example: Continuing to stay in touch regarding our collaboration plans.
Best Use: Client relationship management.
Tone: Professional, relational.
20. Wanted to Get an Update
Meaning: Simple, direct way to request new information.
Example: I wanted to get an update on the scheduling request.
Best Use: Informal or quick internal messages.
Tone: Clear, polite.
21. Revisiting This Note
Meaning: Brings attention back to a previous email or message.
Example: Revisiting this note to see if you’ve had a chance to review.
Best Use: Email threads with prior communication.
Tone: Soft, polite.
22. Checking Whether
Meaning: A gentle question opener to confirm status.
Example: Checking whether you’ve made a decision on the proposal.
Best Use: Professional and client communication.
Tone: Polite, indirect.
23. Wanted to Touch Base Again
Meaning: Friendly, approachable second follow-up.
Example: Wanted to touch base again to make sure you received my last email.
Best Use: When you’ve followed up before but haven’t heard back.
Tone: Friendly, persistent.
24. Following This Up
Meaning: A simple way to say you’re revisiting a previous message.
Example: Following this up to confirm if there’s been any update.
Best Use: Formal or direct business writing.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
25. Seeking an Update
Meaning: Formal and respectful way to request new information.
Example: I’m seeking an update on the contract review status.
Best Use: Polite business correspondence.
Tone: Formal, courteous.
26. Wanted to Confirm
Meaning: Requests verification or closure politely.
Example: I wanted to confirm whether the documents were received.
Best Use: Client or admin communication.
Tone: Polite, clear.
Conclusion
While “following up” is widely understood, rotating your phrasing makes your communication feel more authentic and considerate.
- Use “checking in,” “touching base,” or “circling back” for casual workplace tone.
- Use “revisiting,” “seeking an update,” or “following on from” for formal emails.
- Use “reconnecting about” or “continuing our conversation” for longer-term relationships.
