“Can I get an update?”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“can I get an update?”
Silence follows, or a defensive reply, because “can I get an update?” is vague and can sound impatient when a deadline has slipped. You likely want a clear status, a new date, and any blockers.
Say this instead
- 01
How is the vendor comparison going? If anything is holding it up, tell me and we'll sort it out before Thursday's review.
Someone you manage · Chat
Asking about blockers instead of blame suits a direct report who is running late.
- 02
Hey, where are you with the budget sheet? I need it to finish my part, so even a rough status helps.
Coworker · Chat
Peers respond well here because you explain your reason and accept a rough status.
- 03
Hi Swati, I'm checking in on the signed contract we expected last week. Could you tell me where it stands and when we might receive it? That will help us hold the planned start date. Thanks, Alex
Client · Email
Tying the question to a shared goal keeps a client from feeling accused of causing the delay.
- 04
Do you have a status on the sign-off for the launch copy? I'd like to plan the rest of my week around it.
Boss · Chat
Framing it around planning your own week makes a nudge to your manager feel reasonable.
- 05
Hi Tamara, Could you share where the budget approval stands? Our supplier needs an answer by Friday, so I'd like to know whether to ask them for more time. Thank you, Ravi
Boss · Email
Mentioning the supplier's Friday deadline gives a real reason when a decision is blocking you.
- 06
Hello Jules, I wanted to follow up on my interview from last Tuesday. Is there any news on next steps or a timeline for the decision? Best regards, Neha
Recruiter / HR · Email
About a week after an interview, this asks for a timeline and keeps the tone calm.
- 07
Hi Isaac, it's Amina from BrightFix. Just checking where you are on the quote we sent. Happy to answer questions or adjust anything.
Customer · SMS
A friendly text with an offer to help eases a quiet customer back into the conversation.
- 08
Hi Leo, quick check on the stock count. Where are you with it? Tell me if something's in the way and I'll help.
Someone you manage · SMS
A short text that offers help gets a fast answer from someone off-site and feels supportive.
Examples
Hi Ian, I'm following up on the revised floor plans we agreed to receive on Monday. Could you let me know where they stand and when I can expect them? Our contractor needs them to confirm the schedule. Kind regards, Elena
Hi Kevin, how is the monthly report coming along? If something is slowing you down, let me know and we can work out what to do before it's due on Friday.
What to avoid
- A bare “Any update?” with no context reads as impatient.
- Phrases like “As I said before” or “Per my last email” sound like blame.
- Asking only for an update leaves out the date or next step you actually need.
- Repeated nudges within a few hours feel like pressure, so set a clear deadline and wait.
- Raising the delay in front of a group does harm when a private message would do.