12 Synonyms for “Circle Back” in an Email

In email conversations, the phrase “circle back” is often used to indicate a return to a topic later. However, using the same phrase repeatedly can get boring and seem uncreative.

This article lists 12 alternative phrases to “circle back,” offering a variety of options to suit different tones and levels of formality. Each alternative is explained with examples to show how to use them effectively in your emails.

Is It Professional to Say “Circle Back”?

The phrase “circle back” is often considered professional and formal. It’s a way to say that you will return to a topic or issue at a later time. This phrase is suitable for emails and meetings when you need to postpone the discussion until you have more information or are ready to make a decision. It’s a polite way to acknowledge a point or a question without ignoring it, showing that you plan to address it when appropriate.

One appropriate situation to use “circle back” is when you are not ready to provide an answer or solution during a meeting or in an email. It signals that though you can’t address the issue right now, you haven’t forgotten about it and will revisit it later.

Example:

Hello Team,

Thank you for your contributions during today's meeting. Regarding the project timeline adjustments, I need to review our current resources and commitments. I will circle back with an update by next Monday.

Best regards,
Emily

Pros:

• Shows intention to revisit an issue or topic.
• Helps manage expectations for follow-up.
• Keeps communication professional and respectful.

Cons:

• Can be seen as evasive if overused or not followed up on.
• May be vague without a specified timeframe for follow-up.
• Could be interpreted as a lack of immediate knowledge or decision-making ability.

While the phrase “circle back” is generally professional and useful, there might be times when someone would want to use an alternative. This could be due to a desire to sound more casual or to avoid repetition if the phrase has been used too frequently. Alternatives can also tailor the tone more closely to your audience or the uniqueness of the situation.

12 Other Ways to Say “Circle Back” in an Email

Here are 12 alternatives to “circle back” that might fit the bill:

1. Follow up

Compared to “circle back,” “follow up” sounds more direct and action-oriented. It suggests that you will take specific steps to address or continue a conversation. This phrase is very professional and is suitable for most email correspondences.

We recommend using “follow up” when you need a straightforward approach to ensure tasks or topics are not forgotten. It’s perfect when discussing agendas, projects, or any situation where details will be clarified later. This alternative maintains a formal tone, emphasizing responsibility and action.

Here’s a sample email using “follow up”:

Hi Alex,

Thank you for your insights during our last chat. I will follow up next week once I have more details.

Best,
Samantha

2. Revisit

“Revisit” implies a more thoughtful return to a subject, perhaps to reassess or reevaluate it with fresh eyes. It’s a polite and slightly informal synonym for “circle back” that softens the message.

This alternative is better suited when discussing ideas or strategies that need more reflection or input. It’s great for proposals or projects in their early stages when you anticipate that adjustments may be necessary after some thought.

Here’s how you might use “revisit” in an email:

Hi Maya,

Let's revisit the budget estimates once we've gathered more data from our surveys.

Warmly,
Jacob

3. Touch base on this

“Touch base on this” is another synonym that brings an informal but friendly tone to your emails. It suggests a lighter, less intensive return to the topic, perfect for quick checks or casual updates.

Use this phrase when your follow-up requires a brief update or a simple check-in rather than an in-depth discussion. It’s ideal for maintaining a positive, light-hearted communication channel with coworkers, particularly in less formal work environments.

Here’s an email example:

Hi Tyler,

Just a quick note to say I'll touch base on this with you on Thursday.

Cheers,
Olivia

4. Reconnect

Unlike “circle back,” “reconnect” has a more personal appeal, suggesting not just a return to a topic but a renewal of connection. It’s informal and conveys a sense of genuine interest in the discussion or relationship.

When the conversation has been paused for a considerable time or when you want to emphasize the importance of the continued dialogue, “reconnect” can be a meaningful choice. It’s suitable for reigniting discussions that may have lost momentum.

Sample email using “reconnect”:

Hi Emma,

Hoping to reconnect on the project plans early next week.

Best wishes,
Liam

5. Resume discussion

“Resume discussion” is more formal than “circle back” and directly states the intention to continue talking about a subject. It’s professional and straightforward, ideal for academic or corporate settings where clarity is crucial.

This alternative is excellent when it’s important to highlight the continuity of a conversation, especially after a break or interruption. It signals a serious, focused return to important matters.

A message sample could look like this:

Hi Connor,

We will resume discussion on the policy review in our next meeting.

Regards,
Isabella

6. Continue the discussion on

This phrase is close in meaning to “resume discussion,” but “continue the discussion on” implies a seamless ongoing conversation. It’s both formal and professional, used when dialogues are paused rather than concluded.

We recommend this term when discussions are temporarily halted, perhaps due to time constraints, and need to be picked up again without starting over. It’s particularly useful in meetings when time is limited but the topic requires further exploration.

Example email:

Hi Harper,

Please be prepared to continue the discussion on our marketing strategies next week.

Kind regards,
Mason

7. Come back to this

“Come back to this” is a casual and straightforward way to say you’ll return to a topic later. It’s more informal and conversational, making it a friendly alternative to “circle back.”

Opt for this phrase when the situation calls for a relaxed tone, or you’re communicating with someone you have a closer professional relationship with. It maintains a sense of flexibility and openness.

An email example could be:

Hi Ava,

Let's come back to this idea after we've seen the first round of user feedback.

Thanks,
Ethan

8. Check back

The term “check back” suggests a lighter, more casual approach to revisiting a topic, similar to “touch base on this.” It’s informal and indicates a quick, easy check-in rather than a deep dive.

When expecting updates or progress on a task where no extensive discussion is needed, “check back” is perfectly suited. It’s great for simple follow-ups or when you anticipate straightforward progress reports.

Here’s how it could look in an email:

Hi Sophia,

I'll check back with you Friday for the latest sales numbers.

All the best,
Jackson

9. Readdress

“Readdress” signals a more intentional, focused return to a specific issue or topic. It’s formal and professional, suggesting a deeper dive or correction is needed.

Use this when you plan to discuss an issue more thoroughly or correct misunderstandings. It’s ideal for critical feedback sessions, strategy adjustments, or resolving complex issues.

An example of use in an email:

Hi Lucas,

We need to readdress the timelines based on the new project scope.

Sincerely,
Chloe

10. Loop back

“Loop back” shares a similarity with “circle back” but feels slightly less formal. It indicates a return to a topic with a notion of continuing progress or revisiting a point made earlier.

It’s a good choice for teams that have ongoing projects with many moving parts and need to ensure all aspects are covered. Use this when updates or revisions are expected as part of a regular process.

Here’s an email using this phrase:

Hi Mia,

We'll loop back on the client feedback in our next project update meeting.

Best,
Elijah

11. Pick up where we left off

This expression is very conversational and informal, making it suitable for colleagues who have built a rapport. It implies a comfortable pause rather than an abrupt stop, offering a seamless transition back to the topic.

When discussions are paused due to time constraints or external factors rather than a lack of ideas, suggesting to “pick up where we left off” keeps the conversation open and anticipatory. It’s helpful for collaborative work environments and creative sessions.

Check out this email sample:

Hi Noah,

Looking forward to Monday when we can pick up where we left off on the design brainstorm.

Cheers,
Grace

12. Return to this topic

Finally, “return to this topic” is a clear, formal, and professional alternative that explicitly states your intent to revisit a subject at a later time. It leaves no ambiguity about your commitment to address the issue further.

This is best used in situations where clarity and seriousness are paramount, such as in regulatory discussions, compliance meetings, or strategic planning. It reassures the recipient of your intention to delve deeper into the subject matter.

An example message:

Hi Amelia,

We will return to this topic once we have more information on the market research.

Best,
Oliver

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to say “circle back” can make your emails more engaging and clear. The 12 alternatives provided offer a range of options, from formal to informal, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for any situation. Using different phrases helps keep your communication fresh and shows attention to detail. Next time you need to revisit a topic in an email, try one of these alternatives to make your message stand out.