Is ‘I am following up’ Correct in a Professional Email?
Yes, “I am following up” is grammatically correct and commonly used in professional emails. However, its appropriateness depends entirely on the context and tone you want to set. The phrase is most natural when you are continuing a previous conversation, checking on a pending action, or reminding someone of an earlier request. While it is not wrong, many professionals find it slightly informal or vague for certain situations. This guide will help you decide when to use it, when to avoid it, and what stronger alternatives exist for your email writing.
Quick Answer: Should You Use ‘I am following up’?
Use “I am following up” when you have an existing relationship with the recipient and you are referring to a specific previous email, meeting, or task. It works well in casual professional settings, internal team emails, or with colleagues you know well. Avoid it in very formal correspondence, with senior executives you do not know, or when you need to sound more direct and action-oriented. In those cases, choose a clearer or more polite alternative.
Understanding the Phrase in Context
The phrase “I am following up” uses the present continuous tense, which implies an action happening now or around now. In email writing, this tense can feel a bit vague because the email itself is the follow-up. The phrase does not specify what you are following up on, which can leave the reader guessing. To make it effective, you must immediately state the reason for the follow-up.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
In formal business communication, “I am following up” is acceptable but not always preferred. It sits in a middle ground. It is less formal than “I am writing to follow up on” or “This email serves as a follow-up to,” but more formal than “Just checking in” or “Quick follow-up.” For internal emails or with familiar clients, it feels natural. For external proposals, job applications, or official requests, a more structured opening is better.
Email vs. Conversation Context
In spoken conversation, “I am following up” sounds perfectly natural because you are actively continuing a discussion. In email, the phrase can feel redundant because the email itself is the follow-up action. Many native speakers use it without issue, but careful writers often prefer to state the purpose directly.
Comparison Table: ‘I am following up’ vs. Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Used For | Example Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am following up | Neutral to informal | Internal emails, familiar contacts | “I am following up on the budget report.” |
| I am writing to follow up | Formal | External clients, official requests | “I am writing to follow up on our meeting last Tuesday.” |
| Just checking in | Informal | Casual reminders, friendly tone | “Just checking in on the proposal status.” |
| Per our conversation | Formal, direct | Confirming previous discussion | “Per our conversation, I am sending the updated file.” |
| I wanted to touch base | Neutral to informal | Team updates, project check-ins | “I wanted to touch base about the timeline.” |
Natural Examples
Here are realistic examples showing how “I am following up” works in different email situations. Notice how the phrase is always followed by a specific reason.
- Internal team email: “Hi Mark, I am following up on the design files you promised by Friday. Do you have an updated timeline?”
- Client reminder: “Dear Ms. Chen, I am following up regarding the invoice sent on March 10. Please let me know if you need any additional information.”
- Job application follow-up: “Dear Hiring Team, I am following up on my application for the Marketing Coordinator position submitted last week.”
- Vendor communication: “Hello, I am following up on the order #4521. Can you confirm the shipping date?”
Common Mistakes with ‘I am following up’
Even though the phrase is correct, learners often make these errors when using it.
- Mistake 1: Using it without context. Writing only “I am following up” without explaining what you are following up on. This confuses the reader. Always add a specific reference.
- Mistake 2: Using it too soon. Sending a follow-up email within hours of the original message. This can seem impatient. Wait at least 2-3 business days unless it is urgent.
- Mistake 3: Using it in a first email. You cannot follow up on a conversation that never happened. Use this phrase only when there is a prior contact.
- Mistake 4: Overusing it. If every email you write starts with “I am following up,” you sound repetitive. Vary your openings with alternatives.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Depending on your goal, you can replace “I am following up” with a more precise phrase. Here are the best alternatives for professional email writing.
For a Polite Reminder
Use “I wanted to gently remind you about…” or “This is a friendly reminder regarding…” These phrases are softer and work well when you do not want to pressure the recipient.
For a Direct Request
Use “Could you please provide an update on…” or “I would appreciate an update on…” These are clear and professional without being pushy.
For Confirming a Previous Discussion
Use “As we discussed,” or “Per our conversation,” followed by the action item. This shows you are organized and attentive.
For Checking Progress
Use “I wanted to check the status of…” or “Can you share the latest update on…” These are neutral and effective for project management.
Mini Practice: Choose the Best Opening
Read each situation and choose the most appropriate opening line. Answers are below.
- Situation: You emailed a client a week ago about a contract renewal and have not heard back. You want a polite reminder.
A. “I am following up on the contract renewal.”
B. “This is a friendly reminder regarding the contract renewal.”
C. “What’s the status on the contract?” - Situation: You are writing to your manager about a project task you discussed yesterday.
A. “I am following up on the task we discussed.”
B. “As we discussed yesterday, I am ready to proceed with the next step.”
C. “Just checking in on that thing.” - Situation: You are applying for a job and want to check if your application was received.
A. “I am following up on my job application.”
B. “Did you get my resume?”
C. “I am writing to confirm receipt of my application for the Analyst position.” - Situation: You need an urgent update from a supplier about a delayed shipment.
A. “I am following up on the shipment.”
B. “Could you please provide an immediate update on the shipment status?”
C. “Hey, where is my order?”
Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B. In each case, the best option is clear, polite, and appropriate for the relationship and urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “I am following up” too informal for a CEO?
It can be, depending on your relationship. If you have never spoken to the CEO before, use a more formal opening like “I am writing to follow up on…” If you have an existing working relationship, “I am following up” is fine.
2. Can I use “I am following up” in a cover letter?
No. In a cover letter, you are introducing yourself, not following up. Use “I am writing to apply for…” or “I am interested in the…” instead.
3. Should I always include the word “regarding” after “following up”?
Not always, but it helps. “I am following up regarding the proposal” is clearer than “I am following up on the proposal.” Both are correct, but “regarding” sounds slightly more formal.
4. Is it okay to start an email with “Following up”?
Yes, but it is very informal. “Following up on the budget report” as a subject line or first sentence is common in quick internal emails. For external communication, write a full sentence.
Final Recommendation
“I am following up” is a correct and useful phrase for professional emails, but it is not always the best choice. Use it when you have a clear reason, a prior connection, and a neutral to informal tone. For formal situations, urgent matters, or first-time contact, choose a more specific or polite alternative. The key to effective email writing is clarity and appropriateness. Always ask yourself: Does this phrase match my relationship with the reader and the purpose of my message? If yes, use it confidently. If not, pick a stronger option from the alternatives above.
For more help with professional email language, explore our Email Phrase Corrections section. You can also check our Grammar Accuracy Checks for other common questions. If you have specific questions, visit our FAQ or contact us directly.