Formal vs Casual Ways to Say ‘I am following up’

If you need to check on the status of something—an email, a request, a job application, or a project—the phrase “I am following up” is the direct answer. However, the way you say it changes completely depending on whether you are writing a formal email to a client or chatting with a coworker. This guide explains the formal and casual versions of “I am following up,” so you can choose the right tone for every situation.

Quick Answer: Formal vs Casual ‘I am following up’

Use formal versions when writing to a boss, client, professor, or someone you do not know well. Use casual versions when talking to a close colleague, friend, or in a relaxed team chat. The core meaning is the same: you are checking for an update or reminding someone about something.

Comparison Table: Formal and Casual Versions

Formal Ways to Say ‘I am following up’

Formal language is necessary in professional emails, official letters, or when speaking with someone in a position of authority. It shows respect and keeps the tone polite. Here are the most common formal alternatives.

1. I am writing to follow up on

This is the standard formal opening for an email. It is direct but polite. Use it when you have already sent a previous message or had a conversation.

Example: “I am writing to follow up on the proposal I sent last Tuesday. Please let me know if you need any additional information.”

2. I would like to follow up regarding

This version is slightly softer and more polite. It works well when you want to be respectful but clear.

Example: “I would like to follow up regarding the meeting scheduled for next Monday. Could you confirm the time?”

3. I am reaching out to inquire about

Use this when you are asking for a specific piece of information or status update. It sounds professional and organized.

Example: “I am reaching out to inquire about the status of my job application. I remain very interested in the position.”

4. I wanted to touch base about

This is a common phrase in business English. It is formal but friendly. Use it when you want to reconnect after some time.

Example: “I wanted to touch base about the marketing campaign timeline. Are we still on track for the launch date?”

5. I would appreciate an update on

This is a polite request that shows you value the other person’s time. It is especially useful when you need a response quickly.

Example: “I would appreciate an update on the budget approval process. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”

Casual Ways to Say ‘I am following up’

Casual language is appropriate for internal team chats, emails to close colleagues, or conversations with friends. It is shorter, more direct, and often uses phrasal verbs.

1. Just checking in on

This is the most common casual alternative. It is friendly and low-pressure.

Example: “Hey, just checking in on the report. Do you have a moment to talk about it?”

2. Quick follow-up on

Use this in a short email or message. It signals that you are not demanding a long reply.

Example: “Quick follow-up on the design files. Did you get my last email?”

3. Any update on

This is very direct and works well in instant messaging or quick emails.

Example: “Any update on the client feedback? I need to plan the next steps.”

4. Just circling back on

This is a popular phrase in modern workplace English. It means you are returning to a previous topic.

Example: “Just circling back on the team outing idea. Are we still interested?”

5. Can you give me a quick update on

This is a polite but casual request. It works well with coworkers you know well.

Example: “Can you give me a quick update on the inventory count? Thanks!”

Natural Examples in Context

Here are full examples showing how to use these phrases in real situations.

Formal Email Example

Subject: Follow-up on Invoice #4521

Dear Ms. Chen,

I am writing to follow up on invoice #4521, which was sent on March 10. I would appreciate an update on the payment status. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you need additional documentation.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
James Miller

Casual Email Example

Subject: Quick follow-up on lunch plans

Hi Sarah,

Just checking in on our lunch plans for Friday. Any update on the restaurant choice?

Thanks!
James

Formal Conversation Example

Speaker A: “Good morning, Mr. Patel. I wanted to touch base about the quarterly review. Do you have a few minutes to discuss it?”

Speaker B: “Of course. Let me check my schedule.”

Casual Conversation Example

Speaker A: “Hey, just circling back on the printer issue. Any update?”

Speaker B: “Yeah, the technician is coming tomorrow.”

Common Mistakes

English learners often make these mistakes when using follow-up phrases. Avoid them to sound more natural.

Mistake 1: Using ‘follow up’ as one word in the wrong place

Incorrect: “I am following up on the email.” (This is actually correct as a verb phrase.)
But be careful: “I sent a follow-up email.” (Here ‘follow-up’ is a noun, so it needs a hyphen.)
Correct: “I am following up on the email.” (verb) / “I sent a follow-up email.” (noun)

Mistake 2: Being too direct in formal situations

Incorrect: “Give me an update on the project.” (Too demanding for a formal email.)
Correct: “I would appreciate an update on the project when you have a moment.”

Mistake 3: Using casual phrases with senior managers or clients

Incorrect: “Hey, just checking in on the contract.” (Too casual for a client.)
Correct: “I am writing to follow up on the contract status.”

Mistake 4: Forgetting the context of the relationship

If you have never met the person, always start with a formal version. You can switch to casual only after they use casual language with you.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes you do not need to say “follow up” at all. Here are better alternatives for specific situations.

When you need a decision

Use: “I would appreciate your decision on this matter by Friday.”

When you are reminding someone of a deadline

Use: “This is a gentle reminder that the report is due tomorrow.”

When you want to offer help

Use: “Please let me know if you need any further information from my side.”

When you are checking progress casually

Use: “How is the project going?” or “Where are we on this?”

Mini Practice: 4 Questions and Answers

Test your understanding with these short exercises. Choose the best phrase for each situation.

Question 1

You need to email a client you have never met about a proposal you sent last week. What is the best opening?

A. “Hey, just checking in on the proposal.”
B. “I am writing to follow up on the proposal I sent last week.”
C. “Any update on the proposal?”

Answer: B. This is polite and professional for a new client.

Question 2

You are messaging a coworker on Slack about a task they promised to finish yesterday. What is the best casual phrase?

A. “I would appreciate an update on the task.”
B. “Just circling back on that task. Any update?”
C. “I am reaching out to inquire about the task.”

Answer: B. This is friendly and appropriate for a coworker.

Question 3

You need to ask your boss for an update on a project. Which sentence is most appropriate?

A. “Quick follow-up on the project. What’s the status?”
B. “I wanted to touch base about the project timeline. Do you have an update?”
C. “Give me an update on the project.”

Answer: B. It is polite and respectful to a boss.

Question 4

You are writing a formal email to a supplier. Which phrase is correct?

A. “I am following up on the shipment status.”
B. “I am following up on the shipment status.” (Same as A, but note the hyphen in the noun form.)
C. “I am following up on the shipment status.” (All are correct as a verb phrase.)

Answer: A, B, and C are all correct as a verb phrase. The key is to use the full sentence in a formal email.

FAQ: Formal vs Casual ‘I am following up’

1. Can I use ‘I am following up’ in a casual conversation?

Yes, you can. It is neutral and works in both formal and casual settings. However, in very casual conversations, phrases like “just checking in” or “any update” sound more natural.

2. Is ‘I am following up’ always polite?

It is generally polite, but the tone depends on the rest of the sentence. Adding “please” or “I would appreciate” makes it more polite. Using it alone without any softening words can sound a little direct.

3. What is the difference between ‘follow up’ and ‘follow-up’?

‘Follow up’ (two words) is a verb phrase: “I will follow up with you.” ‘Follow-up’ (with a hyphen) is a noun or adjective: “I sent a follow-up email.” Both are correct in different grammar roles.

4. When should I avoid saying ‘I am following up’?

Avoid it if you have already sent multiple reminders and the person has not responded. In that case, use a more direct phrase like “I need a response by [date]” or ask if there is a problem. Also avoid it in very emotional or sensitive situations, where a softer approach is better.

For more help with polite everyday phrases, visit our Polite Everyday Phrases section. If you need professional email alternatives, check out our Professional Email Alternatives guide. For workplace speaking tips, see Workplace Speaking Phrases. You can also learn more about our approach on our About Us page or read our Editorial Policy.