Other Ways to Say “Circling Back” in an Email

In professional communication, especially in emails, the phrase “circling back” is frequently used to revisit a topic or follow up on a previous conversation. While effective, overuse can make it sound repetitive or even passive-aggressive. This article explores a variety of alternative phrases that can add nuance, clarity, and professionalism to your emails. Understanding these alternatives not only enhances your writing skills but also ensures your message is received with the intended tone. This guide is beneficial for professionals, students, and anyone seeking to improve their email communication.

By mastering these alternative phrases, you can tailor your communication to specific situations, fostering better relationships and achieving clearer outcomes. Whether you’re following up on a project, seeking updates, or simply reminding someone about a pending task, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the language you need to communicate effectively and professionally.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of “Circling Back”
• Structural Breakdown of Follow-Up Phrases
• Categories of Alternative Phrases
  • Following Up
  • Seeking Updates
  • Reminding
  • Referencing Previous Communication
  • Revisiting a Topic
• Examples of Alternative Phrases
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of “Circling Back”

“Circling back” is an idiomatic phrase used primarily in business communication. It means to return to a topic, task, or conversation after a period of time or after addressing other matters. The phrase implies a deliberate return to something previously discussed or initiated. It’s typically used to follow up on a pending item, provide an update, or seek further action.

Classification: “Circling back” functions as a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and a preposition or adverb, which together create a meaning different from the individual words. In this case, “circle” (verb) and “back” (adverb) combine to mean “return to” or “revisit.”

Function: The primary function of “circling back” is to indicate a return to a previous subject. It’s often used to maintain continuity in communication, especially when dealing with ongoing projects or tasks. The phrase is intended to be a polite and professional way to re-engage with a topic without being overly assertive or demanding.

Contexts: This phrase is typically used in professional contexts, such as:

• Email correspondence
• Meeting discussions
• Project management updates
• Sales follow-ups

While widely used, “circling back” can sometimes be perceived as cliché or lacking in specificity. Therefore, understanding alternative phrases is crucial for effective and nuanced communication.

Structural Breakdown of Follow-Up Phrases

When considering alternatives to “circling back,” it’s important to understand the structural elements that make these phrases effective. Most follow-up phrases consist of the following components:

1. Reference to Previous Communication: Acknowledge the prior interaction or topic. This could be a specific email, meeting, or task.
2. Clear Action or Purpose: State the reason for the follow-up. Are you providing an update, seeking information, or requesting action?
3. Polite Tone: Maintain a professional and courteous tone, even when reminding someone of a deadline.
4. Specific Request (if applicable): Clearly outline what you need from the recipient.

For example, consider the phrase “Following up on our meeting last week, I wanted to check on the status of the project proposal.” This phrase includes:

1. Reference to Previous Communication: “Following up on our meeting last week”
2. Clear Action or Purpose: “wanted to check on the status”
3. Polite Tone: (Implied through professional language)
4. Specific Request (if applicable): (Implied, seeking an update)

Understanding these structural elements allows you to create customized and effective follow-up phrases that are more specific and engaging than simply “circling back.”

Categories of Alternative Phrases

There are several categories of alternative phrases that can be used instead of “circling back,” each with its own nuance and purpose. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate phrase for your specific situation.

Following Up

These phrases are used to check on the progress of a task, project, or request.

Seeking Updates

These phrases are used to request information or a status report on a particular matter.

Reminding

These phrases are used to gently remind someone of a pending deadline or task.

Referencing Previous Communication

These phrases are used to explicitly link the current communication to a previous email, meeting, or conversation.

Revisiting a Topic

These phrases are used to re-examine or reconsider a topic that was previously discussed.

Examples of Alternative Phrases

Below are several examples of alternative phrases, categorized by their function. Each table provides a variety of options to suit different situations and tones.

Table 1: Following Up

This table provides alternatives for checking on the progress of a task or project, focusing on polite and professional language to encourage a response.

Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
Following up on…	Following up on our conversation about the marketing strategy, I was hoping to get your feedback.
Checking in on…	Checking in on the status of the website redesign project.
Just wanted to follow up regarding…	Just wanted to follow up regarding the invoice I sent last week.
I’m following up to see if…	I’m following up to see if you had a chance to review the documents.
As a follow-up to…	As a follow-up to our meeting, I’ve attached the presentation slides.
Touching base on…	Touching base on the upcoming conference.
Just a quick follow-up on…	Just a quick follow-up on the pending contract.
Following up from our previous conversation…	Following up from our previous conversation, I wanted to see if you had any further questions.
I wanted to follow up with you about…	I wanted to follow up with you about the proposal we discussed.
This is a follow-up concerning…	This is a follow-up concerning the outstanding balance on your account.
I’m reaching out to follow up on…	I’m reaching out to follow up on the action items from our last meeting.
Just checking in regarding…	Just checking in regarding your availability for a call next week.
I’m keen to follow up on…	I’m keen to follow up on the collaborative project we discussed.
This is a quick follow-up about…	This is a quick follow-up about the details of our agreement.
As a reminder, I am following up on…	As a reminder, I am following up on the document submission deadline.
I am writing to follow up regarding…	I am writing to follow up regarding your application status.
Following up to ensure…	Following up to ensure you received the information you required.
Continuing our conversation on…	Continuing our conversation on the subject of budget allocation.
As previously discussed, I’m following up on…	As previously discussed, I’m following up on the schedule for the next phase.
I’m sending this follow-up to inquire about…	I’m sending this follow-up to inquire about the progress of the research.
Following up on our last interaction…	Following up on our last interaction, I wanted to clarify a few points.
I’d like to follow up on…	I’d like to follow up on the customer feedback report.
Just following up to see if…	Just following up to see if you’ve had a chance to consider the proposal.

Table 2: Seeking Updates

This table provides alternatives for requesting information or a status report, emphasizing clarity and respect for the recipient’s time.

Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
I’m writing to request an update on…	I’m writing to request an update on the sales figures for Q3.
Could you provide an update on…?	Could you provide an update on the project timeline?
I’d appreciate an update on…	I’d appreciate an update on the status of the legal review.
I’m interested in getting an update on…	I’m interested in getting an update on the customer satisfaction survey.
Could you let me know the status of…?	Could you let me know the status of the vendor negotiations?
I’m checking in to see if there are any updates regarding…	I’m checking in to see if there are any updates regarding the compliance audit.
Any updates on…?	Any updates on the recruitment process for the marketing manager position?
I’d like to know if there’s any progress on…	I’d like to know if there’s any progress on the software development project.
Could you share any updates on…?	Could you share any updates on the market research findings?
I’m eager to receive an update on…	I’m eager to receive an update on the funding application.
Could you update me on…	Could you update me on the progress of the team’s deliverables?
I’m checking in to see if you have any updates regarding…	I’m checking in to see if you have any updates regarding the policy changes.
I’m curious about any updates on…	I’m curious about any updates on the consumer feedback.
Could you shed some light on the progress of…	Could you shed some light on the progress of the prototype?
I would like to be updated on…	I would like to be updated on the regulatory compliance.
I’m writing to inquire about the status of…	I’m writing to inquire about the status of our partnership.
I’d appreciate hearing about any developments in…	I’d appreciate hearing about any developments in the new initiative.
Could you bring me up to speed on…	Could you bring me up to speed on the budget discussions?
I’m interested in knowing if there have been any advancements in…	I’m interested in knowing if there have been any advancements in the technological solution.
Can you inform me about the current situation regarding…	Can you inform me about the current situation regarding the data analysis?
I’d like to inquire about the status of…	I’d like to inquire about the status of the permit application.
Could you please advise on the progress of…?	Could you please advise on the progress of the marketing campaign?
I’m keen to hear about any updates on…	I’m keen to hear about any updates on the sales pipeline.

Table 3: Reminding

This table provides alternatives for gently reminding someone of a deadline or task, focusing on politeness and offering assistance if needed.

Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
Just a friendly reminder about…	Just a friendly reminder about the upcoming deadline for the report.
I wanted to gently remind you about…	I wanted to gently remind you about the meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
This is a reminder that…	This is a reminder that the invoice is due next week.
Don’t forget to…	Don’t forget to submit your timesheet by Friday.
Just a reminder that…	Just a reminder that the conference registration closes soon.
As a reminder,…	As a reminder, please complete the training module by the end of the month.
This is just a reminder regarding…	This is just a reminder regarding the outstanding documents.
I’m sending a quick reminder about…	I’m sending a quick reminder about the team meeting this afternoon.
A gentle reminder that…	A gentle reminder that the performance reviews are due soon.
This is a courtesy reminder about…	This is a courtesy reminder about the payment deadline.
As a proactive reminder…	As a proactive reminder, please submit your project proposals by next week.
Just a quick note to remind you about…	Just a quick note to remind you about the conference registration.
I didn’t want you to forget about…	I didn’t want you to forget about the scheduled appointment.
This is just a nudge regarding…	This is just a nudge regarding the pending approvals.
I’m sending this as a prompt for…	I’m sending this as a prompt for the completion of the survey.
As a follow-up reminder…	As a follow-up reminder, ensure all data entries are verified.
Just a heads up about…	Just a heads up about the upcoming system maintenance.
A friendly nudge regarding…	A friendly nudge regarding the final report submission.
I wanted to bring to your attention again…	I wanted to bring to your attention again the importance of security protocol.
I’m following up to remind you of…	I’m following up to remind you of the upcoming compliance training.
Just a quick reminder on…	Just a quick reminder on the importance of backing up your data.
A little nudge to remind you of…	A little nudge to remind you of the pending tasks.
Sending a friendly reminder regarding…	Sending a friendly reminder regarding the upcoming performance review.

Table 4: Referencing Previous Communication

This table provides alternatives for explicitly linking the current communication to a previous interaction, ensuring clarity and context.

Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
Referring to our previous email…	Referring to our previous email, I wanted to clarify a few points.
As discussed in our meeting on…	As discussed in our meeting on Monday, I’ve prepared the draft proposal.
Following up on our conversation about…	Following up on our conversation about the budget, I’ve attached the revised spreadsheet.
In reference to our earlier discussion…	In reference to our earlier discussion, I’ve gathered the necessary data.
Further to our last communication…	Further to our last communication, I’m pleased to inform you that the project has been approved.
Building on our previous exchange…	Building on our previous exchange, I’ve developed a detailed plan.
With regard to our prior correspondence…	With regard to our prior correspondence, I’m writing to confirm the details.
As we discussed previously…	As we discussed previously, I’m sending you the updated documents.
Following up on what we talked about…	Following up on what we talked about, I’ve made the necessary adjustments.
In continuation of our last email…	In continuation of our last email, I’m providing additional information.
As per our last discussion…	As per our last discussion, I’ve attached the required documents.
Relating to our previous conversation…	Relating to our previous conversation, I have some updates for you.
In line with our earlier exchange…	In line with our earlier exchange, I’ve prepared the final presentation.
Referring back to our meeting…	Referring back to our meeting, I’ve implemented the agreed-upon changes.
In connection with our prior discussion…	In connection with our prior discussion, I’d like to clarify a few points.
Continuing from our last email…	Continuing from our last email, I’m providing more details on the project.
As a follow-up to our meeting…	As a follow-up to our meeting, I’ve outlined the next steps.
Building on what we covered in our last interaction…	Building on what we covered in our last interaction, I’ve made significant progress.
Following directly from our conversation…	Following directly from our conversation, I’ve scheduled a follow-up call.
In accordance with our previous agreement…	In accordance with our previous agreement, I’m sending the final draft.
Referencing our earlier communication…	Referencing our earlier communication, I’d like to address a few concerns.
As per our previous discussion…	As per our previous discussion, I’ve made the necessary revisions.
Following up on our last correspondence…	Following up on our last correspondence, I wanted to provide some additional insights.

Table 5: Revisiting a Topic

This table provides alternatives for re-examining or reconsidering a topic that was previously discussed, often to provide new information or a different perspective.

Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
Revisiting the topic of…	Revisiting the topic of employee benefits, I’d like to propose a new plan.
Returning to the subject of…	Returning to the subject of the budget allocation, I’ve identified some potential savings.
To revisit our discussion on…	To revisit our discussion on the marketing strategy, I’ve gathered some new data.
Let’s reconsider…	Let’s reconsider the proposed timeline in light of the recent delays.
I’d like to re-examine…	I’d like to re-examine the project scope to ensure it aligns with our goals.
To take another look at…	To take another look at the sales figures, I’ve prepared a detailed analysis.
Let’s go back to…	Let’s go back to the drawing board and brainstorm some new ideas.
I wanted to revisit…	I wanted to revisit the issue of customer complaints.
To address again…	To address again the matter of employee morale, I’m proposing a team-building activity.
Let’s circle back to…	Let’s circle back to the topic of resource allocation.
To re-engage with the subject of…	To re-engage with the subject of process optimization, I’ve scheduled a workshop.
Returning to the matter of…	Returning to the matter of quality control, I’d like to propose a new protocol.
Readdressing the issue of…	Readdressing the issue of communication gaps, I’m suggesting a bi-weekly meeting.
To review again the subject of…	To review again the subject of employee training, I’ve updated the curriculum.
Let’s take another look at…	Let’s take another look at the financial forecasts for the next quarter.
I’d like to re-examine the topic of…	I’d like to re-examine the topic of market segmentation.
To reevaluate the discussion on…	To reevaluate the discussion on project feasibility, I’ve gathered more data.
Reopening the dialogue on…	Reopening the dialogue on customer retention strategies, I’m proposing a new approach.
Let’s reconsider the points made about…	Let’s reconsider the points made about resource allocation.
To revisit the themes around…	To revisit the themes around digital transformation, I’ve scheduled a seminar.
Revisiting the conversation on…	Revisiting the conversation on employee engagement, I’ve developed a new survey.
To re-explore the idea of…	To re-explore the idea of implementing a new CRM system, I’ve scheduled a demonstration.
Let’s reconsider the option of…	Let’s reconsider the option of outsourcing our customer service.

Usage Rules

When using alternatives to “circling back,” consider the following rules to ensure clarity and professionalism:

1. Be Specific: Avoid vague language. Clearly state the topic you are following up on or seeking information about.
2. Maintain a Polite Tone: Use courteous language, even when reminding someone of a deadline.
3. Provide Context: Briefly reference the previous communication or situation to provide context for the recipient.
4. Clearly State Your Purpose: Make it clear whether you are seeking an update, providing information, or requesting action.
5. Avoid Overly Formal Language: While professionalism is important, avoid using language that sounds stiff or unnatural.
6. Proofread Carefully: Ensure your email is free of grammatical errors and typos.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your follow-up emails are clear, effective, and professional.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “circling back”:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“Following up, any news?”	“Following up on the project proposal, do you have any updates?”	The incorrect version is too vague and lacks context.
“Update me.”	“Could you please provide an update on the project?”	The incorrect version is too demanding and lacks politeness.
“Reminder!”	“Just a friendly reminder about the upcoming deadline.”	The incorrect version is too abrupt and lacks context.
“Referencing the thing we talked about…”	“Referring to our meeting on Monday, I wanted to clarify…”	The incorrect version is too vague and lacks specificity.
“Revisiting, thoughts?”	“Revisiting the topic of the budget, what are your thoughts?”	The incorrect version is incomplete and lacks context.
“Following up regarding the thing.”	“Following up regarding the invoice sent on July 15th.”	The incorrect version is vague and unhelpful.
“Update?”	“Could you please provide a quick update on the client meeting?”	The incorrect version is too short and lacks courtesy.
“Reminder – Deadline!”	“Reminder: the deadline for the report is Friday. Please submit on time.”	The incorrect version is too abrupt and not detailed enough.
“Referencing the conversation we had.”	“Referencing the conversation we had last week about the marketing plan.”	The incorrect version lacks specific details.
“Revisiting – any ideas?”	“Revisiting the topic of the new product launch – do you have any new ideas?”	The incorrect version is not clear enough.

Practice Exercises

Complete the following sentences using an alternative phrase to “circling back.”

Exercise 1

Choose the best alternative to ‘circling back’ in the following sentences:

Question	Answer
1. ____ on our conversation last week, I wanted to discuss the next steps.	Following up
2. ____ about the status of the project, can you provide an update?	Checking in
3. ____ that the deadline for submissions is approaching.	Just a reminder
4. ____ to our previous email, I’m attaching the revised document.	Referring
5. ____ the subject of budget allocations, let’s explore potential adjustments.	Revisiting
6. ____ to our meeting, I’ve compiled the list of action items we discussed.	As a follow-up
7. ____ on the data you promised, when should I expect it?	Following up
8. ____ about the new software deployment, do you have any questions?	Checking in
9. ____ that the payment is overdue and needs to be made as soon as possible.	Kindly note
10. ____ to our phone call, I am sending the presentation for your review.	Referencing

Exercise 2

Rewrite the following sentences using a more specific and professional alternative to “circling back.”

Question	Answer
1. Circling back on the marketing report.	Following up on the marketing report, could you provide an update on its progress?
2. Circling back to see if you’ve reviewed the contract.	I’m following up to see if you’ve had a chance to review the contract.
3. Circling back on the meeting we had last week.	Referring to our meeting last week, I wanted to discuss the action items.
4. Circling back about the project deadline.	Just a reminder that the project deadline is approaching.
5. Circling back on the budget allocation.	Revisiting the topic of budget allocation, I’d like to propose a few adjustments.
6. Circling back to know if you’ve had time to consider my request.	I wanted to check if you’ve had time to consider my request.
7. Circling back about the documents.	I am writing to check on the status of the documents.
8. Circling back on our discussion.	As per our discussion, here are the agreed upon changes.
9. Circling back on the payment due.	This is a friendly reminder about the payment due.
10. Circling back if you’ve reviewed the proposal.	I am following up to see if you’ve reviewed the proposal.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider the following nuances when using alternatives to “circling back”:

• Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware that certain phrases may be more common or appropriate in different cultures.
• Audience Awareness: Tailor your language to your audience. A more formal tone may be appropriate for senior management, while a more casual tone may be suitable for colleagues.
• Implied Meaning: Consider the implied meaning of your chosen phrase. Some phrases may be perceived as more assertive or demanding than others.
• Strategic Communication: Use follow-up phrases strategically to achieve your desired outcome. For example, if you need a quick response, use a more direct phrase.

Mastering these advanced topics will further enhance your communication skills and allow you to navigate complex professional interactions with greater confidence.

FAQ

1. Why is it important to use alternatives to “circling back”?

   Using alternatives to “circling back” can make your communication more specific, engaging, and professional. Overuse of the phrase can sound repetitive or even passive-aggressive. Alternatives allow you to tailor your message to the specific situation and audience.

2. What is the best alternative to “circling back”?

   There is no single “best” alternative. The most appropriate phrase depends on the context, your purpose, and your relationship with the recipient. Consider whether you are following up, seeking an update, reminding, referencing previous communication, or revisiting a topic.

3. How can I ensure my follow-up email is polite?

   Use courteous language, avoid demanding tones, and offer assistance if needed. Phrases like “Could you please” and “I would appreciate” can help maintain a polite tone. Also, be mindful of your word choice and avoid language that could be perceived as aggressive or accusatory.

4. What should I do if I don’t receive a response to my follow-up email?

   If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, consider sending a second follow-up email. Reiterate your request and offer to provide additional information or assistance. If still no response, it may be appropriate to escalate the matter to a supervisor or colleague.

5. How specific should I be in my follow-up email?

   Be as specific as possible. Clearly state the topic you are following up on, the date of the previous communication, and the specific action you are requesting. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the recipient to understand your message and respond accordingly.

6. Is it okay to use “circling back” at all?

   Yes, it is acceptable to use “circling back” occasionally, especially if it is a common phrase in your workplace culture. However, it’s best to use it sparingly and to vary your language with other alternatives to avoid sounding repetitive.

7. How can I make my email stand out from other follow-ups?

   To make your email stand

   out from other follow-ups, personalize your message, provide relevant context, and offer value to the recipient. Show that you understand their needs and are genuinely interested in helping them achieve their goals. Also, ensure your email is well-written, concise, and easy to read.

Conclusion

Mastering alternatives to “circling back” is a valuable skill for anyone seeking to improve their professional communication. By understanding the nuances of different follow-up phrases, you can craft emails that are more specific, engaging, and effective. Whether you’re following up on a project, seeking updates, or simply reminding someone of a deadline, the phrases and guidelines provided in this article will help you communicate with greater clarity and confidence. Embrace these alternatives to elevate your emails and foster stronger professional relationships.