Is ‘I am following up’ Correct in a Professional Email?
Yes, “I am following up” is grammatically correct and widely used in professional emails. It is a natural way to indicate that you are checking on a previous request, meeting, or conversation. However, its tone can vary depending on the context and the relationship with the recipient. This guide will help you understand when to use it, how to adjust it for formality, and what alternatives work better in different situations.
Quick Answer: When to Use “I am following up”
Use “I am following up” when you want to politely remind someone about an earlier email, request, or task. It works best in semi-formal and informal professional settings, such as emails to colleagues, clients you know well, or partners. For very formal or sensitive situations, consider a softer alternative.
Understanding the Tone and Context
The phrase “I am following up” is direct and clear. It tells the reader exactly what you are doing. However, the tone can feel slightly impatient or pushy if not softened with polite words. In a professional email, the context matters:
- Formal tone: Use with a polite opening and a gentle reminder. Example: “I hope this message finds you well. I am following up on the proposal we discussed last week.”
- Informal tone: Works well with colleagues or frequent contacts. Example: “Hey, I am following up on the report you were going to send.”
- Conversation context: In spoken English, “I am following up” is less common. People often say “I’m checking in” or “Just wanted to follow up.”
The nuance is that “I am following up” implies you expect a response or action. If you want to sound less demanding, add a phrase like “just checking in” or “no rush.”
Comparison Table: “I am following up” vs. Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am following up | Neutral to slightly direct | Semi-formal emails, reminders | “I am following up on the invoice.” |
| I wanted to follow up | Polite, softer | Formal or cautious emails | “I wanted to follow up on our meeting.” |
| Just checking in | Casual, friendly | Informal emails, colleagues | “Just checking in on the project status.” |
| I am reaching out | Neutral, proactive | New requests or introductions | “I am reaching out to confirm the schedule.” |
| May I follow up? | Very polite, formal | High-stakes or sensitive situations | “May I follow up on the feedback?” |
Natural Examples
Here are real-world examples showing how “I am following up” fits into professional emails:
- Example 1 (Semi-formal): “Dear Sarah, I am following up on the contract draft we discussed last Tuesday. Please let me know if you need any changes.”
- Example 2 (Informal): “Hi Mark, I am following up on the data you promised to share. Thanks!”
- Example 3 (Polite): “Hello Ms. Chen, I hope you are doing well. I am following up on my application for the marketing role. I would appreciate any update.”
- Example 4 (Conversation): “I am following up on the repair request from last week. Is there a timeline?”
Common Mistakes
English learners often make these errors when using “I am following up”:
- Mistake 1: Using it without context. “I am following up” alone can confuse the reader. Always specify what you are following up on. Correct: “I am following up on the meeting notes.”
- Mistake 2: Overusing it. Sending multiple “I am following up” emails in a short time can seem pushy. Wait at least a few days before following up again.
- Mistake 3: Using it in very formal letters. For official correspondence, “I am writing to follow up” or “I wish to follow up” sounds more professional.
- Mistake 4: Forgetting the preposition. Always use “on” or “about” after “following up.” Example: “I am following up on the proposal” (not “I am following up the proposal”).
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Depending on your goal, you may want to choose a different phrase:
- For a gentle reminder: “I wanted to check in on…” – This sounds less demanding.
- For a formal request: “I am writing to inquire about…” – Best for official letters or emails to senior management.
- For a casual update: “Just circling back on…” – Common in informal team chats.
- For a new contact: “I am reaching out regarding…” – Good for first-time follow-ups.
- For urgency: “I am following up as a reminder…” – Use sparingly when a deadline is near.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these 4 questions. Choose the best option for each scenario.
- You need to remind a colleague about a report due tomorrow. What is the best phrase?
A. “I am following up on the report.”
B. “I am following up the report.”
C. “I follow up on the report.”
Answer: A. “I am following up on the report” is correct. Option B is missing the preposition “on,” and option C is not the right tense. - You are writing to a client you have never met. Which is more polite?
A. “I am following up on the quote.”
B. “I wanted to follow up on the quote.”
C. “I follow up on the quote.”
Answer: B. “I wanted to follow up” is softer and more polite for a new client. - You want to sound casual with a coworker. What should you say?
A. “I am following up on the task.”
B. “Just checking in on the task.”
C. “I wish to follow up on the task.”
Answer: B. “Just checking in” is more casual and friendly. - Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A. “I am following up about the meeting.”
B. “I am following up the meeting.”
C. “I am following up for the meeting.”
Answer: A. “About” or “on” are correct prepositions. Option B is missing the preposition, and option C is not standard.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use “I am following up” in a formal email?
Yes, but it is best to soften it. Add a polite greeting and a phrase like “I hope this message finds you well.” For very formal emails, consider “I am writing to follow up” or “I wish to follow up.”
2. What is the difference between “follow up” and “follow-up”?
“Follow up” (two words) is a verb phrase, as in “I will follow up on this.” “Follow-up” (with a hyphen) is a noun or adjective, as in “I sent a follow-up email.” Use “follow up” when you are taking action.
3. How many times should I follow up on an email?
Generally, two to three follow-ups are acceptable. Wait at least 3-5 business days between each. If you still get no response, consider a different approach, such as a phone call or a direct message.
4. Is “I am following up” rude?
No, it is not rude, but it can sound direct. To avoid sounding pushy, add polite words like “just,” “kindly,” or “I wanted to.” For example, “I just wanted to follow up” is much softer.
For more help with professional email phrases, visit our Email Phrase Corrections section. You can also check our FAQ for common questions. If you have suggestions, see our contact page. To learn about our standards, read our editorial policy.
