When you need to check on a request, an email, or a conversation, the phrase “I am following up” is direct but can feel stiff or unnatural depending on who you are talking to. The best way to say it depends on your relationship with the person and the situation. In formal settings—like a job application, a client email, or a professional inquiry—you want to sound polite and respectful. In casual settings—like a text to a friend or a quick chat with a coworker—you want to sound natural and friendly. This guide gives you clear, ready-to-use alternatives for both, so you always choose the right tone.
Quick Answer: Formal vs Casual ‘Following Up’
Use formal phrases when you need to show respect, maintain distance, or write to someone you do not know well. Use casual phrases when you have a relaxed relationship or are speaking in person or by text. Here is a fast comparison:
- Formal: “I am writing to follow up on…” / “May I ask for an update on…” / “I wanted to check in regarding…”
- Casual: “Just checking in on…” / “Any news on…?” / “Hey, any update on that?”
Comparison Table: Formal vs Casual
| Situation | Formal Version | Casual Version |
|---|---|---|
| Email to a client or boss | “I am following up on the proposal we discussed last week.” | “Just wanted to check on the proposal.” |
| Asking for a status update | “May I kindly request an update on the timeline?” | “Any update on the timeline?” |
| After a meeting or interview | “I am writing to follow up on our conversation from Tuesday.” | “Hey, following up on our chat Tuesday.” |
| Checking on a task from a colleague | “I wanted to follow up regarding the report.” | “Just checking on that report.” |
| Text to a friend about a plan | Not appropriate | “Any word on dinner tonight?” |
Formal Ways to Say ‘I Am Following Up’
Formal follow-ups are common in professional email alternatives and workplace speaking phrases. They show respect and patience. Use them when you want to avoid sounding pushy or impatient.
1. “I am writing to follow up on…”
This is the most standard formal phrase. It is clear and polite. Use it in emails where you need to reference a previous conversation or document.
Example: “I am writing to follow up on the invoice sent on March 10. Please let me know if you need any further information.”
2. “May I ask for an update on…?”
This is a very polite request. It works well when you are not sure if the person has had time to respond. It gives them an easy way to reply.
Example: “May I ask for an update on the status of my application?”
3. “I wanted to check in regarding…”
This phrase is slightly softer than “follow up.” It sounds less formal than “I am writing to follow up” but still professional. Use it in emails to colleagues or clients you have a working relationship with.
Example: “I wanted to check in regarding the deadline for the project. Let me know if anything has changed.”
4. “I would appreciate an update on…”
This phrase expresses gratitude in advance. It is very polite and works well when you are waiting for something important.
Example: “I would appreciate an update on the contract review when you have a moment.”
5. “Could you kindly provide an update on…?”
This is a direct but respectful request. The word “kindly” makes it formal and courteous.
Example: “Could you kindly provide an update on the shipment status?”
Casual Ways to Say ‘I Am Following Up’
Casual follow-ups are perfect for polite everyday phrases and workplace speaking phrases with people you know well. They keep the conversation light and friendly.
1. “Just checking in on…”
This is the most common casual phrase. It is friendly and not demanding. Use it in emails, texts, or in person.
Example: “Just checking in on that file you were going to send. No rush!”
2. “Any news on…?”
Short and direct. This works well in text messages or quick chats. It sounds curious, not impatient.
Example: “Any news on the meeting time?”
3. “Hey, any update on that?”
Very casual. Use this with close coworkers or friends. It is best for spoken conversation or instant messaging.
Example: “Hey, any update on that report? Just want to make sure we are on track.”
4. “What’s the latest on…?”
This phrase sounds friendly and interested. It is great for checking on a project or plan without sounding like you are nagging.
Example: “What’s the latest on the team lunch reservation?”
5. “Just following up on…”
Even though it uses “following up,” adding “just” makes it much softer and more casual. It works in both email and conversation.
Example: “Just following up on the design feedback. Let me know when you get a chance.”
Natural Examples
Here are real-life examples showing how the same situation changes with formal and casual language.
Example 1: Checking on a job application
Formal email: “Dear Ms. Chen, I am writing to follow up on my application for the marketing coordinator position. I wanted to confirm that you received my materials and ask if there are any updates. Thank you for your time.”
Casual (not appropriate for this situation): “Hey, any news on the job?”
Example 2: Asking a coworker about a shared task
Formal: “Hi Tom, I wanted to check in regarding the budget report. Please let me know if you need anything from my side.”
Casual: “Hey Tom, just checking on the budget report. Let me know if you need help.”
Example 3: Texting a friend about weekend plans
Formal (sounds strange): “I am writing to follow up on our discussion about Saturday.”
Casual: “Hey, any update on Saturday? Still good for 7?”
Example 4: Following up after a client meeting
Formal: “Dear Mr. Park, I am following up on our meeting last Thursday. I have attached the summary for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions.”
Casual (not appropriate): “Hey, just checking on that meeting stuff.”
Common Mistakes
English learners often make these mistakes when following up. Avoid them to sound more natural.
Mistake 1: Using “I am following up” in a casual text
This sounds too stiff for a friend or close coworker. Instead, say “Just checking in” or “Any news?”
Wrong: “I am following up on the movie tickets.”
Right: “Any word on the movie tickets?”
Mistake 2: Being too direct in formal emails
Phrases like “Give me an update” or “What’s the status?” can sound rude in formal writing. Always add polite words like “please,” “kindly,” or “I would appreciate.”
Wrong: “Give me an update on the proposal.”
Right: “Could you kindly provide an update on the proposal?”
Mistake 3: Forgetting to mention what you are following up on
Always include the specific topic. Otherwise, the reader may not know what you mean.
Wrong: “I am following up.”
Right: “I am following up on the design feedback from last week.”
Mistake 4: Using “following up” too many times
If you send multiple follow-ups, vary your language. Repeating the same phrase sounds robotic.
Wrong: “I am following up… I am following up again… Just following up once more…”
Right: “I wanted to check in… May I ask for an update… Just circling back on this…”
Better Alternatives for Specific Situations
When you want to be very polite (formal)
- “I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on…”
- “I understand you are busy, but I would appreciate an update on…”
- “At your earliest convenience, could you please provide an update on…”
When you want to be friendly but professional (semi-formal)
- “Just wanted to circle back on…”
- “I was hoping to get an update on…”
- “Quick check-in on…”
When you want to be very casual (friends or close colleagues)
- “Any luck with…?”
- “How’s it going with…?”
- “Got a sec to update me on…?”
Mini Practice: Choose the Right Phrase
Read each situation and choose the best phrase from the options. Answers are below.
1. You are emailing a potential client you have never met. You want to ask about a proposal you sent last week.
a) “Hey, any news on the proposal?”
b) “I am writing to follow up on the proposal I sent on March 5.”
c) “What’s the latest on the proposal?”
2. You are texting a close friend about a dinner reservation you asked them to make.
a) “I am writing to follow up on the dinner reservation.”
b) “Could you kindly provide an update on the reservation?”
c) “Any word on the dinner reservation?”
3. You are in a meeting with your manager and want to ask about a project timeline.
a) “Give me an update on the timeline.”
b) “I wanted to check in on the timeline for the project.”
c) “What’s up with the timeline?”
4. You are emailing a colleague you work with daily about a shared task.
a) “I am writing to follow up on the task we discussed.”
b) “Just checking in on that task. Let me know if you need anything.”
c) “May I kindly request an update on the task?”
Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b, 4-b
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “I am following up” in a casual conversation?
It is possible, but it often sounds too formal. In casual conversation, phrases like “Just checking in” or “Any news?” are more natural. Save “I am following up” for emails and formal situations.
2. Is it rude to follow up more than once?
It is not rude if you do it politely. Wait at least a few days between follow-ups. Change your wording each time. For example, first say “I am writing to follow up,” then “I wanted to check in,” then “I just wanted to circle back.”
3. What is the best way to follow up after an interview?
Send a formal email within 24-48 hours. Use a phrase like “I am writing to follow up on my interview on Tuesday. Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the role.” Keep it polite and brief.
4. Should I always say “please” when following up?
In formal situations, yes. In casual situations, it is not always necessary, but it never hurts. Saying “please” or “thanks” keeps the tone friendly and respectful in any context.
Final Tip
Choose your follow-up phrase based on your relationship and the channel. For email to a boss or client, go formal. For a quick chat or text with a coworker or friend, go casual. When in doubt, start a little more formal and adjust based on how the other person responds. This will help you sound confident and appropriate in every situation.
For more help with professional language, explore our guides on Professional Email Alternatives and Workplace Speaking Phrases. If you need everyday polite phrases, check out Polite Everyday Phrases. To learn more about this site, visit our About Us page or read our Editorial Policy.
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