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How to say it · Work and email

Following up on an email

You sent an email and nobody replied. You want an answer without sounding rude, and without saying sorry five times.

6 ways to say it

Quick answer

Start soft with just checking in. If you still hear nothing, name the thing and a date: I'd appreciate an update by Friday.

A woman waits at her laptop late in the evening while a colleague leans in and shrugs: still no reply to the email.
How firmGentle nudgeFirm
Just checking insoftest nudgeFollowing up on my emailbest defaultSorry to chase, butpolite and lightAny update onshort and directI wanted to check the status offormal checkI'd appreciate an update byfirm, with a deadline

Way 1 · softest nudge

Just checking in

A light, friendly reminder. It doesn't push, so it's good for the first nudge.

How firmVery gentle nudge
ToneCasual
Use itAt work

Examples

Hi Dan. Just checking in to see if you got my last email.

Just checking in on the schedule. No rush at all.

In a conversation

A: It's been three days and Mia hasn't answered.
B: Send her a "Just checking in" message. It's friendly and it works.

Common mistake

Not: Reply me soon, please.

Say: Just checking in. Could you reply when you can?

In English you reply to someone, not "reply me". A command also sounds bossy.

Practice saying this
Next: Following up on my email

Way 2 · best default

Following up on my email

You sent an email before and you want an answer. Clear, polite and not pushy.

How firmGentle nudge
ToneNeutral
Use itAt work

Examples

Following up on my email about the room booking. Is Thursday still free?

Following up on my email from Monday. Did you get the quote?

In a conversation

A: Did Priya ever answer your message about the contract?
B: Not yet. I'll send a quick "Following up on my email" tomorrow.

Common mistake

Not: Why you don't reply to my email?

Say: Following up on my email. Could you let me know by Friday?

A "Why" question sounds like blame. State what you need instead.

Practice saying this
Next: Sorry to chase, but

Way 3 · polite and light

Sorry to chase, but

You say sorry once for asking again, then you ask. Very British and gentle.

How firmGentle nudge
ToneNeutral
Use itAt work

Examples

Sorry to chase, but have you had a chance to look at my request?

Sorry to chase, but I need an answer before the meeting.

Common mistake

Not: Sorry, sorry to disturb you, I'm very sorry to ask again.

Say: Sorry to chase, but have you had a chance to look at it?

One short sorry is polite. Three sound nervous and make your message weaker.

Practice saying this
Next: Any update on

Way 4 · short and direct

Any update on

You ask for news about one thing. Quick, direct and fine between colleagues.

How firmMiddle
ToneCasual
Use itAt work

Examples

Any update on my application?

Any update on the delivery date? We need it by Friday.

In a conversation

A: Any update on the report? The client is asking.
B: Almost done. You'll have it by lunchtime.

Common mistake

Not: Any updates?? I wait since last week.

Say: Any update on the report? I sent it last week.

Name the thing you're asking about. For something that has gone on until now, use the present perfect: "I've been waiting since last week."

Practice saying this
Next: I wanted to check the status of

Way 5 · formal check

I wanted to check the status of

You politely ask where things stand. Good for companies, banks and offices.

How firmFirm
ToneFormal
Use itAt work

Examples

I wanted to check the status of my refund. I requested it on 3 May.

I wanted to check the status of my order. It hasn't arrived yet.

Practice saying this
Next: I'd appreciate an update by

Way 6 · firm, with a deadline

I'd appreciate an update by

You politely ask for an answer before a set time. Firm, but still professional.

How firmVery firm
ToneFormal
Use itAt work

Examples

I'd appreciate an update by Friday, if possible.

I'd appreciate an update by the end of the day tomorrow.

Practice saying this
Test yourself: which would you say?
Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

The mistake learners make

What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.

Not: Why you don't reply? I'm waiting for you!

Say: Just checking in. Could you let me know when you can?

Blaming the other person makes them defensive. Ask for what you need and keep your tone friendly.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Following up on my emailJust checking inSorry to chase, butAny update on

More moments like this

Replying to a job rejection