Everyday writing
Write a follow-up that says what you need
A follow-up works when it reminds the other person of the original ask and gives a concrete deadline. Without both, it reads as pressure with no information attached.
A text to start with
Help me follow up with [name or role] about [the request I sent on date]. I haven't heard back and I need an answer by [date] so I can [reason, e.g. confirm the booking or finish the report]. Keep the tone friendly but direct. Don't apologize for following up. One short paragraph is fine.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.What to check in the draft
Confirm the draft names the original request specifically instead of saying only "my earlier message." Put the deadline early, since a date in the last sentence is easy to miss. Cut softeners like "sorry to bother you," which weaken the ask. If the tone feels too casual or too formal for this person, say so and ask for a revision.
After you review the draft
Read it aloud and see whether the deadline is clear on the first pass. If you have already sent one follow-up with no reply, say so in your request so the draft can acknowledge the gap without sounding resentful. You can also paste in the original message so the draft can quote it directly.