Communication in the workplace should be clear, professional, and engaging. While “circle back” is a common phrase in emails, using it too often can make messages feel repetitive or impersonal. By choosing alternative phrases, you can convey the same idea while adding warmth, professionalism, and variety to your communication.
Below, you’ll find 20 other ways to say “circle back”, along with scenario examples, best use cases, and additional notes to help you pick the perfect phrase for every email.
What Does “Circle Back” Mean?
The phrase “circle back” is commonly used in professional communication to mean “return to a topic later” or “follow up on a discussion.” It’s often used when you want to revisit an issue after some time has passed or after new information is available.
For example:
“Let’s circle back on this after the client meeting.”
It helps keep conversations open-ended while signaling that further discussion is needed.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Circle Back”?
Yes, “circle back” is generally professional and polite, but it can sound a bit robotic or overused in workplace communication. In casual emails, it works fine, but in formal business writing or client-facing messages, a more thoughtful alternative may feel warmer and more engaging.
If you’re addressing a manager, executive, or client, you may want to use a phrase that sounds more polished and personable.
Pros and Cons of Using “Circle Back”
Pros:
- Concise and direct – It quickly communicates the need for a follow-up.
- Widely understood – Most professionals recognize the phrase’s meaning.
- Works well in casual team settings – Great for internal discussions.
Cons:
- Can feel impersonal – Overuse may make communication sound robotic.
- Not ideal for client-facing emails – A warmer, more professional alternative may be better.
- Lacks specificity – It doesn’t always clarify when or how the follow-up will happen.
Synonyms For “Circle Back”
- Follow Up
- Revisit This
- Touch Base
- Check In
- Get Back to This
- Return to This Later
- Reconnect on This
- Look Into This Again
- Pick This Up Later
- Re-engage on This
- Come Back to This
- Re-examine This
- Resume Our Discussion
- Keep This on Our Radar
- Continue This Conversation
- Follow Through on This
- Reassess This Later
- Circle Around to This
- Discuss This Again Soon
- Get Back in Touch About This
1. Follow Up
A straightforward and professional way to check in on a discussion.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Following Up on Our Discussion
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up on our conversation about the marketing strategy. Let me know if there’s anything else I can provide before we proceed.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- General professional follow-ups
- Works well in both internal and external communication
Additional Note:
This phrase is clear, friendly, and professional. It’s one of the most effective replacements for “circle back.”
2. Revisit This
A softer way to suggest returning to a topic later.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Revisiting Our Budget Discussion
Hi [Name],
I’d love to revisit our conversation about the budget once you’ve had a chance to review the numbers. Let me know a good time for you.
Thanks!
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When you want to acknowledge a previous discussion but keep it open-ended
- Great for collaborative discussions
Additional Note:
Sounds less demanding than “circle back” and works well in team settings.
3. Touch Base
A casual yet professional way to check in.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Touching Base on the Project
Hi [Name],
Just touching base to see if you need any support on the project. Let me know how I can help.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- Less formal settings
- Checking in on ongoing projects
Additional Note:
This phrase is friendly and commonly used in professional emails.
4. Check In
A polite and professional way to request an update.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Checking In on Next Steps
Hi [Name],
Just checking in to see if you’ve had a chance to review the proposal. Let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- Following up without sounding too formal
- Great for both colleagues and clients
Additional Note:
It sounds less pushy than “circle back” while still being professional.
5. Get Back to This
A conversational way to suggest revisiting a topic.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Getting Back to Our Discussion
Hi [Name],
I’d love to get back to our discussion about the new product launch. Let me know when you have a moment to chat.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- Internal team discussions
- Collaborative brainstorming sessions
Additional Note:
More informal than “circle back,” but still appropriate for workplace emails.
6. Return to This Later
A clear and straightforward way to indicate that a topic will be discussed at a later time.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Returning to the Marketing Strategy Later
Hi [Name],
Let’s return to this later once we have the updated client feedback. I’ll follow up with you next week.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When a discussion needs to be delayed for a specific reason
- Works well for internal emails
Additional Note:
This phrase is direct but not demanding, making it great for collaborative discussions.
7. Reconnect on This
A warm and friendly way to suggest following up.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Reconnecting on the Proposal
Hi [Name],
I’d love to reconnect on the proposal when you have time. Let me know a good time for you!
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- Great for networking and client interactions
- Works well in a casual but professional tone
Additional Note:
Sounds less transactional and more engaging than “circle back.”
8. Look Into This Again
Suggests revisiting a topic with fresh eyes.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Looking Into the Budget Again
Hi [Name],
I think it would be helpful to look into this again once we receive the updated financials. Let’s set up a time next week.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When additional information is needed
- Works well for analytical discussions
Additional Note:
This phrase makes it clear that new insights might change the conversation.
9. Pick This Up Later
A casual but effective way to delay a discussion.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Picking Up the Discussion Later
Hi [Name],
Let’s pick this up later in the week once we’ve finalized the vendor selection. Does Thursday work for you?
Thanks!
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When you want to reschedule a discussion
- Works well for informal team emails
Additional Note:
This phrase is friendly and non-pushy, making it ideal for team collaborations.
10. Re-engage on This
A polished and professional way to suggest revisiting a topic.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Re-engaging in the Partnership Opportunity
Hi [Name],
I’d like to re-engage on our potential partnership. Let’s find a time next week to go over the details again.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- Formal business discussions
- Works well for client and executive communication
Additional Note:
Sounds sophisticated and proactive—great for leadership emails.
11. Come Back to This
A simple way to signal a return to a discussion.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Coming Back to the Report Findings
Hi [Name],
I’d like to come back to this discussion once the team has reviewed the latest data. Let’s check in next week.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When you want to revisit a discussion after more information is available
- Works well for internal team discussions
Additional Note:
This phrase is casual but effective.
12. Re-examine This
Indicates a more detailed review of a topic.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Re-examining the Product Launch Strategy
Hi [Name],
Let’s re-examine our approach to the product launch. I’d love to hear your thoughts after our next team meeting.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When a deeper review is needed
- Works well for strategic discussions
Additional Note:
Sounds thoughtful and analytical.
13. Resume Our Discussion
A formal way to suggest picking up where you left off.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Resuming Our Discussion on Q3 Goals
Hi [Name],
I’d like to resume our discussion on Q3 goals next week. Let me know when you’re available.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- Formal meetings or leadership discussions
- Works well for structured follow-ups
Additional Note:
Adds a sense of continuity to the conversation.
14. Keep This on Our Radar
A subtle way to remind someone about a topic without urgency.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Keeping the Partnership Opportunity on Our Radar
Hi [Name],
Just wanted to keep this on our radar for future discussion. Let’s touch base next quarter.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When a topic isn’t urgent but should remain in mind
- Works well for long-term planning discussions
Additional Note:
Sounds gentle and non-pushy.
15. Continue This Conversation
A friendly and open-ended way to suggest further discussion.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Continuing Our Conversation on Branding
Hi [Name],
I’d love to continue this conversation when you have a moment. Let me know when you’re free.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- Encourages open-ended dialogue
- Works well for collaborative discussions
Additional Note:
Sounds inclusive and engaging.
16. Follow Through on This
A professional way to emphasize the importance of completing a task or discussion.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Following Through on the Project Update
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow through on our discussion regarding the project timeline. Let’s touch base tomorrow to finalize the next steps.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When ensuring accountability in a task
- Works well for project management and team follow-ups
Additional Note:
This phrase adds a sense of responsibility and commitment to the conversation.
17. Reassess This Later
Indicates that a topic will need further evaluation at a later time.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Reassessing the Budget Proposal
Hi [Name],
Given the recent updates, I think it’s best to reassess this later once we have a clearer picture. Let’s revisit it next quarter.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When a decision needs more time and context
- Works well for strategic discussions
Additional Note:
This phrase keeps options open without dismissing the conversation.
18. Circle Around to This
A slightly more conversational alternative to “circle back.”
Scenario Example:
Subject: Circling to the Sales Report
Hi [Name],
Just a quick note to say I’d love to circle to this topic after our next team meeting. Let me know a time that works for you!
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When you want a relaxed yet professional tone
- Works well for casual workplace discussions
Additional Note:
Feels less formal but still effective in keeping a discussion active.
19. Discuss This Again Soon
A friendly and open-ended way to indicate a follow-up is needed.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Discussing the Product Launch Again Soon
Hi [Name],
I’d like to discuss this again soon after we gather more data. Let’s find a time that works for you.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When a follow-up is expected but not urgent
- Works well for collaborative team discussions
Additional Note:
This phrase keeps the tone light and flexible, which is great for ongoing projects.
20. Get Back in Touch About This
A direct way to indicate the need for further communication.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Getting Back in Touch About the Contract Terms
Hi [Name],
I’d like to get back in touch about the contract terms once you’ve had a chance to review them. Let me know if you have any questions in the meantime.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use:
- When expecting a response or update
- Works well for client communications and formal emails
Additional Note:
Sounds natural and action-oriented, making it a good choice for professional emails.
Conclusion
Using “circle back” is fine, but varying your phrasing can make your emails more engaging, professional, and warm. By choosing alternatives based on the tone and context, you ensure your communication feels natural and well-received.
