Write & communicate

Write a polite progress follow-up email

Request a concrete update while acknowledging context and avoiding invented urgency

3 min setupTested with:ChatGPTReviewed: 2026-08-28

Add your context

Your text stays in this browser. AILesson Prompts does not send it to a model or server.

Request historyCurrent impactReply needed

Your prompt

Unfilled fields remain visible as placeholders, so you can still copy and edit the prompt

Write a polite progress follow-up email.

Request history and existing commitments:
[history]

Real dependency and impact:
[impact]

Update or decision needed and reply timing:
[ask]

Mention only documented requests and dates. Acknowledge known constraints without inventing excuses. State the dependency factually, ask for a concrete status or realistic revised date, and offer one practical way to unblock the work when supported. Do not use guilt, vague urgency, threats, or passive-aggressive phrasing. Do not imply escalation unless requested. Return a subject line, concise email, a softer alternative sentence for the main ask, and any fact that must be confirmed before sending.

Private by defaultPrompt assembly happens locally in your browser. Avoid placing confidential information into any AI service unless your organization allows it.

From input to outcome

A worked example

See how concrete context turns this recipe into a usable result

Actual input

Request history: On 3 March I asked Dev for the approved packaging dimensions. Dev replied on 4 March that they expected to send them by 7 March. It is now 10 March and no further update has arrived.
Current impact: The print supplier cannot finalize the dieline until dimensions are confirmed. The supplier has reserved production time but has not stated when that reservation expires.
Reply needed: Ask whether dimensions are ready; if not, request a realistic delivery date. Please reply by noon on 11 March. Offer to review a draft dimension sheet.

Example output

Subject: Follow-up on approved packaging dimensions

Hi Dev,

I’m following up on the approved packaging dimensions you expected to send by 7 March. The print supplier needs them before it can finalize the dieline.

Are the dimensions ready to share? If not, could you send a realistic delivery date by noon on 11 March? I’m also happy to review a draft dimension sheet if that would help move it forward.

Thanks, [Sender name]

Softer main ask: “When you have a moment, could you let me know whether the dimensions are ready or what delivery date would be realistic?” Confirm the sender name before sending. The email does not claim the supplier reservation is about to expire because no expiry was provided.

Why this works

1
A factual timeline creates accountability without assigning motives.
2
Asking for a realistic revised date produces a usable response when the original date has slipped.