In professional communication, choosing the right words can make a significant difference. “Circling back” is a common phrase, but using it repeatedly might sound monotonous. Exploring alternatives helps maintain variety and professionalism in your emails.

Finding new ways to follow up can improve clarity and strengthen connections. By varying your language, you show thoughtfulness and adaptability in communication. This list provides 16 polished alternatives to elevate your email etiquette.

1. Returning to the Topic

“Circling back” is a useful phrase, but sometimes “returning to the topic” feels more professional. It keeps your tone polished while clearly referencing past discussions. This alternative ensures your email stands out and maintains clarity. Try to revisit points effectively without sounding repetitive.

Examples:

• Returning to the topic from our last email…
• I’m returning to the main point we discussed earlier.
• Let’s return to the topic of the upcoming project.

2. Following Up on Our Discussion

While “circling back” is common, “following up on our discussion” offers a friendlier tone. It shows you’re engaged and committed to keeping the conversation active. This phrase is perfect for ensuring clarity and staying on track with previous points. Use it to maintain a professional yet approachable email style.

Examples: 

• Following up on our discussion from last week…
• I’m following up on the updates we talked about.
• Let’s follow up on our earlier conversation about the plan.

3. Getting Back to You

“Getting back to you” is a simple and friendly way to re-engage in a conversation. It shows you are responding promptly and maintaining communication. This phrase works well when you want to ensure the recipient that you haven’t forgotten about them. Use it to keep the exchange clear and approachable.

Examples:

• Getting back to you about the proposal we discussed.
• I’m getting back to you with the details you requested.
• Getting back to you regarding the team’s progress.

4. Just Checking In

“Circling back” is often used, but “just checking in” feels lighter and more casual. This phrase works well when you want to prompt a response without being too formal. It’s a friendly way to keep the conversation going and show your interest. Try it for a more approachable tone.

Examples:

• Just checking in to see if there are any updates.
• I’m just checking in on our progress with this project.
• I’m just checking in to confirm if we’re still on track.

• More Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “It Was a Pleasure Speaking With You”

5. Touching Base Again

While “circling back” is effective, “touching base again” adds a casual and friendly tone. It’s perfect for reconnecting and ensuring ongoing communication. This phrase keeps things approachable while maintaining professionalism. Use it to keep the dialogue open and engaging.

• Touching base again to follow up on our earlier discussion.
• I’m touching base again to check if you need anything from me.
• Just touching base again about the timeline we talked about.

6. Revisiting the Matter

“Circling back” is a common phrase, but “revisiting the matter” offers a more formal and precise tone. It’s ideal when you need to bring up a previously discussed topic. This phrase keeps the conversation focused and professional. Use it to add clarity and refinement to your communication.

Examples:

• Revisiting the matter of our project deadlines…
• I’m revisiting the matter we discussed last week.
• Let’s revisit the matter of the budget approval.

7. Reconnecting About

“Circling back” is often used in emails, but “reconnecting about” sounds more direct and personal. It’s a great way to approach someone regarding a past conversation. This phrase shows you’re engaged and eager to continue the discussion. Use it to keep things clear and friendly.

Examples:

• Reconnecting about the proposal we discussed last week.
• I’m reconnecting about the meeting scheduled for next month.
• Reconnecting about the updates on the project timeline.

8. Continuing Our Conversation

“Circling back” is often used, but “continuing our conversation” adds a more dynamic feel. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of your discussion and keeps things moving forward. This phrase is perfect for re-engaging someone without sounding repetitive. Use it to keep the dialogue open and productive.

Examples:

• Continuing our conversation about the new marketing strategy.
• I’d like to continue our conversation on the project details.
• Let’s continue our conversation regarding the upcoming deadlines.

• More Post: 18 Synonyms for “I’m Down”

9. Seeking an Update

“Circling back” is a common phrase, but “seeking an update” is more direct and clear. It’s a great way to ask for the latest information without sounding too formal. This phrase shows your proactive approach while maintaining professionalism. Use it when you want to stay informed and prompt a response.

Examples: 

• Seeking an update on the status of the project.
• I’m seeking an update regarding the meeting schedule.
• Could you please provide an update on the team’s progress?

10. Pursuing Further

“Pursuing further” is a great alternative to “circling back” when you want to show ongoing interest. It indicates that you’re taking the next step to gather more information or move forward. This phrase adds a sense of action and purpose to your communication. Use it to keep things progressing smoothly.

Examples: 

• Pursuing further details on the proposal we discussed.
• I’m pursuing further clarification on the project requirements.
• We are pursuing further insights into the marketing strategy.

11. Looking for Clarification

“Looking for clarification” is a great alternative when you need more details. It shows that you’re focused on understanding something better. This phrase is direct and professional, helping to avoid misunderstandings. Use it when you need to clear up any uncertainties in a conversation.

Examples:

• Looking for clarification on the project timeline.
• I’m looking for clarification regarding the budget approval.
• Can you provide clarification on the team’s responsibilities?

12. Recapping Our Last Conversation

“Recapping our last conversation” is a clear and effective way to revisit previous discussions. It helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and no important details are missed. This phrase is especially useful for summarizing key points and moving forward. Use it to keep the conversation organized and focused.

Examples: 

• Recapping our last conversation about the project goals.
• I’d like to recap our last conversation on the new policies.
• Recapping our last conversation regarding the upcoming deadlines.

• More Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Talk to You Then”

13. Wanting to Revisit

“Circling back” is a common phrase, but “wanting to revisit” offers a more intentional tone. It shows you’re focused on discussing something important once more. This phrase is perfect for bringing up topics that need further attention or clarification. Use it to keep the conversation moving forward with purpose.

Examples: 

• Wanting to revisit our discussion on the project timeline.
• I’m wanting to revisit the points we covered in our last meeting.
• Wanting to revisit the proposal before final approval.

14. Following Up on This

“Following up on this” is a simple and effective way to remind someone about a previous conversation. It shows you’re engaged and eager to keep things on track. This phrase is perfect for prompting action or requesting an update. Use it to ensure that important topics stay on the radar.

Examples:

• Following up on this regarding the project status.
• I’m following up on this to check if there are any updates.
• Following up on this to confirm the meeting time.

15. Updating You On

“Circling back” is often used, but “updating you on” offers a more direct approach. It’s a great way to keep the recipient informed about the progress of a topic. This phrase ensures clarity and helps maintain smooth communication. Use it to provide the latest information effectively.

Examples:

• Updating you on the status of the current project.
• I’m updating you on the changes to the timeline.
• Updating you on the feedback we received from the client.

16. Just Reaching Out

“Circling back” is a common phrase, but “just reaching out” has a more informal and friendly tone. It’s great for initiating a conversation or making a gentle follow-up. This phrase helps to keep communication open and approachable. Use it to connect without feeling too formal.

Examples:

• Just reaching out to check in on the progress.
• I’m just reaching out about the upcoming meeting.
• Just reaching out to see if you need any further information.

Conclusion

In professional communication, varying your language can make a big difference. Using alternatives to “circling back” helps maintain clarity and keeps your emails fresh. By choosing the right phrase, you can ensure your message is both effective and engaging. This also demonstrates your ability to adapt your tone to suit different situations.

Incorporating these 16 alternatives will enhance your email etiquette and improve your professional communication. Whether you prefer a formal or informal approach, these phrases offer versatile options. Experimenting with them will help you find the best way to engage your recipients. 

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