10 Formal Synonyms for “Thanks for Checking In”

Finding the right way to say “thanks for checking in” in a work email can be a bit tricky. You want to sound polite and professional without being too casual or too formal.

This article lists ten formal alternatives and explains when and how to use them effectively. By choosing the right phrase, you can maintain a professional tone while showing appreciation in your emails.

Is It Formal to Say “Thanks for Checking In”?

The phrase “thanks for checking in” can be seen as both informal and polite. While it’s not the most formal way to express gratitude, it strikes a warm and courteous tone, making it suitable for a wide range of professional settings, especially where a hint of personability is appreciated.

Using “thanks for checking in” is most appropriate with colleagues you have a semi-formal or casual working relationship with, or when responding to a check-in by someone from within your professional network. It’s also well-suited for digital communications, such as emails or messages, where brevity and a touch of personal connection are valued.

Email example:

Dear Alex,

Thanks for checking in; it means a lot during this busy period. We're on track with the project and looking forward to sharing the results soon.

Best regards,
Emily

Pros:

• Conveys appreciation in a friendly manner
• Suitable for a wide range of professional scenarios
• Helps maintain a positive relationship with the correspondent

Cons:

• May not be formal enough for very traditional or formal communication
• Could be perceived as too casual in certain contexts

Despite its versatility, one might look for alternatives to “thanks for checking in” to better match the tone of particularly formal situations or to convey appreciation in a way that feels more distinctive.

10 Other Ways to Say “Thanks for Checking In”

For a more tailored approach in your professional emails, here are ten formal alternatives that carry the same appreciation as “thanks for checking in”:

1. I appreciate your follow-up.
2. Thank you for touching base.
3. Your concern is much appreciated.
4. Grateful for your attention to this matter.
5. Thank you for reaching out.
6. Many thanks for your concern.
7. Appreciate the update.
8. Your check-in is greatly valued.
9. Thank you for the update.
10. Appreciated your checking in.

1. I appreciate your follow-up

This alternative to “thanks for checking in” leans more towards the professional and formal side, yet retains a warm tone. It explicitly acknowledges the action of the sender, expressing genuine appreciation for their follow-up.

This phrase is especially suited for email responses where you want to formally recognize someone’s effort to reconnect or provide information. It works well with colleagues, supervisors, or business partners in a professional setting where consistent updates and communications are essential.

Example:

Dear Mark,

I appreciate your follow-up regarding the quarterly reports. It helps us stay aligned and focused on our goals.

Warm regards,
Lisa

2. Thank you for touching base

This synonym carries a friendly yet professional tone. “Thank you for touching base” is just formal enough for workplace communication but still implies a level of closeness and appreciation for the sender’s initiative.

It’s particularly effective in situations where ongoing communication has been established and you’re acknowledging a recent check-in. It fits well with managers, teammates, or network connections reaching out to offer help, share updates, or simply stay in touch via email or professional messaging platforms.

Email example:

Hello Samantha,

Thank you for touching base about the project timeline. It's great to stay in sync as we move forward.

Best,
Henry

3. Your concern is much appreciated

This alternative highlights the politeness and formality of acknowledging someone’s care or worry about a situation or task. It directly addresses the sentiment behind the message, appreciating the sender’s concern.

Suitable for more sensitive subjects or when someone is checking in on your welfare, this phrase fits scenarios involving colleagues, superiors, or clients who are expressing concern over your workload, a project’s progress, or personal well-being. Email is an excellent medium for this expression, providing a space to reflect gratitude adequately.

Email sample:

Dear James,

Your concern is much appreciated as we navigate these challenging times. 

With gratitude,
Carolyn

4. Grateful for your attention to this matter

“Grateful for your attention to this matter” is a formal and professional way to thank someone. It suggests that the recipient has taken valuable time to focus on something important to the sender.

This phrase is ideal for interactions where the subject matter is crucial, and you want to denote the importance of their involvement or assistance. Ideal recipients include clients, colleagues, or leadership team members in formal communications, particularly in emails highlighting their effort or input on a project or issue.

Here’s an example:

Dear Claudia,

We successfully reached a resolution. Grateful for your attention to this matter, and looking forward to our continued cooperation.

Many thanks,
Evan

5. Thank you for reaching out

This synonym is immensely versatile, fitting neatly into both professional and somewhat informal contexts. It’s a polite way of acknowledging someone’s effort to initiate contact, no matter the reason.

Perfect for any scenario where you’re responding to a first-time or out-of-the-blue message from peers, managers, or new professional contacts. It’s especially effective in emails or messages that aim to set a welcoming tone for further communication.

Example:

Hello Rebecca,

Just received your message, thank you for reaching out. Let’s set up a time to discuss your proposal in more detail.

Best,
Tom

6. Many thanks for your concern

This alternative elevates the gratitude expressed in the message, emphasizing the professional yet polite appreciation for the sender’s worry or interest. It suits communications where the underlying sentiment needs to be acknowledged sincerely.

It works well in professional settings where someone has inquired about your health, workload, or the progress of a difficult task. This phrase is adaptable to emails or messages sent within a professional context, from colleagues, superiors, or partners showing personal interest or concern.

Email example:

Dear Elena,

I've seen your email, and many thanks for your concern. I'm doing well and on track with the project deadlines.

Regards,
Mike

7. Appreciate the update

This phrase is straightforward and professional, specifically acknowledging the receipt of new information. It signifies gratitude without overwhelming formality, making it suitable for all kinds of professional situations.

It’s perfect for situations where you’ve been waiting on specific information or a progress report from colleagues, managers, or clients. This alternative shines in emails or messages where it’s essential to courteously acknowledge updates to projects, tasks, or any work-related matters.

Example:

Hi Jordan,

I just reviewed the documents. Appreciate the update; it helps clarify the next steps for the team.

Thanks,
Sophia

8. Your check-in is greatly valued

This alternative is deeply respectful and professional, indicating high esteem for the sender’s action. It expresses a significant level of gratitude and recognition of the person’s thoughtfulness to check in.

This phrase is best used in communications that require an element of formality or in responses to gestures of care or concern from higher-ups, close colleagues, or key clients. It is particularly fitting in emails when you want to underscore the value of their outreach and maintain a respectful, professional relationship.

Email sample:

Dear Caroline,

Your check-in is greatly valued; thank you for keeping our communication lines open.

Kind regards,
Liam

9. Thank you for the update

Similar to “appreciate the update,” this phrase is professional and conveys polite recognition of the information shared. It’s a versatile option that suits various professional interactions.

Ideal for acknowledging updates from anyone within the professional sphere, whether they’re updates on projects, general check-ins, or shared resources. This alternative is particularly useful in emails or professional messaging platforms, offering a blend of formal acknowledgment and polite appreciation.

Example:

Dear Brian,

Good to hear from you. Thank you for the update on the marketing plans.

Best wishes,
Natalie

10. Appreciated your checking in

This phrase is a polite and somewhat formal way to express gratitude, subtly highlighting the sender’s action as something of value. It’s a respectful nod of thanks that suits multiple professional settings.

This alternative is particularly effective when you want to acknowledge the thoughtfulness behind the check-in in a more personal manner, yet still keep the conversation within a professional realm. It’s well-suited for emails or messages to colleagues, supervisors, or clients who you wish to thank for a personal touch in their communication.

Email example:

Dear Paula,

Your note was a pleasant surprise this morning. Appreciated your checking in; it's comforting to know you're thinking of the team.

Warm regards,
Greg

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to say thank you in a professional email matters. The alternatives provided here help you communicate your gratitude more fittingly in various situations. Whether you’re acknowledging an update or expressing thanks for someone’s concern, using these phrases can strengthen your emails.