Sometimes, you need to follow up on a conversation or remind someone about a previous message. Instead of saying “circling back,” there are many other professional ways to do this.
You can use “following up,” “just checking in,” or “revisiting this” for a polite reminder. If you need a stronger follow-up, try “I wanted to bring this back to your attention.”
For a formal touch, “I’d like to return to this topic” works well. Choosing the right phrase depends on the tone of your email. Here are 12 better ways to say “circling back” in an email!
Main Points
- Why Use Alternatives? – Different phrases help maintain professionalism and avoid sounding repetitive.
- Polite Follow-Ups – Use “Just checking in” or “Following up” to remind someone gently.
- Formal Alternatives – Phrases like “Revisiting this topic” or “Returning to this matter” sound more professional.
- Stronger Follow-Ups – “I wanted to bring this back to your attention” works when urgency is needed.
- Keeping the Conversation Open – “Let’s revisit this” or “I’d like to follow up on this” helps keep discussions going.
- Choosing the Right Tone – Pick words based on the situation, whether casual or business-like.
- Improving Email Communication – Using varied phrases makes your emails more engaging and effective.
1. Following Up 🔄
“Following up” is a simple and professional way to remind someone about a previous conversation. It keeps the email polite and direct without being too pushy.
This phrase works well in both casual and formal business emails. It helps maintain communication without sounding demanding. You can use it to check on a task, request, or unanswered email.
For example, “Just following up to see if you had a chance to review my last message.” It shows initiative while keeping the tone friendly. A great phrase for all email types!
2. Just Checking In 👀
If you want a more casual and friendly way to follow up, “Just checking in” works perfectly. This phrase feels warm and non-intrusive. It’s great for informal business relationships, team projects, or client updates.
It lets the recipient know you are waiting for a response without pressuring them. For example, “Just checking in to see if you had any thoughts on my last email.”
It works well when you need a response but don’t want to rush someone. A polite and natural way to follow up!
3. Revisiting This Topic 🔄
“Revisiting this topic” sounds professional and signals that you are returning to a previous discussion. It is useful when reminding someone about an important subject that needs attention.
This phrase works well for ongoing projects or discussions that were left unresolved. It shows that you are organized and keeping track of tasks.
For example, “I’m revisiting this topic to see if there are any updates.” This phrase helps maintain focus on key issues. A great way to keep conversations moving forward!
4. I Wanted to Follow Up 🔁
If you need a direct yet professional way to reintroduce a topic, this phrase is a great choice. “I wanted to follow up” keeps the tone respectful and businesslike.
It works well when requesting updates from colleagues, managers, or clients. This phrase is effective when checking on pending tasks or unanswered emails.
For example, “I wanted to follow up on my last message regarding the project deadline.” It keeps things professional while ensuring your email gets noticed. A clear and effective follow-up phrase!
5. Bringing This Back to Your Attention 👆
This phrase is useful when you need to emphasize the importance of a previous discussion. “Bringing this back to your attention” suggests that the topic needs immediate review.
It is a strong but polite reminder for high-priority matters. This phrase works well for important deadlines, approvals, or unresolved tasks.
For example, “I’m bringing this back to your attention as the deadline is approaching.” It helps ensure that your message is noticed and acted upon. Best for urgent follow-ups!
6. I’d Like to Return to This Topic 🔄
“I’d like to return to this topic” is a polite and formal way to bring up a previous discussion. It is useful when a conversation is paused or delayed.
This phrase helps refocus the recipient’s attention without being too demanding. It works well for professional meetings, negotiations, or client discussions.
For example, “I’d like to return to this topic to see if we can finalize the details.” It signals that you are proactive and engaged. A professional and effective way to follow up!
7. Checking Back In 🔙
“Checking back in” is a simple and friendly phrase for following up on an email. It is slightly more casual than “following up” but still professional.
This phrase works well when you don’t want to sound too formal. It is great for internal team communication, client emails, and casual business conversations.
For example, “Just checking back in to see if you need any more information from me.” It keeps the tone warm and polite while ensuring the conversation stays active.
8. Touching Base ⚡
“Touching base” is a great phrase for a quick follow-up. It is often used in sales, networking, and casual business communication.
This phrase feels natural and conversational. It works well for checking on progress, feedback, or next steps.
For example, “Just touching base to see if you had a chance to review my proposal.” It helps maintain communication without sounding too formal. A great way to keep conversations flowing!
9. I’d Like to Check on This ✅
This phrase is a direct but polite way to follow up on an important matter. It works well in both professional and casual settings.
“I’d like to check on this” signals that you are keeping track of a task or request. It is useful for status updates, pending approvals, or unresolved issues. For example, “I’d like to check on this to see if there are any updates.” It ensures that your email gets attention while keeping the tone respectful.
10. Reaching Out Again ✉️
If you need a softer approach, “Reaching out again” is a great choice. This phrase is warm and inviting, making it ideal for client emails and professional networking.
It works well when you want to follow up without sounding too pushy. For example, “I’m reaching out again to see if you had any thoughts on my last email.”
It keeps the conversation open and encourages a response. A great follow-up phrase for business communication!
11. Circling Back Around 🔄
This phrase is a slight variation of “circling back,” making it sound fresh. “Circling back around” suggests a gentle reminder without being too aggressive.
It is useful when checking on project updates, approvals, or follow-ups. For example, “Just circling back around to see if you had a chance to review my request.” It keeps your message polite while ensuring your topic stays relevant.
12. I’m Following Up on My Last Email 📬
This phrase is a straightforward and professional way to remind someone about a previous message. It works well for formal business communication and important requests.
For example, “I’m following up on my last email to check if there are any updates.” It keeps your email clear, direct, and professional.
13. Let’s Revisit This 🔄
If you need to bring up a discussion again, “Let’s revisit this” is a great phrase to use. It suggests continuing a previous conversation without pressure.
It is useful for project discussions, brainstorming sessions, or unresolved topics. For example, “Let’s revisit this to finalize our next steps.” It helps keep discussions on track and productive.
14. Hope to Hear Back Soon 👂
This phrase is a friendly way to encourage a response without sounding too demanding. It is great for casual business emails and client communication.
For example, “I hope to hear back soon regarding the updates on our project.” It creates a sense of urgency while keeping the tone polite.
15. Any Updates on This? 📌
If you need a quick and direct follow-up, “Any updates on this?” is an excellent choice. It works well for internal team communication and ongoing projects.
For example, “Any updates on this? I’d appreciate any news you can share.” It keeps your email short, clear, and to the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use alternatives instead of “circling back”?
Using different phrases helps avoid repetition, sounds more professional, and fits different email tones.
Which phrase is best for formal business emails?
“I’d like to return to this topic” or “I’m following up on my last email” work well for formal settings.
What’s a good phrase for casual emails?
“Just checking in” or “Touching base” sound friendly and natural in informal conversations.
How can I politely ask for an update?
“Any updates on this?” or “I’d like to check on this” are polite and effective follow-up phrases.
Final Words 🏁
Following up in emails is important for keeping conversations and tasks on track. Instead of always saying “circling back,” using different phrases makes your emails more engaging and professional.
Whether you need a formal follow-up or a friendly check-in, there’s a perfect phrase for every situation. By choosing the right wording, you can keep communication smooth and productive. Try these alternatives to improve your email writing and get better responses! 🚀
