15 Other Ways to Say “Circling Back” in an Email

In the world of professional communication, phrases like “circling back” are often used to revisit conversations and follow up on previous discussions. However, it’s important to be mindful of your language in emails, as overusing such phrases can come off as redundant or robotic. Whether you’re checking in with a colleague or following up with a client, varying your phrasing can improve the clarity and tone of your message, helping you build stronger relationships through clear communication.

Here, we’ll explore 15 alternative ways to say “circling back” in an email. Each suggestion will come with a real-life scenario to help you understand the context in which it’s appropriate to use. Let’s dive into some of these alternatives and explore how they can reinforce understanding and foster collaboration in your communication.

Following Up on Our Conversation

When you want to remind someone of a previous conversation and continue the discussion, “following up on our conversation” is an excellent way to phrase it. This phrase indicates that you are taking the next step in the conversation.

Example Email:

Hi Sarah,

I’m following up on our conversation last week regarding the new marketing strategy. Could you provide an update on the timelines for the next phase? I want to make sure we’re on track for the project milestones.

Best,
David

This approach emphasizes continuity and lets the recipient know that you’re actively engaging with the previous discussion.

Reconnecting on This Topic

If you want to revisit a topic you previously discussed, “reconnecting on this topic” can help you signal that it’s time to revisit old ideas. It also indicates that you’re re-engaging with someone on a shared interest or matter.

Example Email:

Hi Mark,

I’m reconnecting on this topic of budget allocation for the upcoming project. I’d like to get your feedback on a few adjustments I’ve made based on our last meeting.

Thanks,
Julie

This alternative maintains professionalism while inviting further discussion.

More for you: 16 Other Ways to Say “Second Chance”

Touching Base Again

“Tuning back in” or “touching base again” is an informal yet clear way to revisit past conversations and ensure that things are moving forward. It’s particularly useful when you want to stay aligned without sounding too rigid.

Example Email:

Hi Emma,

I’m just touching base again to check if there have been any updates on the progress of the action items from our last meeting. Could you provide an update?

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Tom

This is a friendly and open way to engage in team communication, ensuring everyone remains on the same page.

Revisiting Our Discussion

Revisiting a previous discussion helps reinforce understanding and makes sure both parties are still aligned. This phrase offers a more formal tone while keeping the communication on topic.

Example Email:

Dear Jack,

I wanted to revisit our discussion from the last call regarding the new product launch. It would be helpful to have a recap of the final decisions so that we can proceed with the next steps.

Best regards,
Alice

In this case, “revisiting” signals the need for clarification and ensures that no details are overlooked.

Checking In on Progress

If you want to inquire about the current status of a project or task, “checking in on progress” is an appropriate alternative. It indicates your interest in keeping things moving and making sure deadlines are met.

Example Email:

Hi Chris,

I’m just checking in on progress for the design team’s review of the new branding guidelines. How are we looking for the upcoming deadline?

Best,
Rachel

This phrase is effective for project management, keeping everyone accountable and on track with timely delivery.

For your interest: 15 Other Ways to Say “You Have the Wrong Number”

Following Up for Updates

When you need information on what’s happened since your last conversation, “following up for updates” is a perfect option. It’s an open and polite way to keep things moving forward without seeming pushy.

Example Email:

Hi Greg,

I’m following up for updates on the customer feedback report we discussed last week. Let me know if you need anything from my end to help push this along.

Thanks,
Sophie

This phrase helps you maintain professional email sharing while encouraging a timely exchange of feedback and suggestions.

Refreshing Our Earlier Discussion

If the conversation has been quiet for a while, refreshing the earlier discussion is a way to gently bring the topic back into focus. This is particularly helpful for long-term projects or when important information needs to be revisited.

Example Email:

Hi Brian,

Just refreshing our earlier discussion on the employee training schedule. I believe we were going to finalize the dates by the end of the week—any updates?

Best,
Sarah

This phrase helps keep the momentum going in workplace communication, ensuring that things don’t stall.

A Quick Reminder

Sometimes, a quick reminder is all you need to nudge someone back into action. It’s informal, direct, and gets to the point without feeling overly formal.

Example Email:

Hey Laura,

Just a quick reminder about the team meeting tomorrow. Please make sure to bring the latest project updates so we can review them.

Thanks!
Jake

This approach is often appreciated in fast-paced environments, where consistent communication is key.

You might also like: 17 Formal Synonyms for “On the Flip Side”

Looping Back to Our Chat

“Looping back” can be used in a more casual yet still professional tone, and it’s often seen in networking emails or follow-ups after initial contact.

Example Email:

Hi Clara,

I’m looping back to our chat from last week to see if you’ve had a chance to review the proposal I sent over. Let me know if you have any questions or need any adjustments.

Best,
Tina

This phrase can make your follow-up feel more natural and less scripted, encouraging an open exchange.

Returning to Our Previous Email

For situations where the conversation has shifted, and you need to bring up something from a prior email, this phrase works perfectly. It ensures continuity in communication without sounding abrupt.

Example Email:

Hi Peter,

I’m returning to our previous email regarding the new partnership agreement. Have there been any developments on your end? We’re eager to move forward with the next steps.

Thanks,
Maya

This is a helpful way to ensure there’s clear next steps and project alignment between parties.

Checking in for Status Updates

Sometimes, the most straightforward approach is best. Asking for a “status update” is a no-nonsense way to gather information and keep projects moving forward.

Example Email:

Hi Nina,

I’m checking in for status updates on the draft proposal. We need to finalize it by Friday to ensure timely delivery to the client.

Best,
Leo

This makes it clear that you’re following up with a purpose and encourages the recipient to respond promptly.

Readdressing Points We Discussed

When you need to clarify or ensure everyone is aligned, “readdressing points we discussed” serves to bring important matters back into focus.

Example Email:

Hi Jack,

I wanted to readdress the points we discussed in our last meeting. Specifically, let’s finalize the project timelines to ensure all action items are completed on schedule.

Regards,
Emily

Readdressing provides an opportunity to clarify any potential misunderstandings and improve team collaboration.

Check out this: 15 Other Ways to Say “Asset to Your Company”

Reconnecting to Continue the Conversation

“Reconnecting to continue the conversation” is ideal for bringing a conversation back after a pause. It shows interest and helps move things forward.

Example Email:

Hi Brian,

I’m reconnecting to continue the conversation about the new website design. I know we’ve both been busy, but it’s time to finalize the creative direction so we can start implementation.

Best,
Ellen

This approach works well for maintaining an open dialogue while keeping communication professional.

Bringing This Back Into Focus

If there are key points that need further attention, this phrase can help refocus the conversation and get everyone back on track.

Example Email:

Hi Rachel,

I wanted to bring this back into focus regarding the budget for the upcoming project. We had previously discussed increasing the allocation for marketing, but I haven’t seen any updates.

Best regards,
Steven

This is a polite way to review objectives and ensure that necessary actions are taken.

Returning to Our Key Discussion

Sometimes, going back to the key discussion is necessary to ensure alignment on the most important points.

Example Email:

Hi Olivia,

Returning to our key discussion about the upcoming product launch, I wanted to check if the timelines are still on track. Could you confirm?

Best,
James

This phrase ensures that important matters get revisited, enhancing effective communication.

Summary Table of Alternatives

Synonym	Example Use Case
Following up on our conversation	Revisiting previous emails to discuss next steps
Reconnecting on this topic	Bringing back a shared discussion for clarity
Touching base again	Friendly follow-up for project updates
Revisiting our discussion	Formal revisit of key points discussed earlier
Checking in on progress	Checking on project or task progress
Following up for updates	Seeking information or changes since last update
Refreshing our earlier discussion	Revisiting past conversation after a break
A quick reminder	Simple nudge to get back on track
Looping back to our chat	Returning to past conversation with updates
Returning to our previous email	Revisiting specific points from an earlier email
Checking in for status updates	Requesting current status of a task or project
Readdressing points we discussed	Clarifying previously discussed points
Reconnecting to continue the conversation	Picking up a conversation after a pause
Bringing this back into focus	Refocusing on key issues discussed earlier
Returning to our key discussion	Returning to the most important discussion points

FAQs

What is the best alternative to “circling back” in a formal email?

Using phrases like “following up on our conversation” or “touching base again” can maintain a professional tone while adding clarity.

How can I maintain clear communication in team emails?

By consistently using alternatives like “checking in on progress” or “reconnecting on this topic,” you ensure everyone stays aligned and informed.

Should I use these alternatives in all professional emails?

It depends on the context, but using these alternatives helps avoid repetition and enhances the effectiveness of your communication.

How do I encourage collaboration through email?

Phrases like “fostering collaboration” or “reviewing action items” encourage team involvement and keep everyone focused on shared goals.

How do I ensure project updates are clear in emails?

Start with phrases like “checking in on progress” or “refreshing earlier discussion” to keep updates clear and ensure all necessary feedback is addressed.

Conclusion

In professional communication, using different ways to say “circling back” can enrich your email exchange and make your messages feel more engaging and clear. Whether you’re checking in on progress, following up on a conversation, or reconnecting on a topic, varied language ensures that your message remains fresh and effective. These alternatives not only promote transparent communication but also foster collaboration, helping to reinforce understanding across your professional network.

By choosing the right words in your team collaboration and project management efforts, you maintain clarity and improve the information flow within your team. Ultimately, the goal is to build strong working relationships, encourage open dialogue, and ensure successful email communication. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for “circling back,” consider one of these alternatives to ensure your message has the desired impact.