30 Other Ways to Say "I Just Wanted to Follow Up" Professionally

When communicating in a professional setting, finding the right words to convey warmth, care, and clarity is crucial. “I just wanted to follow up” is a commonly used phrase, but sometimes it can feel too abrupt or impersonal. By using thoughtful alternatives, you can ensure your message sounds considerate, empathetic, and more engaging.

Below are 30 professional alternatives that will help you craft messages that are both polite and impactful. These alternatives will make your communication feel more personal, resonating with your audience in a meaningful way.

Table of Contents

What Does “I Just Wanted to Follow Up” Mean?

“I just wanted to follow up” is a phrase often used when checking on the status of something that has already been discussed or initiated. It can indicate a polite reminder or an effort to maintain momentum on a task, email, or project. While it’s a friendly way to reach out, it may sometimes come across as too transactional or direct. Exploring alternatives allows you to find ways that better match the tone you wish to convey—whether that’s care, gratitude, or professionalism.

When to Use “I Just Wanted to Follow Up”

This phrase is most commonly used in professional emails or messages, particularly when you are seeking an update or a response from someone. It’s a gentle nudge without being too forceful. However, depending on the context, it can also be rephrased to align with the tone you wish to project, from formal to casual, while still maintaining politeness and respect.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “I Just Wanted to Follow Up”?

Yes, it is both professional and polite to say “I just wanted to follow up” in many contexts, but there are ways to rephrase it for a more thoughtful or empathetic tone. While effective, it might sound a bit robotic or formulaic if overused. The alternatives provided below allow you to express the same idea with a more personalized or refined approach, which can help build stronger rapport with your colleagues or clients.

Full List of Alternatives:

I Just Wanted to Check In
I Hope This Message Finds You Well
Just Circling Back
I Wanted to Touch Base
Just Following Up on Our Previous Conversation
I Wanted to See How Things Are Going
I Just Wanted to Reconnect
I Wanted to Touch In With You
I Just Wanted to See If You Had Any Updates
I’m Checking In to See How Everything is Going
I’m Reaching Out to Follow Up
I Hope All is Well With You
I Wanted to Get an Update
Just Following Up on My Previous Email
I Was Hoping for a Quick Update
I Just Wanted to Check How You’re Doing
Just Reaching Out to See if There Are Any Updates
I Just Wanted to Follow Up and See If You Had Any Questions
I Just Wanted to Check if You Had a Moment
Wanted to Reach Out Regarding…
I Just Wanted to Touch Base on This
I’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts
I Just Wanted to Follow Up on This Matter
Checking In to See How Things Are Going
I Just Wanted to Make Sure Everything is Going Smoothly
I’m Following Up to See If There’s Anything I Can Do
I Just Wanted to Verify if You Had Any Updates
I’m Reaching Out to Get Your Feedback
Wanted to Follow Up to See If We Can Proceed
I Just Wanted to Know How Things Are Progressing

1. “I Just Wanted to Check In”

Meaning: A gentle reminder or inquiry about the progress of a matter.
Explanation: This alternative is softer and adds a personal touch. It’s more conversational, showing that you’re concerned about how things are going rather than simply requesting an update.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to check in on the proposal I sent last week.”
Tone: Friendly, conversational.

2. “I Hope This Message Finds You Well”

Meaning: A warm introduction to a follow-up.
Explanation: A polite and empathetic way to begin a conversation. It sets a positive tone and shows that you’re thinking of the person before diving into the follow-up.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I just wanted to check in on the project status.”
Tone: Respectful, caring.

3. “Just Circling Back”

Meaning: A casual and commonly used way to indicate a return to a previous topic.
Explanation: Often used in follow-up situations where you’ve already communicated before and want to pick up where you left off.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], just circling back to see if there’s any update on the proposal.”
Tone: Informal, professional.

4. “I Wanted to Touch Base”

Meaning: A casual but still professional way to reconnect or request an update.
Explanation: This phrase is widely used in business settings and suggests a brief and respectful check-in.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I wanted to touch base with you regarding the upcoming meeting.”
Tone: Casual, polite.

5. “Just Following Up on Our Previous Conversation”

Meaning: A direct way of referencing a past discussion.
Explanation: This is clear and professional. It works well when you want to reference a prior exchange and keep the momentum going.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], just following up on our previous conversation about the new strategy.”
Tone: Formal, respectful.

6. “I Wanted to See How Things Are Going”

Meaning: Expressing interest in the status of an ongoing matter.
Explanation: This phrase feels warmer and more interested in the progress of a situation.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I wanted to see how things are going with the task we discussed.”
Tone: Friendly, engaged.

7. “I Just Wanted to Reconnect”

Meaning: A phrase indicating the desire to re-establish contact.
Explanation: A polite and subtle way to initiate a follow-up while emphasizing reconnection, rather than just asking for an update.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to reconnect and see how things are progressing on your end.”
Tone: Professional, warm.

8. “I Wanted to Touch in With You”

Meaning: Similar to “touch base,” it conveys a desire to check in or follow up.
Explanation: A casual and friendly tone that is still appropriate for a professional setting.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I wanted to touch in with you about the project timeline.”
Tone: Informal, engaging.

9. “I Just Wanted to See If You Had Any Updates”

Meaning: A direct inquiry about new information or progress.
Explanation: This phrase is very straightforward and polite, making it clear that you’re requesting an update.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I just wanted to see if you had any updates on the status of the project.”
Tone: Direct, polite.

10. “I’m Checking In to See How Everything is Going”

Meaning: A considerate follow-up with a focus on the overall status.
Explanation: This phrase shows genuine care about the progress, offering support if needed.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I’m checking in to see how everything is going with the task at hand.”
Tone: Caring, thoughtful.

11. “I’m Reaching Out to Follow Up”

Meaning: A polite way to initiate a follow-up.
Explanation: This phrase is slightly more formal and works well in both email and phone conversations.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I’m reaching out to follow up on the proposal I sent.”
Tone: Professional, courteous.

12. “I Hope All is Well With You”

Meaning: A considerate phrase to check in on the person’s well-being.
Explanation: This phrase conveys empathy and warmth before addressing the subject of the follow-up.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I hope all is well with you. I just wanted to follow up on the contract.”
Tone: Friendly, considerate.

13. “I Wanted to Get an Update”

Meaning: A straightforward request for an update.
Explanation: This phrase directly asks for the information you need while still being polite and respectful.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I wanted to get an update on the progress of the new marketing plan.”
Tone: Direct, polite.

14. “Just Following Up on My Previous Email”

Meaning: A gentle reminder about a prior email.
Explanation: This phrase is common for follow-ups that reference earlier communication, reminding the recipient about your original message.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], just following up on my previous email regarding the meeting agenda.”
Tone: Professional, polite.

15. “I Was Hoping for a Quick Update”

Meaning: A gentle request for information.
Explanation: This phrase is polite while still indicating that you’re expecting an update.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I was hoping for a quick update on the project you’re working on.”
Tone: Polite, friendly.

16. “I Just Wanted to Check How You’re Doing”

Meaning: Showing care before diving into the main subject.
Explanation: This phrase puts a personal touch on the follow-up, demonstrating empathy and concern for the person.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to check how you’re doing with the task we discussed.”
Tone: Warm, empathetic.

17. “Just Reaching Out to See if There Are Any Updates”

Meaning: A polite inquiry to find out if there’s new information.
Explanation: This phrasing is polite and opens the door for the recipient to share any progress.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], just reaching out to see if there are any updates on the budget report.”
Tone: Casual, polite.

18. “I Just Wanted to Follow Up and See If You Had Any Questions”

Meaning: Offering assistance or clarification during the follow-up.
Explanation: By including the option for questions, you show that you’re open to further communication and eager to assist.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up and see if you had any questions about the proposal.”
Tone: Helpful, polite.

19. “I Just Wanted to Check if You Had a Moment”

Meaning: A polite, casual approach to check if someone has time for a follow-up.
Explanation: This phrase is useful when you’re not sure if the person is available but still want to politely ask for an update.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to check if you had a moment to discuss the meeting schedule.”
Tone: Courteous, respectful.

20. “Wanted to Reach Out Regarding…”

Meaning: Directly addressing a subject or matter that requires a follow-up.
Explanation: A professional and clear way to introduce the subject of your follow-up.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I wanted to reach out regarding the status of the proposal.”
Tone: Direct, professional.

21. “I Just Wanted to Touch Base on This”

Meaning: A casual phrase indicating a quick check-in or revisit of a previous topic.
Explanation: A subtle reminder that keeps the conversation flowing without feeling too heavy.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to touch base on this request and see if we are aligned.”
Tone: Light, polite.

22. “I’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts”

Meaning: A warm invitation for feedback or response.
Explanation: This phrase focuses on collaboration and encourages the recipient to share their insights, making it feel less like a task and more like a conversation.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I’d love to hear your thoughts on the project plan when you have a moment.”
Tone: Engaging, open.

23. “I Just Wanted to Follow Up on This Matter”

Meaning: A formal and respectful way to inquire about progress on a specific topic.
Explanation: This variant provides a little more context, making it clear that the follow-up pertains to a matter of importance.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I just wanted to follow up on this matter and see if there are any updates.”
Tone: Formal, professional.

24. “Checking In to See How Things Are Going”

Meaning: A polite way to gauge the status of something.
Explanation: It communicates genuine interest in how the recipient is managing a task or situation.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], just checking in to see how things are going with the new website launch.”
Tone: Friendly, interested.

25. “I Just Wanted to Make Sure Everything is Going Smoothly”

Meaning: A considerate follow-up to ensure everything is progressing as planned.
Explanation: This phrase shows thoughtfulness and provides the recipient with an opportunity to share any concerns.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I just wanted to make sure everything is going smoothly with the budget review.”
Tone: Caring, professional.

26. “I’m Following Up to See If There’s Anything I Can Do”

Meaning: Offering assistance as part of the follow-up process.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes support and offers help, reinforcing collaboration and teamwork.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I’m following up to see if there’s anything I can do to assist you with the next steps.”
Tone: Helpful, considerate.

27. “I Just Wanted to Verify if You Had Any Updates”

Meaning: A polite request for confirmation on whether there are any new developments.
Explanation: This phrasing is clear and direct, yet still respectful, making it suitable for situations requiring a quick confirmation.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to verify if you had any updates on the team’s progress.”
Tone: Direct, polite.

28. “I’m Reaching Out to Get Your Feedback”

Meaning: Asking for the recipient’s opinion or perspective.
Explanation: This approach turns the follow-up into an opportunity for feedback, encouraging a more collaborative and engaged conversation.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I’m reaching out to get your feedback on the recent product design.”
Tone: Open, collaborative.

29. “Wanted to Follow Up to See If We Can Proceed”

Meaning: Asking for permission or confirmation to continue with the next steps.
Explanation: This phrase is useful when you need to check whether you have the go-ahead to move forward with something.
Scenario: “Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up to see if we can proceed with the new marketing strategy.”
Tone: Professional, direct.

30. “I Just Wanted to Know How Things Are Progressing”

Meaning: A general inquiry into how things are advancing.
Explanation: This phrasing is ideal when you want a status update without making the recipient feel pressured.
Scenario: “Hello [Name], I just wanted to know how things are progressing with the client proposal.”
Tone: Neutral, polite.

Conclusion

Using the right words in follow-up communication is an art. Whether you aim for warmth, professionalism, or a more casual tone, adjusting the way you say “I just wanted to follow up” can create more meaningful conversations.

Incorporate some of the alternatives from this list into your next email, and you’ll notice how much more personal and engaging your professional communication becomes.