In the fast-paced world of business and communication, following up on previous conversations is essential. However, repeatedly using the same phrase can become monotonous and unremarkable.
Whether you’re reaching out to a client, checking in with a colleague, or seeking an update, using varied and engaging language can make your follow-ups more effective and professional.
In this post, we explore 30 alternative ways to express “I just wanted to follow up,” each paired with scenarios and examples to help you navigate different situations with confidence.
1. “Checking In”
Scenario: You’ve sent a proposal to a client and haven’t heard back.
Examples:
- “I’m checking in to see if you had a chance to review the proposal.”
- “Just checking in to follow up on our last conversation.”
Explanation: “Checking in” is a casual and friendly way to inquire about the status of a request or conversation. It conveys that you’re interested but not overly pushy.
2. “I Wanted to Touch Base”
Scenario: You’ve asked a colleague about their availability for a meeting.
Examples:
- “I wanted to touch base regarding your availability for our meeting.”
- “Just touching base to confirm if you received my earlier email.”
Explanation: “Touch base” suggests a brief and informal check-in, which helps maintain a professional yet approachable tone.
3. “Following Up”
Scenario: You’re seeking an update on a project status.
Examples:
- “I’m following up to see if there are any updates on the project.”
- “Just following up on my previous email about the deadline.”
Explanation: Using “following up” directly conveys the purpose of your message, making it clear you are seeking a response or action.
4. “I’m Reaching Out Again”
Scenario: You need to remind a client about an overdue payment.
Examples:
- “I’m reaching out again to remind you about the overdue payment.”
- “Just reaching out again to see if you had any questions about the invoice.”
Explanation: “Reaching out again” adds a sense of persistence while remaining courteous and professional.
5. “I Wanted to See If”
Scenario: You’ve inquired about a product demo and are awaiting a reply.
Examples:
- “I wanted to see if you are still interested in scheduling a product demo.”
- “Just seeing if you had a chance to review my previous email.”
Explanation: This phrase is useful for expressing curiosity about the recipient’s interest or actions without sounding demanding.
6. “Touching Base”
Scenario: You’re waiting for a confirmation on a meeting time.
Examples:
- “Just touching base to confirm our meeting time.”
- “Reaching out to touch base about the proposed agenda.”
Explanation: Similar to “touch base,” this phrase conveys a polite reminder while maintaining a relaxed tone.
7. “Wanted to Follow Up”
Scenario: You’ve asked for feedback on a draft and are waiting for a response.
Examples:
- “I wanted to follow up on the feedback for the draft.”
- “Just following up to see if you had any comments on the document.”
Explanation: “Wanted to follow up” is a straightforward way to express your intention to check on the status of a request.
8. “Just Reaching Out”
Scenario: You’re checking in after a networking event.
Examples:
- “I’m just reaching out to continue our conversation from the event.”
- “Just reaching out to reconnect and see how you’re doing.”
Explanation: “Just reaching out” is an informal and friendly way to reestablish contact and keep the conversation going.
9. “I’m Following Up To”
Scenario: You’ve asked about potential collaboration and want to revisit the topic.
Examples:
- “I’m following up to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.”
- “Just following up to check if you’re still interested in our partnership.”
Explanation: This phrase makes it clear that you’re revisiting a topic to ensure it’s still relevant or to progress the conversation.
10. “I Wanted to Check on”
Scenario: You’re waiting for a status update on a client request.
Examples:
- “I wanted to check on the status of your request.”
- “Just checking on the progress of the project we discussed.”
Explanation: “Wanted to check on” is a gentle way to ask for an update, indicating a specific interest in the status of a particular matter.
11. “I’m Reaching Out About”
Scenario: You need a response regarding a proposal you submitted.
Examples:
- “I’m reaching out about the proposal I sent last week.”
- “Just reaching out about the feedback you mentioned.”
Explanation: This phrase is effective for specifying the subject of your follow-up and making it clear what you’re referring to.
12. “Wanted to Reconnect”
Scenario: You’re following up after a brief hiatus in communication.
Examples:
- “I wanted to reconnect and see how things are progressing.”
- “Just reconnecting to follow up on our previous discussion.”
Explanation: “Wanted to reconnect” implies a desire to resume communication and stay engaged.
13. “Reaching Out for an Update”
Scenario: You’ve requested an update on a project and are awaiting a response.
Examples:
- “I’m reaching out for an update on the current project status.”
- “Just reaching out for an update on the proposal we discussed.”
Explanation: This phrase is direct and explicitly states that you are seeking an update, making it clear and purposeful.
14. “I Wanted to Touch on”
Scenario: You’ve discussed a matter in passing and want to follow up.
Examples:
- “I wanted to touch on the details we briefly discussed last week.”
- “Just touching on the topic of our previous conversation.”
Explanation: “Wanted to touch on” indicates that you’re revisiting a specific aspect of a prior discussion, often to elaborate or clarify.
15. “Just Checking”
Scenario: You’re confirming receipt of a document or email.
Examples:
- “I’m just checking to ensure you received my previous email.”
- “Just checking in to confirm the document reached you.”
Explanation: “Just checking” is a casual and straightforward way to verify that something was received or reviewed.
16. “Wanted to Follow Up on”
Scenario: You’ve inquired about the next steps in a process.
Examples:
- “I wanted to follow up on the next steps for our project.”
- “Just following up on our previous conversation about the timeline.”
Explanation: This phrase helps clarify that you are seeking further action or information related to an earlier discussion.
17. “I’m Checking the Status of”
Scenario: You’re inquiring about the progress of a request or task.
Examples:
- “I’m checking the status of the task assigned last week.”
- “Just checking the status of the request I submitted.”
Explanation: This phrase directly addresses your interest in the progress or current state of a particular item.
18. “Reaching Out for a Quick Update”
Scenario: You’re seeking a brief update on a meeting or deliverable.
Examples:
- “I’m reaching out for a quick update on the status of the report.”
- “Just reaching out for a quick update on the meeting agenda.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys a desire for a brief and efficient update, suitable for busy contexts.
19. “I Wanted to See If You Had”
Scenario: You’re waiting for feedback or additional information.
Examples:
- “I wanted to see if you had any feedback on the proposal.”
- “Just seeing if you had a chance to review the details I sent.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates a polite request for information or feedback, allowing the recipient time to respond.
20. “I’m Following Up Regarding”
Scenario: You’ve sent a request and are awaiting a response.
Examples:
- “I’m following up regarding the request I made last week.”
- “Just following up regarding our previous discussion on the project.”
Explanation: This phrase specifies what you’re following up about, providing context for your request.
21. “Wanted to Get an Update On”
Scenario: You’re seeking progress on a particular matter.
Examples:
- “I wanted to get an update on the current status of the task.”
- “Just getting an update on the progress of our proposal.”
Explanation: This phrase explicitly states that you are interested in receiving an update on a specific topic.
22. “Checking in to See”
Scenario: You’re inquiring about the status of a deliverable.
Examples:
- “I’m checking in to see if you’ve had a chance to complete the task.”
- “Just checking in to see if there’s been any progress on the project.”
Explanation: “Checking in to see” conveys a casual approach to discovering the status of something.
23. “Just Wanted to Touch Base on”
Scenario: You’re following up on a previously discussed issue.
Examples:
- “I just wanted to touch base on the issue we discussed last week.”
- “Just touching base on the action items from our meeting.”
Explanation: This phrase is useful for revisiting specific points from past conversations.
24. “I’m Reaching Out to Confirm”
Scenario: You’re verifying details about a scheduled meeting.
Examples:
- “I’m reaching out to confirm our meeting scheduled for next week.”
- “Just reaching out to confirm the details of the upcoming event.”
Explanation: This phrase focuses on confirming arrangements or details, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
25. “I Wanted to Make Sure”
Scenario: You’re confirming the receipt of a document or information.
Examples:
- “I wanted to make sure you received the document I sent.”
- “Just making sure you had all the information needed for the project.”
Explanation: This phrase helps ensure that important details or documents were received and reviewed.
26. “Just Checking In on”
Scenario: You’re seeking an update on a pending request.
Examples:
- “I’m just checking in on the status of my previous request.”
- “Just checking in on the progress of the project update.”
Explanation: This phrase is informal and friendly, perfect for a gentle reminder.
27. “I’m Touching Base To”
Scenario: You’re reaching out for confirmation on project deliverables.
Examples:
- “I’m touching base to confirm the deliverables for the project.”
- “Just touching base to ensure we’re aligned on the next steps.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates a need to verify or confirm specific details.
28. “I Wanted to Check Up On”
Scenario: You’re following up on a client’s feedback.
Examples:
- “I wanted to check up on the feedback you promised to provide.”
- “Just checking up on the status of the client’s response.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates you’re seeking an update on feedback or other important responses.
29. “Reaching Out for a Status Update”
Scenario: You need an update on an ongoing project.
Examples:
- “I’m reaching out for a status update on the project we discussed.”
- “Just reaching out for a status update on the proposal sent last month.”
Explanation: This phrase specifies that you’re looking for a detailed status update on a particular matter.
30. “Just Following Up to See”
Scenario: You’re following up after a job interview or meeting.
Examples:
- “I’m just following up to see if there’s been any decision regarding the position.”
- “Just following up to see if you need any additional information from me.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys a polite and non-intrusive way of seeking information or updates.
Conclusion:
Following up effectively is an art, and using varied language can make your communications more engaging and effective. By incorporating these 30 alternative phrases into your follow-up messages, you can maintain professionalism and keep your communications fresh.
Whether you’re reconnecting with a client, seeking updates, or confirming details, these phrases offer a range of options to suit any situation. Use them to enhance your follow-ups and make your professional interactions more dynamic and responsive.
Hi! I’m Zadie-Smith, the author of Grammar Glides. I create easy-to-follow resources to help you master English grammar with confidence. Join me on my website for tips and tools to make your English learning journey smooth and enjoyable!
