Sometimes, waiting for a reply can feel like watching paint dry. You’ve sent a message, maybe even followed up, but still—silence. In moments like this, you might want to check in without sounding impatient or rude. That’s where having different ways to say “I have not heard from you” comes in handy. Whether you’re writing an email to a client, texting a colleague, or reaching out to a friend, choosing the right words matters. This guide shares 40 simple, polite, and professional alternatives you can use in different situations, along with examples to make your message sound natural.
What Does “I Have Not Heard From You” Mean?
“I have not heard from you” means you have not received any reply or update from someone. It’s a polite way to say there has been no contact. People often use it in emails, messages, or letters when they are waiting for a response.
When to Use “I Have Not Heard From You”
You can use this phrase in both formal and casual settings. It works well in business emails, project updates, or even personal conversations. It’s best used when some time has passed since your last message and you want to remind the other person politely.
40 Other Ways to Say “I Have Not Heard From You”
1. Just checking in
Meaning: A light way to ask for an update.
Explanation: Often used in friendly or informal emails.
Example: Hi Alex, just checking in to see if there’s any update on the report.
Best Use: Casual work emails or friendly follow-ups.
Worst Use: Formal legal or financial communication.
Tone: Friendly, casual.
2. Just following up.
Meaning: You’re checking in after no reply.
Explanation: A soft nudge without pressure.
Example: Just following up to see if you had a chance to review my message.
Best Use: Client or colleague reminders.
Worst Use: Romantic or emotional situations—feels impersonal.
Tone: Polite, professional.
3. Haven’t heard back from you yet.
Meaning: You’re still waiting.
Explanation: A little more casual than formal.
Example: Hey, haven’t heard back from you—just wondering if everything’s okay.
Best Use: Casual work or personal follow-up.
Worst Use: Legal or very formal communications.
Tone: Casual, slightly concerned.
4. Is everything okay?
Meaning: Concerned about their silence.
Explanation: Adds a human touch, expresses care.
Example: I noticed I haven’t heard from you—just wanted to check, is everything okay?
Best Use: Personal or friendly situations.
Worst Use: Strictly business or transactional emails.
Tone: Warm, caring.
Further reading : 40 Polite Ways to Say “Looking Forward to Meeting You” (With Examples).
5. I’m still waiting on your reply.
Meaning: You’re awaiting their input.
Explanation: Slightly firm tone.
Example: Just a reminder—I’m still waiting on your reply to move forward.
Best Use: Deadline-driven scenarios.
Worst Use: Casual or early-stage conversations.
Tone: Direct, mildly assertive.
6. Let me know when you get a chance.
Meaning: You’re giving them space to reply.
Explanation: Friendly and patient.
Example: Whenever you get a moment, just let me know—I’m happy to wait.
Best Use: Low-pressure follow-up.
Worst Use: When urgency is needed.
Tone: Easygoing, patient.
7. Just checking in.
Meaning: Light reminder.
Explanation: Neutral, unobtrusive nudge.
Example: Hey, just checking in to see if you got my last message.
Best Use: Informal and friendly communication.
Worst Use: Serious or time-sensitive matters.
Tone: Light, friendly.
8. I wanted to circle back.
Meaning: You’re revisiting the topic.
Explanation: Often used in corporate settings.
Example: Circling back on my last email—any updates on your end?
Best Use: Workplace communications.
Worst Use: Personal relationships.
Tone: Corporate, professional.
9. I hope my last message didn’t get lost.
Meaning: Suggesting your message might’ve been missed.
Explanation: Adds a hint of understanding.
Example: Just in case—maybe my email got lost in the shuffle.
Best Use: Gentle reminder.
Worst Use: With people who may feel accused.
Tone: Polite, empathetic.
10. Still hoping to hear from you.
Meaning: You’re anticipating a reply.
Explanation: Reflects mild hope or patience.
Example: I’m still hoping to hear from you about the project timeline.
Best Use: When you’re being patient but want closure.
Worst Use: High-pressure business situations.
Tone: Soft, expectant.
11. Not sure if you saw my last message.
Meaning: You think they may have missed it.
Explanation: Gives them an out without blame.
Example: Just in case—it looked like my last email might’ve slipped by.
Best Use: Busy professionals.
Worst Use: When they clearly saw it but ignored it.
Tone: Light, respectful.
12. Wanted to bring this back to your attention.
Meaning: You’re highlighting the issue again.
Explanation: Gentle reminder with formality.
Example: Just bringing this back to your attention—we’re still waiting on sign-off.
Best Use: Work scenarios.
Worst Use: Casual texts or chats.
Tone: Businesslike.
13. I’d appreciate an update when you have a moment.
Meaning: You’re asking for progress.
Explanation: Polite and respectful.
Example: When you get a chance, I’d appreciate a quick update.
Best Use: Polite professional requests.
Worst Use: Very time-sensitive matters.
Tone: Courteous, patient.
14. Haven’t heard anything yet—just checking in.
Meaning: You’re following up.
Explanation: Casual and relatable.
Example: Haven’t heard anything yet—just checking in on your end.
Best Use: Work peers or collaborators.
Worst Use: High-stakes or formal settings.
Tone: Relaxed, friendly.
15. Just wanted to make sure my message reached you.
Meaning: Verifying they received it.
Explanation: Gives room for tech mishaps or oversight.
Example: Just wanted to make sure my last message didn’t end up in spam.
Best Use: Cold emails or outreach.
Worst Use: When you know they read it.
Tone: Polite, understanding.
16. Could you get back to me when you’re free?
Meaning: You’re giving them time but asking for a reply.
Explanation: Respectful of their schedule.
Example: No hurry—just let me know when you’re free to reply.
Best Use: Friendly tone, flexible timelines.
Worst Use: High-priority situations.
Tone: Flexible, easygoing.
17. I know things get busy—just wanted to follow up.
Meaning: Acknowledges their workload.
Explanation: Shows empathy while nudging.
Example: I know you’ve probably been swamped—just following up on my last note.
Best Use: Professionals you don’t want to pressure.
Worst Use: When urgency is needed.
Tone: Empathetic, relaxed.
18. Your input would be appreciated.
Meaning: You want their feedback.
Explanation: Invites participation, nudges gently.
Example: We’re finalizing the draft—your input would be appreciated.
Best Use: Collaborative efforts.
Worst Use: Casual chats.
Tone: Respectful, semi-formal.
19. Could use your thoughts on this.
Meaning: You want them to weigh in.
Explanation: Makes them feel needed.
Example: Quick nudge—could use your thoughts on the next steps.
Best Use: Creative or team settings.
Worst Use: Formal requests.
Tone: Casual, collaborative.
20. I’m still waiting for your thoughts.
Meaning: You need their opinion to proceed.
Explanation: Slightly more assertive than others.
Example: Can’t move forward until I hear from you—still waiting on your thoughts.
Best Use: Project-related updates.
Worst Use: With someone already feeling pressured.
Tone: Firm, direct.
21. Let me know if you’re still interested.
Meaning: You’re asking whether they still care to continue.
Explanation: A polite way to gauge interest without sounding demanding.
Example: Still haven’t heard back—just let me know if you’re still interested.
Best Use: Sales, dating, collaborations.
Worst Use: Ongoing work commitments.
Tone: Neutral, lightly detached.
22. Have you had a chance to look at my message?
Meaning: Asking if they reviewed it.
Explanation: Soft follow-up that doesn’t assume neglect.
Example: Just wondering—have you had a chance to look at my last email?
Best Use: Email or proposal follow-ups.
Worst Use: With someone you’ve already followed up with multiple times.
Tone: Polite, curious.
23. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Meaning: You’re inviting their opinion.
Explanation: Friendly and open-ended, not pushy.
Example: Sent you the draft last week—would love to hear your thoughts when you can.
Best Use: Creative projects, feedback requests.
Worst Use: When urgency is critical.
Tone: Warm, inviting.
24. Hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.
Meaning: Acknowledges they may have been busy.
Explanation: Shows understanding while still nudging.
Example: Just circling back—hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.
Best Use: Cold messages or when reengaging.
Worst Use: Ongoing projects with deadlines.
Tone: Considerate, casual.
25. I’m sure you’re swamped—just following up.
Meaning: They’re likely busy, but you’re checking in.
Explanation: Expresses patience and understanding.
Example: I know you’re probably swamped—just checking in on this when you get a sec.
Best Use: Colleagues or clients.
Worst Use: When your message was already urgent.
Tone: Friendly, empathetic.
26. Let me know how you’d like to proceed.
Meaning: You’re waiting for their direction.
Explanation: Respectful of their decision-making role.
Example: Looking forward to your feedback—let me know how you’d like to proceed.
Best Use: Projects or negotiations.
Worst Use: One-sided updates where input isn’t needed.
Tone: Professional, diplomatic.
27. I’m waiting to hear from you before I move forward.
Meaning: Their response is blocking progress.
Explanation: Slightly more direct—adds urgency.
Example: Just a heads up—I’m waiting to hear from you before taking the next step.
Best Use: Time-sensitive projects.
Worst Use: When flexibility is expected.
Tone: Firm, respectful.
28. If now’s not the right time, no worries—just let me know.
Meaning: You’re fine if they’re unavailable, but you want to know.
Explanation: Offers them a polite out.
Example: Totally understand if you’re tied up—just let me know either way.
Best Use: Friendships, sales, creative collabs.
Worst Use: Formal or rigid deadlines.
Tone: Casual, understanding.
29. I’m checking back on this.
Meaning: You’re revisiting the conversation.
Explanation: Neutral tone with slight persistence.
Example: Just checking back on the draft I sent your way.
Best Use: Workplace and ongoing threads.
Worst Use: Friendly or deeply personal chats.
Tone: Professional, low-key.
30. I sent a message a while ago but didn’t hear back.
Meaning: You’re pointing out the delay.
Explanation: Slightly passive-aggressive if overused.
Example: Just wanted to follow up—I sent a message last week and didn’t hear back.
Best Use: When a reminder is overdue.
Worst Use: With sensitive personalities.
Tone: Neutral to mildly blunt.
31. Following up in case this slipped through the cracks.
Meaning: Maybe they accidentally missed it.
Explanation: Blames the situation, not the person.
Example: Just following up—in case this slipped through the cracks.
Best Use: Busy teams or high-traffic inboxes.
Worst Use: Repeatedly ignored threads.
Tone: Polite, understanding.
32. Please let me know if this is still on your radar.
Meaning: You’re asking if it’s still a priority.
Explanation: Subtle way to ask if they lost interest.
Example: Touching base to see if this is still on your radar.
Best Use: Projects or slow-moving deals.
Worst Use: Personal or emotional check-ins.
Tone: Business casual.
33. I’d really appreciate a quick reply.
Meaning: You’re kindly urging them to respond.
Explanation: Adds gentle pressure.
Example: If you have a moment, I’d really appreciate a quick reply.
Best Use: Time-sensitive but friendly reminders.
Worst Use: First-time outreach.
Tone: Warm but slightly firm.
34. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t miss your reply.
Meaning: You’re giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Explanation: Acknowledges it could be your oversight.
Example: Circling back—just making sure I didn’t miss your reply.
Best Use: When there’s a real chance you missed something.
Worst Use: When you know they didn’t reply.
Tone: Humble, diplomatic.
35. Let me know if you need anything from me.
Meaning: You’re open and waiting.
Explanation: Expresses availability.
Example: Just checking in—let me know if there’s anything you need from my end.
Best Use: Collaborative settings.
Worst Use: When you’re clearly waiting on them.
Tone: Helpful, flexible.
36. Wanted to reconnect.
Meaning: You’re reinitiating the conversation.
Explanation: Implies previous contact, neutral tone.
Example: It’s been a while—wanted to reconnect and see where things stand.
Best Use: Old conversations or prospects.
Worst Use: Where urgency matters more than tone.
Tone: Neutral, slightly warm.
37. Are we still good to continue this?
Meaning: Checking if things are still on track.
Explanation: Asks for confirmation to proceed.
Example: Just wondering—are we still good to continue this project?
Best Use: Mid-project pauses.
Worst Use: Formal or sensitive matters.
Tone: Casual, direct.
38. Just a nudge on this.
Meaning: You’re giving them a light reminder.
Explanation: Super casual and low-pressure.
Example: Hey—just a little nudge on the timeline we discussed.
Best Use: Friendly or informal teams.
Worst Use: With higher-ups or formal clients.
Tone: Informal, breezy.
You might like this too : 40 Polite Ways to Say “Just to Confirm” (With Examples).
39. Ping! Any update on this?
Meaning: Quick, informal prompt.
Explanation: Often used in chat or Slack.
Example: Ping! Any word on the approval?
Best Use: Internal messaging with peers.
Worst Use: Emails or formal settings.
Tone: Super casual, playful.
40. Still with me?
Meaning: Light-hearted way to ask for a response.
Explanation: Very informal, usually playful.
Example: Hey, still with me on this or did I lose you?
Best Use: Friends, colleagues you’re close with.
Worst Use: Serious or sensitive contexts.
Tone: Playful, casual.
Conclusion
Not hearing back can be tricky, but the way you phrase your follow-up makes all the difference. The 40 alternatives above give you plenty of choices—whether you need to sound formal, casual, or somewhere in between. With the right wording, you can gently remind someone without coming across as pushy. So next time you’re waiting on a reply, you’ll have the perfect phrase ready to go.
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