How do I chase an unanswered email politely?
“The second email does not need a marching band.” — Arthur
“I am following up on the below correspondence.”
“Hello, did you get my note about the quote? Could you let me know by Thursday?”
What the wording leaves out
A useful follow-up reminds the person what you need. It gives them an easy next step without assuming they ignored you.
What to check
Mention the subject and a reasonable date. If it is urgent, explain why rather than adding more exclamation marks.
Try Arthur’s translator →More from work emails
Three polite follow-up emails you can adapt
A follow-up works best when the reader can see what you need without opening five earlier messages. Keep the subject, repeat the essential detail and ask one clear question. Replace the names, dates and details in these examples before sending.
1. A gentle reminder
Subject: Website quote – a quick follow-up
Hi Sam,
Just checking you received the website quote I sent on Monday. Is there anything you would like me to clarify?
Thanks,
Alex
Use this when you are checking the message arrived and there is no pressing deadline. It gives the other person an easy way to restart the conversation.
2. You need an answer by a particular date
Hi Sam,
Could you confirm by Thursday whether you would like to go ahead with the website quote? I need to plan next week’s work. If you need longer, please let me know.
Thanks,
Alex
A real reason for the date is more useful than “urgent” in capital letters. Do not invent a deadline just to create pressure.
3. Closing the loop after no reply
Hi Sam,
I haven’t heard back about the website quote, so I’ll leave it with you for now. If you would like to revisit it, reply here and I can check availability.
All the best,
Alex
This suits an optional proposal. It is not a substitute for dealing with an outstanding contractual obligation or a deadline you must meet.
How long should you wait before following up?
Start with any date you agreed. If someone promised an answer on Friday, allow that date to pass. Without an agreed date, a few working days can be a reasonable starting point for a routine request; the situation matters more than a universal rule. Consider leave, weekends and how much work the answer requires.
If a decision is genuinely needed today, explain why and use an appropriate direct contact method. Repeated emails a few minutes apart rarely make the request clearer.
Should you reply to the same email thread?
Usually, yes, when it is still the same subject: the earlier details stay together. Start a new thread if the topic has changed or the old subject no longer describes the request. Either way, include the action you need in the new message.
“A reminder, sir. Not a search warrant.” — Arthur