How to Politely Ask for an Update in an Email (With Samples)
Asking for updates in an email can feel awkward, but it’s a necessary part of keeping projects on track.
This article gives you 10 polite ways to ask for an update without coming across as pushy. Whether you’re dealing with a boss, a colleague, or a client, there’s a right way to do it. By choosing your words carefully, you can get the information you need while maintaining good relationships.
Should You Ask for an Update?
Deciding whether to ask for an update can sometimes feel tricky. You might worry about appearing pushy or impatient. However, asking for updates is a regular part of professional and personal communication. It shows you’re engaged and proactive about your work or the task at hand.
The key lies in how you ask for it. Doing so politely and thoughtfully ensures you maintain good relationships and keep projects moving forward. Following the right approach, you can comfortably ask for updates without any hesitation.
17 Polite Ways to Ask for an Update in an Email
When you need an update but want to remain courteous and professional, consider using one of these phrases in your emails.
- Could you please provide me with an update on [project/task]?
- What’s the current status of [project/task]?
- Can you update me on your progress?
- I’d appreciate an update when you have a moment.
- How is [project/task] progressing?
- Do we have any updates on this?
- Where do we stand with [project/task]?
- Could you provide a quick update on where we stand with [project/task]?
- Could you give me an update on how things are going?
- I’m just checking in on the status of [project/task].
- How are things coming along with [project/task]?
- Do you have any progress updates to share?
- Have there been any recent updates?
- Would you mind sharing the latest developments on [project/task]?
- May I ask for an update on [project/task]?
- I was wondering if there was any progress on [project/task]?
- Do we have any news on [project/task]?
1. Could you please provide me with an update on [project/task]?
This alternative is both polite and direct, making it suitable for most professional settings. It explicitly requests an update, clearly indicating the sender’s needs without being overly demanding.
This phrase is ideal for formal or semi-formal communication, particularly in emails to colleagues, managers, or external partners where clarity and politeness are key. It’s most effective when the recipient is already familiar with the project or task, ensuring the request is understood within the proper context.
Here’s a sample email:
Hi Alex, As we approach our project deadline, could you please provide me with an update on the Smith account? I want to ensure we're on track and any potential issues are addressed promptly. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards, Jordan
2. What’s the current status of [project/task]?
This question is straightforward and implies a casual tone, making it a good choice for more informal communications. It’s a gentle nudge for information without applying too much pressure.
It fits best in less formal work environments or when communicating with team members you have a close working relationship with. This approach is particularly effective in digital communication channels like emails or instant messaging platforms where brevity is appreciated.
Here’s an example message:
Hey Taylor, What's the current status of the marketing campaign launch? Just trying to plan out the rest of the week. Thanks! Jamie
3. Can you update me on your progress?
This request is direct and to the point, which can be perceived as both professional and polite. It’s versatile, fitting a variety of contexts, from formal to informal.
This phrase is particularly useful in scenarios where there’s an established rapport or ongoing communication about the project. It works well in professional settings, whether it’s with colleagues within the same department or with external contacts with whom you maintain regular correspondence.
Example email:
Hello Morgan, Can you update me on your progress with the client proposal? I'd like to review it before our meeting next week. Kind regards, Elliot
4. I’d appreciate an update when you have a moment.
This phrase is polite and non-intrusive, suggesting flexibility in the recipient’s response time. It’s an excellent choice for maintaining a respectful and professional tone.
It’s well-suited for situations where you wish to be considerate of the recipient’s time and workload. This phrase works best in emails to colleagues or supervisors where you have a friendly but professional relationship. It indicates respect for the recipient’s schedule while still expressing the need for information.
Here’s a sample email:
Hello Jordan, I'd appreciate an update when you have a moment on the Thompson project. No rush, just whenever you can get to it. Best, Casey
5. How is [project/task] progressing?
This question is straightforward and conveys interest in the project or task’s progress. It’s informal yet polite, perfect for when you want to keep the tone light and friendly.
This alternative is great for checking in on projects where you have a good relationship with the team members or when you’re asking a colleague you frequently interact with. It’s casual enough for internal emails but still shows that you’re serious about wanting an update.
Here’s an example:
Hi Sam, How is the event planning progressing? Just curious if there's anything I can help with or if there are any updates I should be aware of. Cheers, Riley
6. Do we have any updates on this?
This phrase is professional and inclusive, using “we” to imply teamwork and shared interest in the project or task. It’s a polite way to ask for updates without putting too much pressure on the recipient.
It’s best used in a professional setting where you’re part of a team working towards a common goal. This phrase is particularly effective in meetings or group emails where multiple people might have updates to share. It fosters a sense of collaboration and keeps the communication channel open and constructive.
Sample message:
Hello Team, As we approach the project deadline, do we have any updates on this? I believe a quick check-in would be beneficial for all of us to ensure we're aligned and moving forward effectively. Best, Avery
7. Where do we stand with [project/task]?
This phrase is both professional and collaborative. It suggests you’re part of a team effort and are keen on understanding the collective status or position regarding a project or task.
This choice works well in environments where teamwork is emphasized. It’s perfect for project updates in team meetings or group emails, especially when you want to promote a sense of unity. It’s suitable for both formal and informal settings, depending on the project’s nature and the team’s dynamics.
Here’s an email example:
Hello Team, Where do we stand with the product launch preparations? I think a brief update from each department would really help us see the bigger picture. Thank you, Harper
8. Could you provide a quick update on where we stand with [project/task]?
This request is polite and indicates that you’re looking for a brief overview, respecting the recipient’s time. It’s a gentle way to ask for important information without demanding too much detail.
It’s ideal for communicating with colleagues or supervisors when you need a snapshot of progress but want to acknowledge that they’re likely busy. This phrase is particularly effective in email communication where brevity is appreciated, and it suits both formal and informal contexts.
Here’s how you might use it in an email:
Hello Maya, Could you provide a quick update on where we stand with the client feedback implementation? Just a few bullet points would be fantastic, just so we're all in the loop. Thanks so much, Evan
9. Could you give me an update on how things are going?
This question is informal and friendly, making it an excellent choice for conversations with colleagues you know well or when you want to keep the mood light and approachable.
It’s best suited for less formal email exchanges or when you’re checking in on tasks that aren’t urgent but still require your attention. This phrase can help maintain a positive working relationship by showing interest in the person’s work without seeming too demanding.
Here’s an example email:
Hi Luca, Could you give me an update on how things are going with the inventory check? No rush, just want to make sure everything is moving smoothly. Best, Jordan
10. I’m just checking in on the status of [project/task].
This phrase is informal and conveys a gentle reminder that you’re awaiting an update. It’s non-intrusive and shows that you’re mindful of the other person’s workload.
This is a great way to follow up on projects or tasks without applying pressure, making it perfect for internal communications with team members. It’s especially appropriate when you have a friendly rapport with the recipient and want to ensure they don’t feel rushed.
Example:
Hey Priya, I'm just checking in on the status of the website redesign. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help! Take care, Alex
11. How are things coming along with [project/task]?
This phrase is informal and shows genuine interest in the progress of the project or task. It’s friendly and encourages an open response, making it great for casual workplace environments or when you have a good rapport with the team.
It’s particularly suited for when you’re inquiring about projects where the process is as important as the outcome, or you want to offer help if needed. This phrase is effective in maintaining a supportive atmosphere in communications with colleagues or team members.
Here’s an example email:
Hello Carmen, I was just thinking about you and the annual report. How are things coming along with that? If you're swamped and need an extra pair of hands, just shout! All the best, Theo
This question is professional and direct but still maintains a polite tone. It’s versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts, depending on the relationship with the recipient and the nature of the project or task.
This phrase works well when you’re seeking detailed information or expecting regular updates on a project. It’s particularly appropriate for situations where the progress of a project directly impacts your work or when you’re managing a team and need to compile updates for upper management or stakeholders.
Email example:
Hello Elliott, As we approach our next team meeting, do you have any progress updates to share on the client outreach strategy? It would be great to review any developments or changes ahead of time. Best regards, Nina
13. Have there been any recent updates?
This question is professional and implies that you’re looking for the latest information without pressuring the recipient too much. It’s a good way to check in on something without seeming impatient.
It’s suitable for situations where projects or tasks are ongoing and updates are expected to be given periodically. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal email settings, making it a versatile choice for communicating with colleagues, managers, or external partners.
Here’s a sample email:
Hello Avery, Have there been any recent updates on the marketing campaign strategy? I’m keen to hear about any new developments or adjustments we need to consider. Kind regards, Blake
14. Would you mind sharing the latest developments on [project/task]?
This request is polite and shows that you’re considerate of the other person’s time and workload. Asking in this way makes it clear that you understand they might be busy but you’re still interested in hearing about any progress.
This phrase is perfect for emails where you want to maintain a respectful tone, especially with colleagues or clients you may not interact with daily. It’s great for formal communication but can be adjusted for a more casual tone depending on your relationship with the recipient.
Here’s how you might use it in an email:
Dear Jordan, Would you mind sharing the latest developments on the new software integration? I’m eager to see how things are evolving and if there’s anything specific I should be aware of. Best wishes, Micah
15. May I ask for an update on [project/task]?
This phrase is very polite and shows a lot of respect for the recipient’s time and workload. It’s like you’re gently knocking on their door with your words, asking if they have a moment to share news about a project or task.
It’s especially good for formal emails or when you’re asking someone higher up in the company for an update. This phrase sets a respectful tone, making it clear you understand the importance of their time and duties.
Here’s a sample message:
Hi Harper, May I ask for an update on the client proposal we discussed last week? I would like to make sure everything is on track and see if you need any assistance from my end. Thank you for your time, Luis
16. I was wondering if there was any progress on [project/task]?
This is a casual and indirect way of asking for an update, which can make it seem like you’re just casually inquiring without applying pressure. It’s a softer approach that can be particularly useful when you want to be gentle in your request.
This method works well with colleagues you have a friendly relationship with or in situations where the timeline isn’t too strict. It helps keep the conversation light and friendly while still seeking the information you need.
Example:
Hey Morgan, I was wondering if there was any progress on the budget review? Just thought I'd check in and see if you needed anything from my side. Best, Nico
17. Do we have any news on [project/task]?
This phrase is informal and creates a sense of teamwork by using “we.” It suggests that you’re all in this together and that you’re just looking for an update as part of the group effort. It’s friendly and inclusive.
It’s a great choice for team projects or when you’re working closely with others on a task. This approach fosters a collaborative environment and is perfect for internal team emails where everyone is working towards a common goal.
Email example:
Hi Team, Do we have any news on the product launch timeline? I believe we’re all eager to hear about any updates or changes. Let’s keep the momentum going! Cheers, Jamie
Final Thoughts
Asking for updates in an email can be done in many polite ways. The key is to match your request with the tone of your relationship and the situation. Whether you choose a formal or informal approach, being clear and respectful goes a long way. Using these phrases can help keep your projects moving forward while maintaining good relationships with your colleagues or clients.
