💡 Learn

Following Up Without Being Annoying

10 min
B1

The follow-up problem

You sent a proposal. No reply. French instinct: wait politely or call directly. English approach: a well-timed, well-worded follow-up email. The trick is following up without sounding desperate, pushy, or passive-aggressive.

First follow-up (3-5 days after)

"Just checking in on the proposal I sent last week. Happy to answer any questions."
Je fais juste un point concernant la proposition envoyée la semaine dernière.
→ Light, helpful, no pressure. "Checking in" is your default follow-up phrase.
"I wanted to make sure this did not get lost in your inbox."
Je voulais m assurer que ça ne s est pas perdu dans votre boîte.
Gives them an excuse. They are not ignoring you — they are just busy.

Second follow-up (1 week later)

"Following up on my previous email. Would it be helpful to schedule a quick call to discuss?"
Suite à mon précédent email. Serait-il utile de planifier un appel rapide ?
Adds value — you are offering to make it easier for them, not just chasing.

Final follow-up (2 weeks later)

"I understand you are busy. I will leave this with you — feel free to reach out whenever the timing is right."
Je comprends que vous êtes occupé. Je vous laisse ceci — n hésitez pas quand le moment sera opportun.
Graceful exit. Keeps the door open without chasing further.

Adding value in follow-ups

"I came across this article that is relevant to what we discussed — thought you might find it interesting."
Je suis tombé sur cet article en lien avec notre discussion — ça pourrait vous intéresser.
Follow-up disguised as helpfulness. You stay on their radar without nagging.

Common mistakes

"Did you receive my email?" — passive-aggressive. They received it. "I am waiting for your response" — sounds impatient. "As per my previous email" — universally hated. Use "Just checking in" or "Following up" — neutral and professional.

🤖 LEFO - Learn English Fast Online

This is an example of lesson expand exercise with AI chatbox interface. Follow the instructions and respond in the chatbox.

Lesson Expand

LEFO

Let’s practise!

Fix these French-influenced restaurant phrases:

  1. ‘I take the salmon, please.’
  2. ‘Can we have the addition?’
  3. ‘I am allergic at nuts.’

Type your corrected versions!

Message LEFO...

This unit is for Practice members

Unlimited AI pronunciation speaking, and learning practice across every topic. Full access to the 150+ units.

or

Full access is included when you take individual sessions.

For regular students, an account will be set up for you during your first class. For AI members only, once the payment is processed (give a valid phone number during payment) your access will be given shortly. If you have any issues, please feel free to contact me:
Email: joseph@learnenglishfast.online
WhatsApp: 07 68 15 80 96

Log in / Connection