When it comes to following up on something, it is essential to communicate effectively in both formal and informal settings. In French, the way you express this sentiment can vary depending on the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Below, you will find various ways to say “I am following up” in French along with tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “I am Following Up” in French
In formal situations, such as academic or professional settings, it is crucial to maintain a respectful tone. Here are a few phrases commonly used in such contexts:
1. Je fais suite à… (I am following up on…)
When you want to express that you are following up on a specific matter or email, “Je fais suite à…” is a formal and commonly used phrase. For instance:
Example: Je fais suite à notre conversation téléphonique d’hier et je voudrais obtenir de plus amples renseignements.
This means “I am following up on our phone conversation yesterday, and I would like to obtain further information.”
2. Je souhaite avoir des nouvelles de… (I would like to have news about…)
When you would like to politely ask for an update or more information, you can use the phrase “Je souhaite avoir des nouvelles de…” in a formal context:
Example: Je souhaite avoir des nouvelles de l’avancement du projet dont nous avons parlé lors de notre dernière réunion.
This translates to “I would like to have news about the progress of the project we discussed during our last meeting.”
3. Je me permets de relancer… (I am allowing myself to follow up…)
Another useful phrase in a formal setting is “Je me permets de relancer…” which conveys a sense of politeness and respect when following up on a matter:
Example: Je me permets de relancer votre demande concernant les informations supplémentaires dont vous avez besoin.
This means “I am allowing myself to follow up on your request regarding the additional information you need.”
Informal Ways to Say “I am Following Up” in French
In less formal situations, like with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances, you have more flexibility in your choice of language. Here are a few common informal phrases:
1. Je te/vous relance… (I am following up with you…)
In an informal context, you can use the phrase “Je te/vous relance…” meaning “I am following up with you…”. The choice between “te” and “vous” depends on the level of familiarity with the person:
Example: Je te relance concernant notre sortie prévue ce week-end. As-tu déjà trouvé un lieu?
This means “I am following up with you regarding our planned outing this weekend. Have you found a place yet?”
2. Je voulais juste savoir où ça en est… (I just wanted to know where things stand…)
When you want to casually inquire about the progress of a certain matter, you can use the phrase “Je voulais juste savoir où ça en est…”:
Example: Salut ! Je voulais juste savoir où ça en est avec le projet dont on a parlé la semaine dernière.
This translates to “Hi! I just wanted to know where things stand with the project we discussed last week.”
3. Je te/vous fais un petit rappel… (I am giving you a little reminder…)
Another informal phrase you can use to express that you are following up is “Je te/vous fais un petit rappel…” which conveys a friendly reminder:
Example: Salut ! Je te fais un petit rappel pour la réunion prévue demain matin. Ne l’oublie pas !
This means “Hi! I’m giving you a little reminder about the meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. Don’t forget!”
Regional Variations
French is a language with various regional variations. While the phrases mentioned above are commonly used across different French-speaking regions, there might be slight variations in vocabulary or expressions. However, they are generally understood and widely accepted.
In Conclusion
When it comes to following up in French, it is essential to consider the context and the level of formality required. The formal phrases like “Je fais suite à…” and “Je souhaite avoir des nouvelles de…” are suitable for academic and professional settings, while the informal phrases such as “Je te/vous relance…” and “Je voulais juste savoir où ça en est…” are more appropriate for casual or personal situations.
Remember, effectively communicating your follow-up intentions in French demonstrates your consideration and interest in the matter at hand. Whether you are in a formal or informal setting, these phrases will help you navigate conversations and reinforce the importance of effective communication.
