What does "follow up" mean?
"Follow up" means to check on progress or continue a communication. Here's how to use it as a verb and noun in professional English.
As a verb - to check on progress or continue a conversation
"I'll follow up with the client tomorrow."
"Can you follow up on that invoice?"
"I'm following up on my email from last week."
"I just wanted to follow up and see if you had any questions."
As a noun - a subsequent action or communication
"Send a follow-up email after the meeting." (noun adjunct)
"I sent a follow-up but heard nothing back."
"The next step is a quick follow-up call."
"Just following up"
One of the most common phrases in professional email. It signals you're checking on something sent earlier - polite, persistent, non-confrontational.
"Hi Sarah - just following up on my message from Tuesday. Let me know if you need anything further."
Tip on tone
"Just following up" can read as slightly passive-aggressive if overused. After two follow-ups with no response, be more direct: "Could you let me know by Friday?"
A native would say
- "Check in on" - casual: "I'll check in with them."
- "Chase" - British English: "Can you chase the invoice?" (more assertive)
- "Circle back" - corporate: "I'll circle back on this."
Register
Professional. Essential vocabulary in business email and project management.
What does "follow up" mean?
"Follow up" means to check on progress or continue a communication. Here's how to use it as a verb and noun in professional English.
Is "follow up" formal or informal?
Professional. Essential vocabulary in business email and project management.
What's another way to say "follow up"?
- "Check in on" - casual: "I'll check in with them."
- "Chase" - British English: "Can you chase the invoice?" (more assertive)
- "Circle back" - corporate: "I'll circle back on this."
Confused by more workplace jargon?
LLH Tutor explains corporate and business English in terms that make sense for your native language and level.
Save to your vocabulary