Guide 174 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “circling back”

Corporate speak for "following up" — borrowed from aviation.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

Pilots circle back when they missed the approach. In email it just means "I'm chasing the reply I didn't get." "Following up" is plainer; "checking in" is warmer.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

Just circling back on my earlier email.

After

Following up on my earlier email.

iii · The alternatives4 ways out

01

Following up neutral

standard follow-up

Following up on the Q3 numbers.
02

Checking in informal

warmer register

Checking in on the Q3 numbers.
03

Returning to formal

formal follow-up

Returning to the matter of Q3.
04

Any update on neutral

direct ask

Any update on the Q3 numbers?

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

If you're chasing a reply, say so.