Saying “any update?” at work
Why it can fall flat
“any update?”
Without a task, a reason or a date, “any update?” can come across as impatient or accusing, especially after a missed deadline. Usually the writer just wants a clear status and a timeline to plan around.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Ellie, checking in on the vendor list. Where does it stand, and is anything holding it up?
Coworker · Chat
Routine check-ins suit this one because it names the task and asks about blockers instead of pointing at lateness.
- 02
Hi Skyler, could you share where the budget approval stands? I'd like to confirm the timeline with the team by Thursday.
Boss · Email
Giving your reason and a date shows you need the information to plan, so it doesn't read as nagging upward.
- 03
Hi Mr. Mathur, I'm following up on the proposal we sent last week. Have you had a chance to review it? Happy to answer any questions.
Client · Email
A quiet client gets a specific document to look at, which makes replying easy.
- 04
How is the report coming along? Tell me where you are and whether anything is slowing you down, so we can plan around it.
Someone you manage · Chat
Use it with someone you manage when you want an honest status early, before a deadline is at risk.
- 05
Hello Ms. Dsouza, I wanted to check on the status of my application for the analyst role. Is there a timeline for next steps?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Wait a week or more after an interview or the last message, since it asks about timing without pressing for a decision.
- 06
Hi Ms. Clark, Victor here from Brightway. Did the revised quote reach you? Happy to talk it through whenever suits you.
Customer · SMS
Try a short, friendly text when email has gone unanswered and you want a simple yes or no.
- 07
Hi Luca, quick check on the shipment sheet. Do you have an ETA? I need to tell the client by 3pm.
Coworker · SMS
Urgent questions fit here because the deadline gives a clear reason for asking.
- 08
Hi Maya, when you have a moment, could you tell me where the contract review is at? I'm planning next week around it.
Boss · Chat
Polite and low-pressure, it also explains why the answer matters to your own planning.
Examples
Hi Neha, I'm following up on the sign-off for the product brochure, which we sent on Monday. Could you let me know where it stands? The printer needs final files by Friday, so a quick yes or a list of changes would help me keep us on schedule. Thanks, Arjun
Hi Nathan, checking in on the invoice reconciliation. Where are you with it, and is anything blocking you? Finance is asking for a date by end of day.
What to avoid
- Sending a bare “any update?” or “???” with no context, especially after a deadline has passed.
- Following up again within hours is rarely wise unless something is truly urgent.
- Phrases like “as per my last email” hint at blame and are best left out.
- Copying a manager on a first reminder can feel like escalation.
- Asking is weaker when you don't say why you need the answer or by when.