In professional communication, the phrase 'circle back' is often used to indicate a future follow-up, revisit a topic, or continue a discussion at a later time. However, using this expression frequently can become repetitive and may not always convey the intended message clearly. As such, it can be valuable to incorporate different phrases into your vocabulary. Below, we present 9 alternatives to 'circle back' that can be used in various professional contexts:
- Follow up
- Revisit this issue
- Return to this later
- Check in
- Touch base
- Get back to this
- Come back to this topic
- Address this again
- Bring this up at a later time
Now let's explore each alternative in more detail:
1. Follow up
The phrase 'follow up' is a professional and widely recognized term used to denote continuing a discussion or getting back to someone with additional information or further actions. It emphasizes the proactive nature of staying involved in a process.
Example:
Hi Team,
Please don't forget to follow up on the client feedback next week.
Best regards,
Chris
2. Revisit this issue
Using 'revisit this issue' suggests that you intend to look into a specific matter again, understanding that it isn't resolved yet, but needs more attention or reflection.
Example:
Dear Jane,
Let's plan to revisit this issue during our next team meeting to ensure we address all concerns.
Sincerely,
Sarah
3. Return to this later
This expression indicates that while a specific conversation or task may be paused, it is intended to be resumed at a more convenient time.
Example:
Hi Alex,
Due to current priorities, we'll have to return to this later in the month. I'll keep you updated.
Best,
Matt
4. Check in
'Check in' is an informal yet effective way to suggest a brief status update or ensure ongoing progress without committing to a longer conversation.
Example:
Hi Team,
Can we check in on the project status by Friday? I'd like to ensure we're on track.
Best regards,
Emily
5. Touch base
This colloquial phrase is often used within workplaces to refer to establishing brief contact to update someone on a situation. It implies informal conversation to maintain alignment.
Example:
Hi Rachel,
Let's touch base tomorrow to discuss the project's progress and any challenges you might be facing.
Regards,
Liam
6. Get back to this
'Get back to this' indicates that a person or group plans to revisit an issue or conversation, indicating ongoing interest or responsibility over it.
Example:
Hi Mark,
We're unable to finalize this this week, but we will get back to this by the end of next week.
Thanks,
Anna
7. Come back to this topic
When you use 'come back to this topic,' you are communicating an intention to revisit a discussion, review progress, or finish a conversation that has been temporarily set aside.
Example:
Hi Team,
Due to time constraints, we'll leave this item for now and come back to this topic in our upcoming session.
Best,
Susan
8. Address this again
The phrase 'address this again' denotes that a matter will be revisited, allowing for further discussion, evaluation, or brainstorming to resolve it satisfactorily.
Example:
Hi Paul,
Let’s prepare to address this again next Monday when we have more data available.
Regards,
Linda
9. Bring this up at a later time
Using 'bring this up at a later time' suggests that a topic will intentionally be discussed again, at a more suitable circumstance or when further information is gathered.
Example:
Dear Team,
We will bring this up at a later time to ensure we have sufficient details for a thorough discussion.
Sincerely,
Tom
These alternative phrases to 'circle back' can enhance your communication by incorporating variety and specificity, ultimately making your professional exchanges more effective.
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