10 Ways to Say “Thank You for Following Up” in an Email

When someone takes the time to follow up with you, saying “thank you” is not only polite but essential in maintaining good communication. However, using the same phrase over and over can become repetitive.

This article explores 10 alternative ways to express your gratitude for a follow-up, making your responses more varied and personal. Each option is explained with examples and situations where they might be the best fit, helping you choose the right words for any professional scenario.

Is It Professional to Say “Thank You for Following Up”?

Saying “thank you for following up” is both professional and polite. It’s a phrase that shows you appreciate someone taking the time to get back to you. This kind of phrase fits well in formal and semi-formal situations.

Use this phrase in situations where someone has provided you with information, answers, or feedback after a previous interaction. It’s suitable for communication with colleagues, clients, or any professional contacts. This phrase can be used in emails, letters, and work chats.

Email example:

Hello Alex,

Thank you for following up with the details of the project timeline. I appreciate your efforts to keep me informed. We can now proceed with the next steps more confidently.

Best regards,
Emily

Pros:

• Shows appreciation for the other person’s effort.
• Enhances professional relationships by acknowledging the follow-up.
• Keeps the tone of the communication polite and respectful.

Cons:

• Can become repetitive if overused in frequent communications with the same person.
• May seem overly formal in very casual work environments.

Someone might want to use an alternative phrase if they feel “thank you for following up” is becoming too repetitive or if they are looking for a way to personalize their messages. Alternatives can also offer variety, which might better suit the tone of certain communications.

10 Other Ways to Say “Thanks for the Follow-Up”

Looking for different ways to express your gratitude for someone following up? Here are 10 great alternatives:

1. I appreciate your follow-up

This alternative is just as polite and professional as the original phrase but adds a touch of personal appreciation. It subtly emphasizes the sender’s gratitude towards the action taken by the receiver. This phrase is slightly more formal and thus suits professional emails or messages well.

It works best in situations where timely updates or responses are critical. Ideal for use with colleagues, clients, or any professional contacts, especially in emails or professional messaging platforms. This phrase helps maintain a tone of respect and appreciation in ongoing communications.

Here’s a sample message:

Hello Mark,

I appreciate your follow-up on the project status. Your timely updates help us stay on track.

Best,
Sophia

2. Your follow-up is much appreciated

This version is a bit more formal and emphasizes the appreciation more strongly. It’s perfect for situations where you want to express gratitude in a slightly more emphasized manner without losing the professional touch. This phrase is well-suited for formal emails and official documents.

Use this when you’re responding to someone who has provided you with important information or a necessary nudge. It’s particularly effective with senior colleagues, mentors, or in customer service interactions. The phrase fits best in formal communication channels.

Here’s an example:

Dear Ms. Thompson,

Your follow-up is much appreciated. We're grateful for your attention to detail.

Regards,
Liam

3. Thanks for keeping me in the loop

This phrase is more informal and friendly, making it perfect for communications within teams or with close professional contacts. It conveys gratitude while also appreciating being kept informed. This alternative is best for less formal emails or internal messaging systems.

It’s especially suitable for quick updates or casual check-ins with teammates or colleagues you have a more relaxed relationship with. This phrase keeps the message light and friendly, ideal for maintaining good team dynamics.

Here’s a sample email:

Hey Jordan,

Thanks for keeping me in the loop on the client feedback. It really helps to know these details.

Cheers,
Tyler

4. Thanks for the update

This is another informal but polite way to acknowledge the receipt of new information. It’s concise and to the point, perfect for communications where brevity is appreciated. This phrase works well in both professional and semi-formal settings.

Great for emails, texts, or instant messages where you’re acknowledging receipt of information without needing a lengthy response. It’s suitable for all types of recipients, from coworkers to clients, provided the overall tone of your relationship is relatively casual.

Example:

Hi Ella,

Thanks for the update on the meeting schedule. I've adjusted my plans accordingly.

Best,
Oliver

5. Thank you for the reminder

This phrase is very polite and slightly more formal, perfect for when someone has given you a nudge about an important deadline or task. It expresses gratitude for the reminder, emphasizing its helpfulness. This alternative is suitable for both formal and semi-formal emails or messages.

It’s particularly effective in a professional context where deadlines are crucial, such as with project managers, colleagues, or supervisors. This phrase helps to reinforce positive communication and ensures the recipient knows their effort to remind you was beneficial.

Here’s a sample message:

Hi Carla,

Thank you for the reminder about tomorrow's deadline. I'll make sure to send the report first thing in the morning.

Sincerely,
Nathan

6. Thanks for checking in

This alternative is friendly and informal, creating a warm tone in your message. It’s a great way to express appreciation for someone’s concern or interest in your well-being or progress. This phrase is particularly suited for less formal emails or messages within close-knit teams or with colleagues you have a good rapport with.

Ideal for situations where a colleague or supervisor is inquiring about your progress or well-being, especially during busy periods or projects. It keeps the conversation light and appreciative, fostering a supportive work environment.

Example:

Hello Sam,

Thanks for checking in. I'm doing well and on track with the project!

All the best,
Diane

7. Thanks for staying in touch

This phrase conveys a sense of appreciation for ongoing communication, making it somewhat informal but very polite. It’s especially fitting for communications with long-distance colleagues, former coworkers, or contacts with whom you wish to maintain a professional relationship over time. This alternative is great for emails or social media messages.

Best used when someone you don’t interact with daily makes the effort to keep the professional relationship alive. It’s perfect for nurturing long-term connections in a friendly, appreciative manner.

Here’s how you might use it:

Hi Jamie,

Thanks for staying in touch. It’s great to hear from you and learn about your new project.

Warm regards,
Alex

8. Thank you for reaching out again

This phrase is formal and polite, making it ideal for situations where someone has made a second effort to contact you. It acknowledges their persistence and the importance of their message. This alternative is suitable for professional emails, especially in contexts where a follow-up signifies a considerable effort or importance.

Perfect for communications with clients, potential employers, or any professional contacts who have taken the time to follow up with you. It shows that you value their effort and are attentive to their communications.

Example:

Dear Mr. Lawson,

Thank you for reaching out again. I appreciate your persistence in ensuring we stay connected on this matter.

Kind regards,
Elena

9. Thanks for circling back

This phrase is somewhat informal and suggests a friendly acknowledgment of someone returning to a previously discussed topic or task. It’s a casual yet polite way to express gratitude for someone’s diligence in following up. This alternative is well-suited for workplace emails or messages among team members or with colleagues you have a friendly relationship with.

It’s particularly useful when discussing ongoing projects or when a colleague revisits a topic to provide updates or further information. This expression helps to keep the conversation open and collaborative.

Example:

Hey Zoe,

Thanks for circling back on the budget revisions. Your input was crucial for finalizing the numbers.

Cheers,
Max

10. I appreciate your persistence

This phrase is polite and leans more towards the formal side, showing a high level of appreciation for someone’s continued efforts. It’s particularly effective in situations where someone has made multiple attempts to get in touch or has been insistent on ensuring a task or project moves forward. This alternative is suitable for emails or messages in a professional context, especially when dealing with important issues that require attention and persistence.

This phrase is best used with colleagues, supervisors, or clients who have shown a notable dedication to keeping things on track or pushing for progress. It underscores the value of their determination and commitment.

Email example:

Hi Rebecca,

I appreciate your persistence in following up on the project deadlines. Your dedication is key to our success.

Warm regards,
Tom

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to say “thank you for following up” can make your emails and messages stand out. The alternatives we’ve discussed offer you ways to express gratitude that are both professional and personal. By mixing up your responses, you keep communication fresh and show genuine appreciation for others’ efforts.