The phrase “circling back” is often used in emails to remind someone of a previous message or to follow up on a topic. While it’s professional, using it too often can feel repetitive or overly corporate. Depending on your tone, alternatives like “Just following up,” “Checking in on this,” or “I wanted to revisit this” can make your email sound clearer and more approachable.
The words you choose set the tone for your communication—whether you want to sound polite, professional, or more casual. This guide explores practical and effective alternatives to “circling back” that help your emails feel fresh, respectful, and easy to read.
Definition of “Circling Back”
“Circling back” is an idiomatic phrase used primarily in business and professional communication. It signifies a return to a previous subject, conversation, or task, often after an interruption or a period of inactivity.
The phrase implies a deliberate act of revisiting something that has already been discussed or initiated. It can function as a gentle reminder, an update, or a means of re-engaging with a topic.
The function of “circling back” is multifaceted. It can serve to remind someone of a pending action, provide an update on progress, seek clarification on a point, or simply re-initiate a discussion.
The context in which it is used determines its specific purpose. While widely understood, its vagueness can sometimes lead to ambiguity, making the use of more precise alternatives beneficial.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “circling back” typically consists of the gerund “circling” and the adverbial particle “back.” The gerund “circling” implies a continuous or repetitive action, while “back” indicates a return to a previous state or position. Structurally, it often appears as part of a larger clause or sentence, acting as an introductory phrase to signal the intention of revisiting a topic.
For example:
“Circling back to the budget proposal, I have made some revisions.”
In this sentence, “circling back to the budget proposal” functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for the subsequent information about the revisions. The phrase can also be used more generally, without a specific object, to simply indicate a return to a previous discussion.
“Circling back, do we have any further questions?”
Here, “circling back” is used as a transitional phrase, signaling a shift back to the main topic of the meeting or conversation. Understanding its structural role helps in recognizing and effectively replacing it with more descriptive alternatives.
Types of Other Ways to Say Circling Back in an Email
Alternatives to “circling back” can be categorized based on the specific intention or context of the communication. These categories include reminding and following up, updating on progress, revisiting topics, seeking clarification, and resuming discussions.
Each category offers a range of phrases that can be used to convey the intended meaning more precisely.
Reminding and Following Up
This category includes phrases that serve as gentle reminders or follow-ups on previous requests or assignments. These alternatives are useful when you need to prompt someone to take action or provide an update.
Updating on Progress
These phrases are used to provide updates on the status of a project, task, or discussion. They indicate that you are providing new information or insights related to a previously discussed topic.
Revisiting Topics
This category encompasses phrases that signal a return to a specific topic for further discussion or consideration. They are useful when you need to re-examine an issue or address unresolved questions.
Seeking Clarification
These phrases are employed when you need to request additional information or clarification on a previously discussed topic. They indicate that you are seeking to gain a better understanding of a particular point.
Resuming Discussions
This category includes phrases that indicate a continuation of a previous conversation or discussion. They are useful when you need to pick up where you left off or address new developments related to a prior topic.
Examples of Alternative Phrases
The following sections provide examples of alternative phrases for each category, along with example sentences to illustrate their usage.
Reminding and Following Up Examples
This table provides examples of phrases you can use instead of “circling back” when the intention is to remind or follow up on something.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Following up on… | Following up on our conversation last week, I wanted to check if you had a chance to review the proposal. |
| As a reminder… | As a reminder, the deadline for submitting your expense reports is Friday. |
| Just a quick reminder about… | Just a quick reminder about the team meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 10 AM. |
| I’m checking in on… | I’m checking in on the status of the marketing campaign. |
| I wanted to follow up regarding… | I wanted to follow up regarding your feedback on the new design. |
| To follow up on our previous discussion… | To follow up on our previous discussion, have you had a chance to consider my suggestion? |
| Regarding our earlier conversation… | Regarding our earlier conversation, I’m still awaiting your input. |
| Just wanted to touch base on… | Just wanted to touch base on the outstanding invoices. |
| I’m reaching out to remind you about… | I’m reaching out to remind you about the upcoming training session. |
| This is a reminder that… | This is a reminder that the project kickoff meeting is next Monday. |
| I’m following up to see if… | I’m following up to see if you’ve received the documents I sent. |
| To ensure we’re on track… | To ensure we’re on track, I wanted to check on the progress of the development phase. |
| I’m just confirming… | I’m just confirming if you will be able to attend the conference next month. |
| Have you had a chance to…? | Have you had a chance to review the contract? |
| Checking in to see if… | Checking in to see if you need any assistance with the presentation. |
| Following up to see if… | Following up to see if you had any questions regarding the report. |
| As a follow-up… | As a follow-up, I’ve attached the updated agenda to this email. |
| I am writing to remind you… | I am writing to remind you about the team survey. |
| To keep you informed… | To keep you informed, I’m sending a reminder regarding the upcoming deadline. |
| Just a friendly reminder… | Just a friendly reminder that your subscription is expiring soon. |
| I’d like to gently remind you about… | I’d like to gently remind you about the pending payment. |
| This is to remind you about… | This is to remind you about the scheduled maintenance window. |
| May I remind you about… | May I remind you about the action items assigned to you during the last meeting? |
| Please remember to… | Please remember to submit your timesheet by the end of the day. |
| Don’t forget to… | Don’t forget to confirm your attendance at the company picnic. |
Updating on Progress Examples
This table provides examples of phrases you can use instead of “circling back” when you want to provide an update on progress.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Regarding the progress on… | Regarding the progress on the website redesign, we have completed the initial wireframes. |
| An update on… | An update on the marketing campaign: we’ve seen a significant increase in website traffic. |
| I wanted to provide an update on… | I wanted to provide an update on the product development timeline. |
| Here’s a quick update on… | Here’s a quick update on the sales figures for the quarter. |
| As a follow-up to our last discussion… | As a follow-up to our last discussion, I’m pleased to report that the project is on schedule. |
| Just to keep you in the loop… | Just to keep you in the loop, we’ve made significant progress on the negotiation. |
| I’m writing to inform you that… | I’m writing to inform you that the software update has been successfully deployed. |
| Following our previous conversation, I wanted to let you know that… | Following our previous conversation, I wanted to let you know that the client has approved the proposal. |
| I’d like to update you on… | I’d like to update you on the status of the vendor selection process. |
| To give you a quick overview… | To give you a quick overview, we’ve completed the initial phase of the project. |
| In regards to… | In regards to your request, we’ve gathered the necessary data. |
| With respect to… | With respect to the new regulations, we’ve updated our compliance procedures. |
| As a status report… | As a status report, the team has completed 75% of the tasks. |
| Letting you know that… | Letting you know that the server migration is now complete. |
| I am happy to announce that… | I am happy to announce that we’ve reached our sales target for this month. |
| As promised, here’s the update on… | As promised, here’s the update on the marketing campaign’s performance. |
| I’m pleased to report that… | I’m pleased to report that the issue has been resolved. |
| To keep you updated… | To keep you updated, we’ve scheduled a meeting with the stakeholders. |
| Just a quick note to let you know… | Just a quick note to let you know that the delivery has been scheduled. |
| For your information… | For your information, the report has been finalized and is ready for review. |
| As you requested, here is the update on… | As you requested, here is the update on the budget allocation. |
| This is to inform you that… | This is to inform you that the system upgrade will take place this weekend. |
| Informing you about… | Informing you about the progress of the project, we are currently ahead of schedule. |
| Just an update… | Just an update: we have successfully onboarded the new clients. |
| To provide you with the latest news… | To provide you with the latest news, we have secured a new contract. |
Revisiting Topics Examples
This table provides examples of phrases you can use when you want to revisit a topic.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Referring back to… | Referring back to our previous discussion on the marketing strategy, I have a few additional thoughts. |
| Regarding our earlier discussion about… | Regarding our earlier discussion about the budget cuts, I’d like to propose an alternative solution. |
| Let’s revisit… | Let’s revisit the topic of employee benefits to ensure everyone is clear on the changes. |
| Turning back to… | Turning back to the issue of customer complaints, we need to develop a more effective response plan. |
| To return to the subject of… | To return to the subject of project timelines, I think we need to reassess our deadlines. |
| Going back to… | Going back to the question of resource allocation, I have some updated figures. |
| Reconsidering… | Reconsidering our initial plan, I believe we should explore a different approach. |
| Looking back at… | Looking back at the data we collected last quarter, we can identify some key trends. |
| In light of our previous conversation… | In light of our previous conversation, I’ve done some additional research on the topic. |
| Considering what we discussed earlier… | Considering what we discussed earlier, I’ve prepared a proposal for a new strategy. |
| To reiterate… | To reiterate, the main goal of this project is to increase customer satisfaction. |
| To emphasize… | To emphasize, the deadline is non-negotiable and must be met. |
| To highlight… | To highlight, the key performance indicators are showing positive results. |
| Once again… | Once again, I want to stress the importance of following the safety protocols. |
| To bring up again… | To bring up again, we need to address the issue of employee morale. |
| Recalling our last meeting… | Recalling our last meeting, I want to clarify some concerns regarding the budget. |
| Remembering our previous discussion… | Remembering our previous discussion, I’ve prepared a summary of the key points. |
| As discussed before… | As discussed before, we need to prioritize customer feedback. |
| Regarding the point raised earlier… | Regarding the point raised earlier, I have some additional information. |
| In reference to our prior conversation… | In reference to our prior conversation, I’ve scheduled a follow-up meeting. |
| Reverting to the topic of… | Reverting to the topic of project management, we need to establish clear roles and responsibilities. |
| Let’s turn our attention back to… | Let’s turn our attention back to the details of the upcoming conference. |
| I’d like to draw your attention back to… | I’d like to draw your attention back to the importance of meeting the project milestones. |
| To refocus on… | To refocus on our strategic goals, we need to streamline our processes. |
| Let’s go back to discussing… | Let’s go back to discussing the proposed changes to the company policy. |
Seeking Clarification Examples
This table provides examples of phrases you can use when you need to seek clarification on a topic.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| To clarify… | To clarify, are we all in agreement on the proposed changes? |
| For further clarity… | For further clarity, could you provide more details on the new procedure? |
| I’d like to get a better understanding of… | I’d like to get a better understanding of the reasoning behind this decision. |
| Could you elaborate on… | Could you elaborate on the specific requirements for this project? |
| I’m seeking some clarification on… | I’m seeking some clarification on the budget allocation for the next quarter. |
| To ensure I understand correctly… | To ensure I understand correctly, can you confirm the deadline for this task? |
| Could you provide more details about… | Could you provide more details about the new software features? |
| I have a question regarding… | I have a question regarding the changes to the employee handbook. |
| I’m not entirely clear on… | I’m not entirely clear on the new reporting process. |
| Could you explain further… | Could you explain further the implications of this decision? |
| Can you expand on… | Can you expand on the rationale behind this strategy? |
| I would appreciate some clarification on… | I would appreciate some clarification on the new policy guidelines. |
| To be sure I’m on the same page… | To be sure I’m on the same page, could you reiterate the key objectives? |
| If I understand correctly… | If I understand correctly, the deadline has been extended. |
| I want to confirm… | I want to confirm that the meeting will be held in the conference room. |
| Can you specify… | Can you specify the exact requirements for the project? |
| For my understanding… | For my understanding, can you explain the technical details? |
| To make sure I’m clear… | To make sure I’m clear, can you provide an example? |
| I need a bit more information on… | I need a bit more information on the budget allocation. |
| I would like to know more about… | I would like to know more about the reasons behind the decision. |
| Could you clarify the scope of…? | Could you clarify the scope of the project? |
| I’m seeking further insight into… | I’m seeking further insight into the potential risks involved. |
| To get a better grasp of… | To get a better grasp of the situation, could you provide more details? |
| I’m having trouble understanding… | I’m having trouble understanding the new regulations. |
| I’m a little unclear about… | I’m a little unclear about the implementation process. |
Resuming Discussions Examples
This table provides examples of phrases you can use when you want to resume a discussion.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Picking up where we left off… | Picking up where we left off, let’s discuss the next steps in the project. |
| To continue our discussion… | To continue our discussion, I’ve prepared some additional data for your review. |
| Resuming our conversation… | Resuming our conversation, I wanted to address the concerns you raised earlier. |
| Following up on our meeting… | Following up on our meeting, I’ve implemented the changes we discussed. |
| To get back to our previous topic… | To get back to our previous topic, let’s discuss the budget allocation. |
| Continuing from where we stopped… | Continuing from where we stopped, let’s finalize the project plan. |
| To proceed from our last point… | To proceed from our last point, I’d like to discuss the potential risks. |
| As a continuation of our talk… | As a continuation of our talk, I’ve gathered some feedback from the team. |
| Where were we…? | Where were we? Ah yes, let’s continue discussing the marketing strategy. |
| Let’s proceed with… | Let’s proceed with the discussion on the new product launch. |
| To carry on with our discussion… | To carry on with our discussion, I’ve prepared some additional slides. |
| In continuation to our last meeting… | In continuation to our last meeting, I wanted to address the project deadlines. |
| Let’s move forward with… | Let’s move forward with the plan we discussed. |
| To continue where we left off… | To continue where we left off, let’s look at the budget proposal. |
| Resuming from our previous discussion… | Resuming from our previous discussion, I’ve made some adjustments based on your feedback. |
| Continuing our train of thought… | Continuing our train of thought, let’s address the client’s concerns. |
| To continue our dialogue… | To continue our dialogue, I’ve prepared an outline of the next steps. |
| To pick up the thread… | To pick up the thread, let’s continue discussing the project requirements. |
| Let’s resume our discussion on… | Let’s resume our discussion on the new marketing strategies. |
| To proceed with the discussion… | To proceed with the discussion, I’d like to introduce the next topic. |
| Picking up where we stopped… | Picking up where we stopped, let’s decide on the final design. |
| Carrying on from our last point… | Carrying on from our last point, I have some suggestions from the team. |
| Let’s continue our conversation from earlier… | Let’s continue our conversation from earlier about the budget concerns. |
| To resume where we were before… | To resume where we were before, let’s finalize the details of the contract. |
| Let’s continue from where we left off earlier… | Let’s continue from where we left off earlier regarding the new project priorities. |
Usage Rules
When choosing an alternative to “circling back,” it’s important to consider the context and the specific intention of your message. The most effective alternative will be the one that accurately conveys your meaning and avoids ambiguity.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Be specific: Choose a phrase that clearly indicates the purpose of your communication, whether it’s to remind, update, revisit, clarify, or resume.
- Consider your audience: Adapt your language to suit your audience and the level of formality required.
- Avoid jargon: While some business jargon may be appropriate in certain contexts, it’s generally best to use clear and straightforward language.
- Maintain a professional tone: Regardless of the alternative you choose, ensure that your message remains professional and respectful.
For example, if you are following up on a pending task, using “Following up on…” is more direct and informative than simply saying “Circling back.” Similarly, if you are providing an update on progress, using “Regarding the progress on…” clearly signals the purpose of your message.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using “circling back” in situations where a more specific phrase would be more appropriate. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion.
Another mistake is using overly formal or complex language when a simpler alternative would be more effective.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Circling back to the project. | Following up on the project, have you had a chance to review the proposal? | The corrected version is more specific about the purpose of the follow-up. |
| Circling back, I wanted to apprise you of the situation. | I wanted to provide an update on the situation. | The corrected version uses simpler and more direct language. |
| Circling back to our prior conversation. | Regarding our earlier discussion about the budget, I have some additional information. | The corrected version clearly indicates the topic being revisited. |
| Circling back for clarification. | To clarify, are we all in agreement on the proposed changes? | The corrected version directly states the need for clarification. |
| Circling back to continue. | Picking up where we left off, let’s discuss the next steps in the project. | The corrected version provides a smoother transition to resuming the discussion. |
Practice Exercises
Choose the best alternative to “circling back” in each of the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Circling back to the meeting, I have some additional notes. | Regarding the meeting, I have some additional notes. |
| 2. Circling back to your email, I wanted to respond. | Following up on your email, I wanted to respond. |
| 3. Circling back to the project, what’s the status? | Checking in on the project, what’s the status? |
| 4. Circling back to our conversation, I wanted to clarify something. | To clarify, I wanted to confirm a point from our conversation. |
| 5. Circling back, let’s discuss the next steps. | To continue our discussion, let’s discuss the next steps. |
| 6. Circling back to the budget, I have some updates. | Regarding the budget, I have some updates. |
| 7. Circling back to the deadline, please submit your work. | As a reminder, please submit your work by the deadline. |
| 8. Circling back to the agreement, can we finalize it? | To revisit the agreement, can we finalize it? |
| 9. Circling back, I need more information. | To clarify, I need more information. |
| 10. Circling back to where we left off, let’s continue. | Picking up where we left off, let’s continue. |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a more specific alternative to “circling back.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Circling back to the proposal, I have some feedback. | Following up on the proposal, I have some feedback for you. |
| 2. Circling back, I wanted to provide an update. | I wanted to provide an update on the project status. |
| 3. Circling back to our last meeting, I have a question. | Referring to our last meeting, I have a question regarding the action items. |
| 4. Circling back to the topic of employee benefits. | Let’s revisit the topic of employee benefits to ensure everyone is clear on the changes. |
| 5. Circling back, let’s continue our discussion. | Resuming our conversation, let’s address the concerns you raised earlier. |
| 6. Circling back to the survey. | As a reminder, please complete the employee satisfaction survey by Friday. |
| 7. Circling back to your question. | To clarify, the answer to your question is yes. |
| 8. Circling back to the contract. | Have you had a chance to review the contract? |
| 9. Circling back to the training. | Just a quick reminder about the upcoming training session. |
| 10. Circling back to our earlier point. | Regarding the point raised earlier, I have some additional information. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the nuances of tone and register when choosing alternatives to “circling back.” The most appropriate phrase will depend on the specific context, your relationship with the recipient, and the overall tone of your message. For example, in a formal communication, you might use phrases like “With respect to…” or “In reference to…” In a more informal setting, you could use phrases like “Just wanted to touch base on…” or “Checking in to see if…”
Additionally, consider the use of active versus passive voice in your alternative phrases. Active voice tends to be more direct and engaging, while passive voice can be more formal and detached.
Choose the voice that best suits the purpose of your communication.
FAQ
- Why should I use alternatives to “circling back”?
Using alternatives to “circling back” enhances clarity and specificity in your communication. It helps you convey your message more effectively and avoid ambiguity. Additionally, it demonstrates a broader vocabulary and attention to detail.
- When is it appropriate to use “circling back”?
“Circling back” is appropriate in situations where a general reminder or follow-up is needed, and the specific purpose is already understood by the recipient. However, in most cases, a more specific alternative will be more effective.
- How do I choose the best alternative to “circling back”?
Consider the context and the specific intention of your message. Choose a phrase that accurately conveys your meaning and avoids ambiguity. Think about whether you are reminding, updating, revisiting, clarifying, or resuming, and select the alternative that best reflects that purpose.
- Are there any alternatives that should be avoided?
Avoid using overly formal or complex language when a simpler alternative would be more effective. Also, avoid using jargon that may not be understood by the recipient. The goal is to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Can I use more than one alternative in a single email?
Yes, you can use different alternatives in a single email, depending on the different purposes of your communication. This can help to vary your language and maintain the reader’s interest.
- Is it better to be more formal or informal when choosing an alternative?
The level of formality depends on your relationship with the recipient and the overall tone of your message. In general, it’s best to err on the side of professionalism
and clarity, unless a more casual tone is appropriate for your workplace or relationship.
- Can using varied language make my emails more engaging?
Yes, varying your language can make your emails more engaging. Using a range of alternatives to common phrases like “circling back” can capture the reader’s attention and make your message more interesting and memorable. This also demonstrates a command of language, which can enhance your credibility and professionalism.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “circling back” is a valuable skill for effective email communication. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and tailoring your language to the specific context, you can enhance the clarity, precision, and professionalism of your messages.
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of various alternatives, along with examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you improve your communication skills. Embrace these alternatives to make your emails more engaging, effective, and impactful.