Alternatives to “did you get my email?” at work
Why it can fall flat
“did you get my email?”
When you're waiting on a reply and say “did you get my email?”, it can sound like you suspect they ignored you, and a yes/no question gives them nothing to act on. You really want a reply or decision by a set time.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Charlotte, I'm following up on my email from yesterday with the sales figures. I need your numbers by 2 pm today to finish the report. Could you send them by then?
Coworker · Chat
Use this with a coworker when your own deadline hangs on their reply, since the real time limit explains the nudge.
- 02
Hi Connor, I sent the invoice yesterday. Could you let me know by Thursday if it looks right? If it hasn't arrived, tell me and I'll resend it elsewhere.
Client · SMS
This suits a quick text to a client because it asks for a next step and a date and covers an email that never arrived.
- 03
Hi Theresa, I emailed you the revised timeline on Monday. Could you confirm by Friday whether the new launch date works? I need to know so I can book the team.
Boss · Email
Send this to your boss when their decision unlocks your planning, since it names the decision and the reason you need it.
- 04
Hi Robin, I sent my interview availability on Tuesday. Could you let me know by Friday which slot suits you? If it didn't come through, I'm happy to send it again.
Recruiter / HR · Email
With a recruiter who owes you a scheduling answer, this stays polite and offers a clear way to resend your availability.
- 05
Hi Pranav, I sent the project notes yesterday. Could you reply by end of day with any questions? That keeps Friday's handover on track.
Someone you manage · Chat
Someone you manage will take this well because it sets a clear expectation and keeps the tone friendly rather than scolding.
- 06
Hi, this is Mia from the store. I emailed you yesterday about your order. Could you reply by Friday to confirm the delivery date? I can resend if needed.
Customer · SMS
Try this when a customer has gone quiet and you need one detail from them to move their order forward.
Examples
Hi Marcus, I sent the updated quote for the office move yesterday afternoon. Could you let me know by Thursday whether it works for your budget? If it hasn't reached you, tell me and I'll send it to another address. Best regards, Catriona
Hi Jon, just flagging my email from yesterday about the budget sign-off. Could you give me your answer by noon tomorrow?
What to avoid
- Following up within hours is a mistake unless the matter is truly urgent.
- A yes/no question gives the reader little to act on, so ask for a specific next step and a date instead.
- Opening with “as per my last email” can feel like a threat when it's your first follow-up.
- Copying in the person's manager on a first follow-up can feel like escalation.
- If your own message went out late, hinting that they caused the delay will backfire.