{"id":19302,"date":"2026-04-20T20:06:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T18:06:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/?p=19302"},"modified":"2026-04-20T20:06:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T18:06:33","slug":"coup-de-pouce-en-anglais-des-emails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/2026\/04\/20\/coup-de-pouce-en-anglais-des-emails\/","title":{"rendered":"Coup de pouce en anglais des emails"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to write follow-up emails that actually get replies<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/h1>\n

You sent the email. You waited. You got nothing back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Now you have to decide: do you follow up? And if so \u2014 when, and how?<\/span><\/p>\n

This is one of the most common situations in business English. And for non-native speakers, it\u2019s also one of the riskiest. Not because of grammar. Because of tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

The words you choose in a follow-up don\u2019t just communicate information. They communicate something about you: your patience, your professionalism, your awareness of how things work in a U.S. workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get the tone wrong and a perfectly reasonable request can make you seem demanding, cold, or difficult to work with. And the frustrating part? The grammar is often correct.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

Why \u201ckindly\u201d doesn\u2019t work<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Take the word kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-native speakers use it because it feels safe \u2014 formal, polished, professional. But in many U.S. workplaces, formal language is not interpreted as professional. It is interpreted as cold, or sometimes even rude.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019re trying to be polite. But the person on the other end feels pushed away \u2026 and may not even be able to explain why.<\/span><\/p>\n

In everyday U.S. workplace communication, warmth and directness build more trust than formality does. The goal isn\u2019t to sound impressive. It\u2019s to make the other person feel good about responding.<\/span><\/p>\n

So if kindly<\/em> isn\u2019t the answer, what is?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

The small words that work<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll hear native speakers use words like:<\/span><\/p>\n

just, wondering, could, might, would you be able to<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

These are sometimes called softeners<\/strong> \u2014 small words that take the edge off a request without removing the request itself. In practice, they make your message easier to receive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Compare:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u274c \u201cPlease send the report.\u201d <\/span>
\n\u2705 \u201cI just wanted to check in. Would you be able to send the report by Thursday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Same request. But the second one signals patience and goodwill \u2014 and that makes it easier to respond to.<\/span><\/p>\n

It works for urgent situations too:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u274c \u201cI need an update immediately.\u201d <\/span>
\n\u2705 \u201cI just wanted to flag that I\u2019m waiting on this \u2014 would you have a quick update by end of day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Same urgency. But the second version keeps the relationship intact while still moving things forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s the goal: get what you need, without making the other person dread hitting reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

5 follow-up phrases you can use right away<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here are five options that cover the most common situations \u2014 from a gentle first nudge to a more direct ask when time is running short and you need an answer!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

1\ufe0f\u20e3 A gentle first follow-up<\/strong><\/span>
\nWhen there\u2019s no deadline pressure<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust checking in on this \u2014 no rush at all, but wanted to make sure it didn\u2019t get buried!\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\ud83d\udcdd Get buried<\/em> = lost or forgotten among many other emails \ud83e\udea6<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

2\ufe0f\u20e3 A soft reminder<\/strong><\/span>
\nWhen it\u2019s been a few days and you haven\u2019t heard back<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to follow up on my email from Monday. I know things get busy, so just let me know if you need anything from my end.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

3\ufe0f\u20e3 The easy-yes option<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When replying might feel like effort for the other person<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven a quick yes or no works for now \u2014 happy to sort out the details after.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\ud83d\udcdd Sometimes a short reply is all you need to keep things moving.<\/span>
\nThis phrasing lowers the effort to respond \u2014 and the easier it is to reply, the more likely you\u2019ll get one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

4\ufe0f\u20e3 A neutral status check<\/strong><\/span>
\nWhen you need an update and the relationship is peer-to-peer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould you let me know where things stand? I want to make sure we stay on track.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

5\ufe0f\u20e3 A more direct follow-up<\/strong><\/span>
\nWhen the delay is affecting your work<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to flag that I need this by Thursday to keep things moving. Would you have time to connect briefly today or tomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A small detail that matters<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Phrases like \u201cno rush\u201d<\/em> can be helpful \u2014 they signal patience and goodwill.<\/span><\/p>\n

But only use them when they\u2019re true.<\/span><\/p>\n

If there\u2019s a real deadline, say so clearly. Otherwise the other person may not realize it matters \u2014 and what felt like a polite message becomes an unclear one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Compare:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u274c \u201cJust checking in \u2014 no rush at all!\u201d (but you actually need it by Friday)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 \u201cJust checking in \u2014 if possible, it would really help to have this by Friday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Same warm tone. But the second one gives the other person what they actually need: a reason to prioritize.<\/span><\/p>\n

Politeness and clarity aren\u2019t opposites. The best follow-ups have both.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

Let\u2019s put it into practice<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Below are two short scenarios based on real workplace situations. In each case, the follow-up is polite. Nothing is grammatically wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

But ask yourself: does it reduce friction \u2014 or create it?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n
Mini-case 1: The delayed contract<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Sofia is a project manager from Brazil working at a mid-size consulting firm in New York. She sent a contract to a client, David, for review five days ago. She hasn\u2019t heard back. The contract needs to be signed before her team can start work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sofia\u2019s follow-up:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDear David, I am writing to kindly remind you that I sent the contract five days ago and I am still waiting for your response. Please reply as soon as possible so we can proceed.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83e\udde0 Pause and reflect<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sofia is professional and her frustration is understandable. But read it from David\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask yourself: how does this email make David feel? Does it make it easy or hard for him to reply? What one or two changes would reduce the friction?<\/span><\/p>\n

Your turn \ud83d\udc47 Rewrite Sofia\u2019s follow-up using phrases from this post. Keep it to two or three sentences.<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 One possible rewrite:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi David \u2014 just following up on the contract I sent over last week. Whenever you have a chance to review, we\u2019re ready to get started on our end! Let me know if you have any questions.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Why this works: \u201cJust following up\u201d replaces \u201cI am still waiting\u201d \u2014 same message, no blame. \u201cWhenever you have a chance\u201d signals patience without hiding the need. \u201cWe\u2019re ready to get started\u201d gives David a reason to act without pressure, and the message ends with an open door, not a demand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n
Mini-case 2: The missing update<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Tariq works in operations at a logistics company in Chicago. He\u2019s waiting on a colleague \u2014 Jenny \u2014 to confirm whether a shipment has cleared customs. He needs the update before his afternoon meeting. He sent an email that morning. It\u2019s now 1pm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tariq\u2019s follow-up:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJenny, did you get my email? I need the customs update urgently. Please respond.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83e\udde0 Pause and reflect<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tariq does need this urgently \u2014 that part is fair. But something about this message is likely to slow Jenny down rather than speed her up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ask yourself: what\u2019s creating friction here? How could Tariq keep the urgency while making it easier for Jenny to respond?<\/span><\/p>\n

Your turn \ud83d\udc47 Rewrite Tariq\u2019s follow-up using phrases from this post.<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 One possible rewrite:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Jenny \u2014 just wanted to flag that I\u2019m waiting on the customs update before my 2pm meeting. Even a quick status would be really helpful! Let me know if there\u2019s anything I can do on my end.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Why this works: \u201cJust wanted to flag\u201d signals urgency without accusation. Mentioning the 2pm meeting gives Jenny a reason to prioritize. \u201cEven a quick status\u201d lowers the bar for responding \u2014 and \u201canything I can do on my end\u201d shifts the tone from pressure to partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udcd8 Key language<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Follow up<\/strong> \u2192 to contact someone again after a previous message or request<\/span><\/p>\n

Just wanted to flag<\/strong> \u2192 a natural way to signal something important or urgent without sounding accusatory<\/span><\/p>\n

Where things stand<\/strong> \u2192 the current status of something; often used to ask for a quick update<\/span><\/p>\n

On track<\/strong> \u2192 progressing as planned; no major delays<\/span><\/p>\n

Buried<\/strong> \u2192 lost or forgotten among many emails and tasks<\/span><\/p>\n

On my end<\/strong> \u2192 referring to your own side of a situation \u2014 \u201cLet me know if there\u2019s anything I can do on my end\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Even a quick [X] works<\/strong> \u2192 a phrase that lowers the bar for responding \u2014 makes it easier for the other person to reply<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

Quick Quiz \u2714\ufe0f<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Which option feels most natural in a U.S. workplace?<\/span><\/p>\n

1\ufe0f\u20e3 You sent a budget request five days ago. No reply.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A. \u201cI am kindly requesting a response to my email regarding the budget.\u201d <\/span>
\nB. \u201cJust checking in on the budget request \u2014 happy to answer any questions if helpful!\u201d <\/span>
\nC. \u201cI sent this five days ago and I have not received a response.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2\ufe0f\u20e3 A colleague said they\u2019d send you a file. It\u2019s been three days.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A. \u201cPlease send the file immediately as I am still waiting.\u201d <\/span>
\nB. \u201cCould you let me know where things stand with the file? Just want to make sure it\u2019s on your radar.\u201d <\/span>
\nC. \u201cI was wondering if you had a chance to look at this \u2014 no rush at all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

3\ufe0f\u20e3 You need a decision before you can move forward.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A. \u201cI need you to reply to my email so I can continue my work.\u201d <\/span>
\nB. \u201cWhenever you get a chance, maybe you could possibly let me know?\u201d <\/span>
\nC. \u201cWould you be able to let me know how you\u2019d like to proceed? I want to make sure I\u2019m moving in the right direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

4\ufe0f\u20e3 You\u2019ve followed up once. Still no reply. The delay is affecting your work.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A. \u201cI have already followed up once and I am still waiting for your response.\u201d <\/span>
\nB. \u201cI just wanted to flag that I\u2019m waiting on this before I can move forward \u2014 would you have a quick update by end of day?\u201d <\/span>
\nC. \u201cNo worries at all \u2014 just let me know whenever you get a chance!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

5\ufe0f\u20e3 You get a reply but it\u2019s vague \u2014 your manager says \u201cthat could work.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A. \u201cPerfect, thanks!\u201d <\/span>
\nB. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what that means. Could you be more specific?\u201d <\/span>
\nC. \u201cWould you like me to proceed with this, or would it help to explore other options first?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

\u2705 Answer key<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1 . B \u201cJust checking in on the budget request \u2014 happy to answer any questions if helpful!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. B \u201cCould you let me know where things stand with the file? Just want to make sure it\u2019s on your radar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

3. C \u201cWould you be able to let me know how you\u2019d like to proceed? I want to make sure I\u2019m moving in the right direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

4. B \u201cI just wanted to flag that I\u2019m waiting on this before I can move forward \u2014 would you have a quick update by end of day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

5. C \u201cWould you like me to proceed with this, or would it help to explore other options first?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to learn more, take the test then subscribe to speak English like an American!<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How to write follow-up emails that actually get replies You sent the email. You waited.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19303,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[80,127],"tags":[108,202,377,626,595,722],"class_list":["post-19302","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actualites","category-anglais","tag-anglais","tag-perfectionnement","tag-professionnel","tag-test-cloe","tag-test-de-certification","tag-toeic-4-skills"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19302","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19302"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19302\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19304,"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19302\/revisions\/19304"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19302"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19302"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.leslanguessansstress.fr\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}