Do you often find yourself using the phrase “I wanted to follow up” in emails or conversations?
Perhaps you’ve grown tired of this repetitive expression when trying to communicate professionally or casually. While “I wanted to follow up” is perfectly polite and grammatically correct, it can sometimes feel a bit worn out, especially when used frequently.
Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a handy list of alternative phrases you can use to mix things up and sound more dynamic in your conversations. Whether you’re aiming for formal, professional language or a more casual tone, these alternatives will help you express yourself with confidence.
Other Ways to Say “I Wanted to Follow Up”
When you find yourself using the phrase “I wanted to follow up” too often, consider switching it up with one of the following alternatives:
- “I’m reaching out to check on…”
- “I’d like to touch base about…”
- “I’m circling back to see…”
- “I wanted to remind you about…”
- “Just checking in regarding…”
- “I’m following up on…”
- “I wanted to get an update on…”
- “I’d appreciate an update on…”
- “Could you provide a status update on…?”
- “Just wanted to make sure…”
Each of these alternatives is suitable for various contexts and tones, giving you flexibility depending on your audience. Let’s break down how to use each phrase effectively.
Key Notes
The phrase “I wanted to follow up” is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal situations. It works well in professional emails or casual conversations, but it can feel a bit basic and overused.
To elevate your communication, consider using some of the alternatives listed above. You can adapt them for different settings, such as business meetings, project updates, or personal check-ins.
For example:
- “I’m reaching out to check on…” is a great formal substitute, especially in professional environments like emails or team meetings.
- “I’d like to touch base about…” is a useful phrase for semi-formal conversations, perfect for colleagues or partners you work closely with.
- “Just checking in regarding…” works well in informal settings when you’re keeping things light and conversational, such as with friends or casual acquaintances.
Phrases Breakdown and Usage
Let’s dive into how and when to use each phrase to replace “I wanted to follow up.” This guide will help you find the perfect substitute for any scenario.
“I’m reaching out to check on…”
Usage:
If you’re looking for a more formal way to say “I wanted to follow up,” try using “I’m reaching out to check on…” This alternative adds a touch of professionalism and is ideal for environments where you want to maintain a respectful tone.
Example (in an email):
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Thank you for your assistance with the project last week. I’m reaching out to check on the progress of the next steps and would appreciate your update.
Best regards,
Sarah Johnson
“I’d like to touch base about…”
Usage:
For a semi-formal alternative to “I wanted to follow up,” consider using “I’d like to touch base about…” It’s perfect for professional but friendly interactions where you already have a relationship with the person.
Example (in an email):
Hi Karen,
I hope you’re doing well. I’d like to touch base about the new marketing plan we discussed last week and see how things are progressing.
Best,
Tom
“I’m circling back to see…”
Usage:
This phrase is a slightly more casual alternative and works well in both professional and informal settings. “I’m circling back to see…” can be used when you want to check in without sounding too formal or demanding.
Example (in an email):
Hey Rob,
I’m circling back to see if you had a chance to review the proposal. Let me know if you need more information.
Thanks,
Jessica
“I wanted to remind you about…”
Usage:
Sometimes, your follow-up needs to serve as a gentle reminder. “I wanted to remind you about…” is a polite yet effective way to prompt someone to complete a task or remember an important deadline.
Example (in an email):
Dear Mrs. Parker,
I wanted to remind you about the upcoming meeting scheduled for Friday at 2 PM. Please let me know if you need anything in advance.
Sincerely,
Andrew
“Just checking in regarding…”
Usage:
This phrase is slightly less formal and can be used in both professional and personal contexts. It’s a casual way of saying you want an update without applying too much pressure.
Example (in conversation):
Hey Megan,
Just checking in regarding the project – how’s everything coming along? Let me know if you need any help!
“I’m following up on…”
Usage:
If you want to stick with something close to “I wanted to follow up,” but need a bit of variation, “I’m following up on…” is a straightforward, versatile option. It’s great for both emails and in-person conversations.
Example (in an email):
Hi Jake,
I’m following up on the documents we discussed last week. Could you provide an update on their status?
Thanks,
Emily
“I wanted to get an update on…”
Usage:
When you’re looking for information or a status report, this phrase is perfect. It shows interest and initiative without sounding too demanding.
Example (in an email):
Dear Sarah,
I wanted to get an update on the budget review. Please let me know if there’s any new information.
Kind regards,
Chris
“I’d appreciate an update on…”
Usage:
For situations where you need a formal but polite way to request information, this phrase works well. It emphasizes your request without being too direct or blunt.
Example (in an email):
Dear Mr. Franklin,
I’d appreciate an update on the grant application process. Kindly share any news when you have a moment.
Best regards,
Jennifer
“Could you provide a status update on…?”
Usage:
This phrase is ideal for formal situations where you need to request specific information or updates. It’s clear, direct, and professional, making it suitable for corporate settings.
Example (in an email):
Hi David,
Could you provide a status update on the hiring process? We’re eager to move forward with the next steps.
Best,
Rachel
“Just wanted to make sure…”
Usage:
For a light, casual check-in, “Just wanted to make sure…” is the perfect choice. It’s informal and great for conversations with friends or colleagues you have an easy rapport with.
Example (in conversation):
Hey John,
Just wanted to make sure you got the files I sent over. Let me know if you have any questions.
Is It Correct to Say “I Wanted to Follow Up”?
Absolutely! “I wanted to follow up” is both grammatically correct and suitable for formal or informal settings. Whether you’re drafting a professional email or having a casual conversation, this phrase works well. However, using a variety of phrases, like those listed above, will help you diversify your vocabulary and sound more varied in your communication.
You can also try slight variations of this phrase to suit different contexts, such as:
- “I wanted to check in…”
- “I’d like to follow up on…”
- “I’m checking back to see…”
Also Read
Looking Forward to Working With You” – Best Alternatives and How to Use Them
In conclusion, “I wanted to follow up” is a perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct phrase, no matter if you’re using it in a formal or informal setting. However, the alternative phrases provided in this article will help you diversify your vocabulary and communicate more effectively in different contexts.
By switching up your language, you’ll keep your communications fresh, whether you’re writing emails, engaging in workplace discussions, or chatting with friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the alternatives to find the one that suits your needs the best!
