12 Other Ways to Ask “Do You Have an Update?”

You want to be kept in the loop, but you don’t want to come across as impatient! These are the trials we all face when considering whether to ask for an update. Nevertheless, it must be done!

So, if you’re looking for polite ways to ask for an update in an email, stick around. We’ve compiled a list of useful phrases for you to use.

Other Ways to Ask “Do You Have an Update?”

  • Has there been any progress
  • How’s it going
  • Would you kindly give me an update
  • Further to my previous email
  • Just checking in
  • By way of…
  • I wanted to see how things were going
  • Is everything going all right with
  • Could you please update me
  • If you wouldn’t mind giving me a quick update
  • Is there any way I can help
  • Any update

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The phrase “do you have an update” is not inherently rude if said with a polite tone.
  • “Has there been any progress” is a professional phrase that you can use to ask for an update in a work email.
  • In emails to people you have a close relationship with, you can use the phrase “how’s it going?”

We’re not finished yet! Firstly, we’ll discuss our favorite formal and informal synonyms for “do you have an update” in more detail. We’ll even provide some examples to show you how to use these phrases in practice.

After that, we’ll discuss whether asking for an update is rude.

Has There Been Any Progress (Formal)

When asking for an update on a particular project at work, it’s suitable to ask for a progress report. In fact, you can do this via email using the phrase “has there been any progress?”

This phrase is suitably formal while also being to the point. Furthermore, you can surround it with other polite phraseology so that it doesn’t come across as overly abrupt.

For example, you can offer assistance or express advance gratitude for the update in tow.

“Do you have an update” can also be made polite in context. However, “has there been any progress” takes the burden off of the recipient. This phrase comes across as less imposing by removing the words “do you” and simply asking for an update about the situation itself.

Therefore, this is a better phrase to use if you’re speaking to a higher-up at work.

Let’s see an email example to illustrate how to use this alternative to get a status update:

Dear Astrid,

Has there been any progress on the file?

Let me know if I can offer any assistance.

Kind regards,
Lois

How’s It Going (Informal)

If you’d like to politely ask for an update in an informal email, there’s nothing wrong with a quick message asking “how’s it going?” and perhaps offering some help as well.

Above all, this phrase is friendly and doesn’t come across as urgent or rushing when you ask for an update, as long as you keep your tone relaxed! 

“Do you have an update” is an equally effective phrase to use in an informal context. Nonetheless, mixing up your language from time to time never hurts. This alternative is an effective way to do so!

However, we wouldn’t recommend employing “how’s it going” in a formal setting. It can come across as rude if you’re speaking to a fellow professional or someone higher up in the work hierarchy.

Nevertheless, it’s perfectly suitable if you have a close relationship with members of your team. Certainly, it can be used to ask for updates quickly without the usual email etiquette, as long as the culture of your workplace allows this.

Finally, let’s see a sample email making use of this phrase:

Hi Kat,

How’s it going with the conflict check?

Let me know if you need any help.

All the best,
Sarah

Is It Rude to Ask for an Update?

It is not inherently rude to ask for an update about a particular situation. However, whether you will come across as rude when using this phrase greatly depends on context and tone.

In the context of a job application process, asking for an update about your progress is often seen as a good thing. It shows that you are very interested in the position and have maintained that interest.

Moreover, it is also perfectly okay to ask for an update about a particular situation at work, as long as you don’t badger the person about it constantly.

Furthermore, it’s also fine to ask for an update on a request if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable time. 

Now, let’s consider the phrase “do you have an update” more specifically. This phrase is perfectly correct to use in English. In fact, let’s see a few variations making use of this phrase:

  • By any chance, do you have an update?
  • Do you have an update for me?
  • Do you have an update on this matter?
  • Do you have an update on the below?
  • Do you have an update on this request?

It would also be correct to replace “an” with “any”:

  • Do you have any update?

Moreover, you can use both the singular and plural form of “update” after “any.” So, “do you have any updates” would also be correct.

However, this is not the case if you use “an” instead of “any.” In other words, “do you have an updates” would be incorrect.

If you found this article helpful or think you might use our list of synonyms in the future, feel free to bookmark this page!