Following Up on Tasks

Focus: checking progress and asking for updates in a professional way

Goal: by the end of this lesson, participants will be able to follow up on tasks, ask for updates, and respond clearly in workplace situations.

1. Vocabulary Review (from previous lesson)

1. Taking action or starting something. __________

2. Involvement and interest in activities. __________

3. Plans or preparation for something. __________

4. Taking part in something. __________

5. The feeling or mood of a place. __________

2. Useful Phrases (Following Up)

Just checking in on ___
Example: Just checking in on the report.

Do you have an update on ___?
Example: Do you have an update on the client project?

Have you had a chance to ___?
Example: Have you had a chance to review the document?

3. Natural Softeners

When you have a moment…
Example: When you have a moment, could you update me on this?

I just wanted to follow up on…
Example: I just wanted to follow up on the task we discussed.

4. Build Your Answer

- Just checking in on ___
- Have you had a chance to ___?

Examples: finishing a report; contacting a client; reviewing a document; preparing a presentation; sending an email; updating a file

Example:
Just checking in on the report.
Have you had a chance to contact the client?

Vocabulary (B2 Level)

5. Discussion Questions (Improved)

In what situations do you usually need to follow up on tasks at work? Can you give an example?

How do you usually ask for updates from colleagues or clients? What do you say?

Have you ever had to follow up multiple times on the same task? What happened?

What problems can happen if people don’t follow up on tasks or deadlines?

How do you decide when it is the right time to follow up on something?

How can you follow up in a polite way without sounding too direct or impatient?

Do you prefer to follow up by message, email, or in person? Why?

6. Example Answers (Upgraded with Natural Language)

I usually follow up when a deadline is approaching. For example, I might say, “Just checking in on the report — is everything on track?”

I try to keep it polite and simple. For example, “Do you have an update on the client project?” or “Have you had a chance to review the document?”

Yes, sometimes I need to follow up more than once. In that situation, I might say, “I just wanted to follow up again on this — do you have any updates?”

If no one follows up, tasks can be delayed or forgotten. That’s why it’s important to check progress regularly.

I usually follow up a day or two before the deadline. For example, “When you have a moment, could you update me on this?”

I try to use soft and polite language. For example, “Just checking in on this task” instead of asking directly.

I prefer short messages because they are quick. For example, “Do you have an update on this?”