When you need to check on a previous message, request, or conversation, the phrase “I am following up” is the standard choice. However, whether you use a formal or casual version depends entirely on your audience and the situation. In professional emails to clients or senior colleagues, a direct but polite formal phrase works best. In casual messages to coworkers or friends, a shorter, friendlier version feels more natural. This guide gives you the exact phrases for both contexts, with examples and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer: Which Phrase Should You Use?
Use a formal phrase when writing to a client, manager, or someone you do not know well. Use a casual phrase when writing to a close colleague, a teammate, or a friend. For formal situations, try “I am writing to follow up on…” or “I wanted to check in regarding…” For casual situations, try “Just checking in on…” or “Any update on…?” The table below shows the main differences.
Comparison Table: Formal vs Casual ‘I am following up’
| Formal Phrase | Casual Phrase | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| I am writing to follow up on… | Just checking in on… | Email or message after a meeting or request |
| I wanted to check in regarding… | Any update on…? | Asking for progress or status |
| May I kindly follow up on… | Quick follow-up on… | Gentle reminder after no reply |
| I am reaching out to follow up on… | Just following up on… | General follow-up after a previous conversation |
| I would appreciate an update on… | Got any news on…? | When you need a specific answer |
Formal Ways to Say ‘I am following up’
Formal follow-ups are common in business emails, client communication, and official correspondence. The tone should be polite, clear, and respectful. Avoid being too direct or demanding. Instead, use phrases that show you are being considerate of the other person’s time.
1. I am writing to follow up on…
This is the most standard formal phrase. It is direct but polite. Use it when you have sent a previous email or had a conversation and need to check progress.
Example: “I am writing to follow up on the proposal we discussed last Tuesday. Please let me know if you have any questions.”
2. I wanted to check in regarding…
This phrase is slightly softer than “I am writing to follow up.” It works well when you want to sound helpful rather than pushy.
Example: “I wanted to check in regarding the status of the report. Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side.”
3. May I kindly follow up on…
Use this when you have not received a reply and want to be extra polite. The word “kindly” softens the request.
Example: “May I kindly follow up on my previous email about the contract? I would appreciate your feedback at your earliest convenience.”
4. I am reaching out to follow up on…
This phrase is common in professional emails, especially when you are contacting someone for the first time after an initial discussion.
Example: “I am reaching out to follow up on our conversation at the conference. I have attached the document we discussed.”
5. I would appreciate an update on…
This is a polite way to ask for specific information. It shows respect for the recipient’s time.
Example: “I would appreciate an update on the timeline for the project. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Casual Ways to Say ‘I am following up’
Casual follow-ups are perfect for internal team messages, emails to close colleagues, or conversations with friends. The tone should be friendly, short, and natural. Avoid overly formal language that might sound stiff or distant.
1. Just checking in on…
This is the most common casual phrase. It is friendly and does not sound demanding.
Example: “Just checking in on the design draft. No rush, but let me know when you have a moment.”
2. Any update on…?
This is a very short and direct casual phrase. It works well in instant messages or quick emails.
Example: “Any update on the budget numbers? Thanks!”
3. Quick follow-up on…
Use this when you want to remind someone without writing a long message. It is efficient and friendly.
Example: “Quick follow-up on the meeting notes. Did you get a chance to review them?”
4. Just following up on…
This is a simple, neutral casual phrase. It is slightly more direct than “just checking in” but still friendly.
Example: “Just following up on the invoice. Let me know if you need anything else.”
5. Got any news on…?
This phrase is very informal and best used with close colleagues or friends. It sounds conversational and relaxed.
Example: “Got any news on the client feedback? I am curious to hear what they said.”
Natural Examples
Here are three complete examples showing formal and casual versions side by side.
Example 1: After a meeting
Formal: “Dear Ms. Chen, I am writing to follow up on our meeting last Thursday. Please let me know if you have any further questions about the proposal.”
Casual: “Hi Lisa, just checking in on our chat from Thursday. Let me know if you need anything else!”
Example 2: Asking for a document
Formal: “I wanted to check in regarding the signed agreement. I would appreciate an update when you have a moment.”
Casual: “Hey, any update on the signed agreement? Thanks!”
Example 3: After no reply
Formal: “May I kindly follow up on my previous email? I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.”
Casual: “Quick follow-up on my last message. No worries if you are busy!”
Common Mistakes
English learners often make these mistakes when using follow-up phrases. Avoid them to sound more natural.
Mistake 1: Using formal phrases with close colleagues
If you write “I am writing to follow up on…” to a teammate you talk to every day, it sounds too stiff. Use a casual phrase instead.
Wrong: “I am writing to follow up on the lunch order.”
Right: “Just checking in on the lunch order.”
Mistake 2: Using casual phrases with clients or managers
Phrases like “Got any news on…?” can sound too informal in a professional email. Stick to formal phrases for external communication.
Wrong: “Got any news on the contract?”
Right: “I would appreciate an update on the contract.”
Mistake 3: Forgetting to mention what you are following up on
Always include the specific topic. Saying “I am following up” without context is confusing.
Wrong: “I am following up.”
Right: “I am following up on the budget proposal.”
Mistake 4: Being too pushy
Avoid phrases like “I need an answer now” or “Please respond immediately.” Instead, use polite language that respects the other person’s time.
Wrong: “I need an update on this right away.”
Right: “I would appreciate an update when you have a moment.”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes “I am following up” is not the best choice. Here are alternatives for specific situations.
When you want to be very polite
Use “I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on…” This adds a friendly opening before the follow-up.
When you want to sound urgent but respectful
Use “I am following up on this as we are approaching the deadline. Please let me know if you need any support.” This shows urgency without being rude.
When you want to offer help
Use “I am following up to see if you need any additional information from my side.” This shifts the focus to being helpful.
When you want to keep it very short in a chat
Use “Following up on this.” This is common in workplace chat apps like Slack or Teams. It is direct but not rude among colleagues.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the best phrase for each situation.
Question 1
You need to email a client about a proposal you sent last week. What is the best formal phrase?
A. “Got any news on the proposal?”
B. “I am writing to follow up on the proposal I sent last week.”
C. “Quick follow-up on the proposal.”
Answer: B. This is the most appropriate formal phrase for a client.
Question 2
You want to ask a teammate about a task in a quick chat message. What is the best casual phrase?
A. “I would appreciate an update on the task.”
B. “May I kindly follow up on the task?”
C. “Any update on the task?”
Answer: C. This is short, friendly, and perfect for a casual chat.
Question 3
You have not received a reply from a manager after two emails. Which phrase is polite and appropriate?
A. “I need an answer now.”
B. “May I kindly follow up on my previous email?”
C. “Got any news on my email?”
Answer: B. This is polite and respectful, even after no reply.
Question 4
You are writing to a close friend about a plan you discussed. Which phrase sounds most natural?
A. “I am writing to follow up on our plan.”
B. “Just checking in on our plan for Saturday.”
C. “I would appreciate an update on our plan.”
Answer: B. This is friendly and natural for a friend.
FAQ: Formal vs Casual ‘I am following up’
1. Can I use “I am following up” in a casual conversation?
Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. In casual conversation, phrases like “Just checking in” or “Any update?” are more natural. Use “I am following up” only when you want to sound slightly more professional, even in a casual setting.
2. What is the best phrase for a follow-up email after an interview?
Use a formal phrase such as “I am writing to follow up on my interview on [date]. Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you.” This shows professionalism and respect.
3. Is it rude to say “Just following up” in an email?
No, it is not rude, but it can sound a little direct. If you want to be softer, add a polite opening like “I hope you are doing well” before the follow-up. In casual emails, “Just following up” is perfectly fine.
4. How many times should I follow up before giving up?
Generally, two to three follow-ups are acceptable. Space them out by a few days or a week. If you still get no reply, it may be best to move on or try a different contact method. Always remain polite in each follow-up.
For more guidance on polite everyday phrases, visit our Polite Everyday Phrases section. If you need help with professional email language, check out our Professional Email Alternatives. For workplace speaking tips, see our Workplace Speaking Phrases. You can also explore more comparisons in our Formal and Casual Versions category. For any questions, please visit our FAQ page.
