In both professional and informal settings, there are numerous ways to express the need to follow up with someone. Whether you’re following up on a job application, a business proposal, or a casual conversation, communicating effectively is key. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express your intent to follow up. Regional variations will be mentioned if relevant, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of this expression. Alongside tips and examples, we’ll provide useful insights to help you navigate various situations confidently.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
Sometimes, you need to follow up in a professional or formal context, such as during work-related interactions, networking events, or when communicating with superiors. In these instances, you may want to use more polite and direct expressions. Here are some formal ways to say “wanted to follow up”:
- Checking in: This is a professional and concise way to reference your previous communication while showing respect and interest. For instance:
Dear [Name], I wanted to check in regarding the status of [specific topic] we discussed earlier. Please let me know if there have been any updates. Thank you. Best regards, [Your Name]
- Requesting an update: This communicates a polite request for an update while reiterating your interest. It is suitable for more formal settings:
Hello [Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to kindly request an update on our previous conversation regarding [specific topic]. Your insights and progress would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
- Seeking clarification: Sometimes, you may need additional clarification to proceed. Politely ask for it to ensure mutual understanding:
Dear [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on our last meeting and kindly request clarification on a few points before moving forward. Your guidance would be immensely helpful. Thank you for your time. Warm regards, [Your Name]
Informal Ways
In less formal situations or when communicating with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances, a more casual approach is often suitable. However, remember to maintain a respectful tone. Below are some informal ways to express your desire to follow up:
- Touching base: This common expression is light-hearted and conveys a casual intent to reconnect. It works well in various informal contexts:
Hey [Name], just touching base about our previous conversation. I wanted to see if there have been any updates. Let’s catch up soon. Cheers, [Your Name]
- Circling back: This phrase indicates a desire to revisit a previous discussion, often used when you have waited for a response or update:
Hi [Name], I’m circling back to the topic we discussed last week. I’m excited to hear your thoughts or any progress you’ve made. Speak soon. Regards, [Your Name]
- Following up: Sometimes, simplicity is key. A straightforward “following up” acknowledges the prior conversation and indicates your eagerness to continue:
Hello [Name], just following up on our chat the other day. I’m looking forward to hearing back from you. Thanks, [Your Name]
Tips and Best Practices
When following up, regardless of the context, it’s important to remember a few key tips to ensure your communication is effective:
- Be polite: Maintain a respectful tone throughout to cultivate a positive impression.
- Refer to previous interaction: Remind the recipient about the previous conversation or email to create context.
- Show interest: Express enthusiasm and emphasize your willingness to continue the discussion or receive an update.
- Be concise: Keep your message clear and to the point. Use precise language to avoid misunderstandings.
- Use appropriate timing: Consider the appropriate time to follow up. Timing can vary depending on the context and urgency of the matter.
Remember, genuine interest and promptness in following up will help you build stronger relationships and maintain effective communication.
Examples
Let’s look at some more examples combining both formal and informal ways to say “wanted to follow up”:
Formal Example: Dear Mr. Johnson, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up regarding my job application for the Marketing Assistant position at your company. I submitted my application two weeks ago and wanted to kindly inquire about the progress of the selection process. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Informal Example: Hey Sarah, just dropping a quick follow-up about the barbecue we discussed for this weekend. I wanted to see if we’re still on and if you need any help with the preparations. Let’s make it an unforgettable gathering. Cheers, [Your Name]
Feel free to adapt these examples to suit your specific situation, ensuring the tone remains respectful and appropriate for your intended audience.
