Following up can feel awkward. You don’t want to sound impatient, pushy, or demanding—but you still need an update. In professional communication, how you ask matters just as much as what you ask.
The right wording keeps relationships positive, shows respect for the other person’s time, and increases the chances of getting a clear response. Instead of repeatedly sending “Just checking in,” this guide gives you polite, professional, and effective alternatives you can confidently use in emails.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Choosing the right phrase depends on tone, relationship, and urgency. Here’s how to decide:
Formal Situations
Use polished, respectful language when emailing:
- Clients
- Senior managers
- External stakeholders
- Interviewers or recruiters
Semi-Formal Situations
Use balanced, friendly professionalism when writing to:
- Colleagues
- Project partners
- Vendors
- Cross-team contacts
Casual or Internal Situations
Use lighter phrasing for:
- Teammates
- Internal follow-ups
- Ongoing conversations
Examples of Situational Use
- Client follow-up: After sending a proposal, you may write, “I wanted to follow up on the proposal shared earlier.”
- Job application: After an interview, “I’m writing to check if there are any updates regarding the next steps.”
- Project status: While waiting on deliverables, “I wanted to check in and see if there are any updates.”
- Internal team: For routine progress, “Just checking on the status when you have a moment.”
20 Polite Ways to Ask for an Update in an Email
Below are 20 professional alternatives, each with meaning, examples, and guidance.
1. “I wanted to follow up on…”
Meaning: A neutral and widely accepted way to request an update.
Examples:
- I wanted to follow up on the report shared last week.
- I wanted to follow up on my previous message regarding the timeline.
- I wanted to follow up on the proposal submission.
- I wanted to follow up on the application status.
- I wanted to follow up on our earlier discussion.
Why it works: Polite, professional, and never sounds demanding.
2. “I’m writing to check on the status of…”
Meaning: Direct yet respectful.
Examples:
- I’m writing to check on the status of the project.
- I’m writing to check on the status of the review.
- I’m writing to check on the status of my application.
- I’m writing to check on the status of the request.
- I’m writing to check on the status of next steps.
Why it works: Clear intent without pressure.
3. “I wanted to see if there have been any updates on…”
Meaning: Softens the follow-up by allowing flexibility.
Examples:
- I wanted to see if there have been any updates on the proposal.
- I wanted to see if there have been any updates on scheduling.
- I wanted to see if there have been any updates on approval.
- I wanted to see if there have been any updates on delivery.
- I wanted to see if there have been any updates on next steps.
Why it works: Sounds considerate and patient.
4. “I’m checking in regarding…”
Meaning: Friendly and professional.
Examples:
- I’m checking in regarding the project timeline.
- I’m checking in regarding the documents sent earlier.
- I’m checking in regarding the meeting follow-up.
- I’m checking in regarding your availability.
- I’m checking in regarding the request below.
Why it works: Common, safe, and effective.
5. “May I ask if there’s any progress on…”
Meaning: Very polite and deferential.
Examples:
- May I ask if there’s any progress on the review?
- May I ask if there’s any progress on the approval?
- May I ask if there’s any progress on the application?
- May I ask if there’s any progress on scheduling?
- May I ask if there’s any progress on next steps?
Why it works: Ideal for senior or external contacts.
6. “I wanted to kindly check if there’s an update on…”
Meaning: Adds warmth and courtesy.
Examples:
- I wanted to kindly check if there’s an update on the proposal.
- I wanted to kindly check if there’s an update on the review.
- I wanted to kindly check if there’s an update on approval.
- I wanted to kindly check if there’s an update on delivery.
- I wanted to kindly check if there’s an update on timelines.
Why it works: Soft, polite, and respectful.
7. “I hope you’re doing well—just checking on…”
Meaning: Friendly opening before the request.
Examples:
- I hope you’re doing well—just checking on the project status.
- I hope you’re doing well—just checking on next steps.
- I hope you’re doing well—just checking on the review.
- I hope you’re doing well—just checking on availability.
- I hope you’re doing well—just checking on the request.
Why it works: Warm and human without being casual.
8. “I wanted to follow up to see if you need anything further from me.”
Meaning: Shifts focus away from pressure.
Examples:
- I wanted to follow up to see if you need anything further from me.
- I wanted to follow up to see if I can assist further.
- I wanted to follow up to see if additional information is needed.
- I wanted to follow up to see if clarification would help.
- I wanted to follow up to see if there’s anything I can provide.
Why it works: Collaborative and supportive.
9. “Just checking to see where things stand.”
Meaning: Semi-formal and conversational.
Examples:
- Just checking to see where things stand with the project.
- Just checking to see where things stand on approval.
- Just checking to see where things stand with scheduling.
- Just checking to see where things stand after the review.
- Just checking to see where things stand overall.
Why it works: Natural and non-aggressive.
10. “I wanted to touch base regarding…”
Meaning: Polished and professional.
Examples:
- I wanted to touch base regarding the proposal.
- I wanted to touch base regarding next steps.
- I wanted to touch base regarding the timeline.
- I wanted to touch base regarding feedback.
- I wanted to touch base regarding availability.
Why it works: Sounds intentional and respectful.
11. “I’m reaching out to see if there’s an update on…”
Meaning: Clear and courteous.
Examples:
- I’m reaching out to see if there’s an update on the project.
- I’m reaching out to see if there’s an update on approval.
- I’m reaching out to see if there’s an update on scheduling.
- I’m reaching out to see if there’s an update on review.
- I’m reaching out to see if there’s an update on next steps.
Why it works: Professional and neutral.
12. “I wanted to check back regarding…”
Meaning: Light follow-up tone.
Examples:
- I wanted to check back regarding the proposal.
- I wanted to check back regarding timelines.
- I wanted to check back regarding feedback.
- I wanted to check back regarding approval.
- I wanted to check back regarding availability.
Why it works: Non-pushy and friendly.
13. “When you have a moment, could you share an update on…”
Meaning: Respects the recipient’s time.
Examples:
- When you have a moment, could you share an update on the project?
- When you have a moment, could you share an update on next steps?
- When you have a moment, could you share an update on review status?
- When you have a moment, could you share an update on approval?
- When you have a moment, could you share an update on timelines?
Why it works: Polite and considerate.
14. “I’d appreciate an update when convenient.”
Meaning: Gentle and flexible.
Examples:
- I’d appreciate an update when convenient.
- I’d appreciate an update when convenient regarding the project.
- I’d appreciate an update when convenient on next steps.
- I’d appreciate an update when convenient on approval.
- I’d appreciate an update when convenient on timing.
Why it works: Shows patience and professionalism.
15. “I wanted to check if there’s been any movement on…”
Meaning: Informal-professional tone.
Examples:
- I wanted to check if there’s been any movement on the proposal.
- I wanted to check if there’s been any movement on approval.
- I wanted to check if there’s been any movement on scheduling.
- I wanted to check if there’s been any movement on review.
- I wanted to check if there’s been any movement on next steps.
Why it works: Natural and conversational.
16. “I’m following up to see how things are progressing.”
Meaning: Focuses on progress, not delay.
Examples:
- I’m following up to see how things are progressing with the project.
- I’m following up to see how things are progressing on approval.
- I’m following up to see how things are progressing after review.
- I’m following up to see how things are progressing with timelines.
- I’m following up to see how things are progressing overall.
Why it works: Positive and forward-looking.
17. “I wanted to check if you had a chance to review…”
Meaning: Very polite and respectful.
Examples:
- I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the proposal.
- I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the document.
- I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the feedback.
- I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the request.
- I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the materials.
Why it works: Avoids blame or pressure.
18. “Just following up on my previous email.”
Meaning: Simple and direct.
Examples:
- Just following up on my previous email.
- Just following up on my previous email regarding timelines.
- Just following up on my previous email about next steps.
- Just following up on my previous email for an update.
- Just following up on my previous email below.
Why it works: Clear and efficient.
19. “I wanted to check in and see if there’s any update.”
Meaning: Balanced and neutral.
Examples:
- I wanted to check in and see if there’s any update on the project.
- I wanted to check in and see if there’s any update on approval.
- I wanted to check in and see if there’s any update on scheduling.
- I wanted to check in and see if there’s any update on review.
- I wanted to check in and see if there’s any update on next steps.
Why it works: Polite and approachable.
20. “Could you please let me know if there are any updates?”
Meaning: Formal and courteous.
Examples:
- Could you please let me know if there are any updates on the project?
- Could you please let me know if there are any updates on approval?
- Could you please let me know if there are any updates on timelines?
- Could you please let me know if there are any updates on review?
- Could you please let me know if there are any updates on next steps?
Why it works: Clear request with polite wording.
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
Before sending your email, think about:
- Tone: Formal, semi-formal, or casual
- Audience: Client, manager, colleague, recruiter
- Urgency: Immediate response or flexible timing
- Context: Project, interview, approval, or follow-up
- Relationship: New contact vs. ongoing collaboration
Mini Examples
- Client: “I wanted to follow up on the proposal shared earlier.”
- Colleague: “Just checking to see where things stand.”
- Recruiter: “I wanted to see if there have been any updates regarding next steps.”
Quick One-Line Templates
- I wanted to follow up on the update below.
- Just checking in regarding the status.
- I’d appreciate an update when convenient.
- I wanted to see if there have been any updates.
- I’m reaching out to check on progress.
- When you have a moment, could you share an update?
- I wanted to touch base regarding next steps.
- Just following up on my previous message.
- I’m checking in to see how things are progressing.
- Could you please let me know if there are any updates?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sounding impatient or demanding
- Using overly casual language in formal emails
- Sending too many follow-ups too quickly
- Using vague phrases with no context
- Forgetting to acknowledge the recipient’s time
FAQ
1. Is it okay to ask for an update by email?
Yes, as long as the tone is polite and professional.
2. How long should I wait before following up?
Typically 3–7 business days, depending on urgency.
3. What’s the most polite phrase to use?
“May I ask if there’s any progress on…” is very courteous.
4. Can I use these phrases with recruiters?
Absolutely—many are ideal for job application follow-ups.
5. Should I apologize for following up?
No need—just be respectful and concise.
6. Can I reuse the same phrase multiple times?
It’s better to rotate phrases to avoid sounding repetitive.
Conclusion
Asking for an update doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. With the right wording, you can sound polite, confident, and professional—without applying pressure or damaging relationships.
Choose phrases that match your tone, respect the other person’s time, and clearly communicate your intent. Small changes in wording can make a big difference in how your message is received.
DISCOVER MORE ARTICLES
Formal Synonyms for “I Hope You Understand”2026
Formal Synonyms for “Make Sure” (20+ Professional Alternatives 2026)
