It’s good to communicate with people on ways to move forward. Knowing the next steps is important in any formal setting.
But how do you ask for the next steps besides saying “please let me know the next steps”?
This article has gathered the best alternatives to show you how to say “next steps” formally.
Is It Formal to Say “Please Let Me Know the Next Steps”?
It is formal to say “please let me know the next steps.” It’s a good way to ask someone what comes next in a professional setting.
Also, since it uses “please” at the start, it’s a very polite phrase. You will find it quite useful when you want to sound friendly over an email.
Here is an example to help you with it:
Please let me know the next steps as soon as you are ready.
Pros
- It’s a polite phrase.
- It allows you to find out what you have to do in different work situations.
Cons
- It’s quite generic.
- “Let me know” isn’t always the most professional choice.
“Please let me know the next steps” works well in many formal situations. However, there are some synonyms that you will also benefit from knowing about.
So, read on to learn all about these alternatives. We’ve also provided examples to explain each one.
What to Say Instead of “Please Let Me Know the Next Steps”
- What is the next course of action?
- What comes next?
- Please let me know the next stages
- Please let me know what to expect next
- Please advise on the next steps
- What do we need to do to move things forward?
- I’m looking forward to hearing about the plan
- I would like to be taken through the next steps
- Could you tell me what to do next?
1. What Is the Next Course of Action?
The first way to ask about the next step of action is to do exactly that. Ask a question. You can ask “what is the next course of action?” to find out further details about a situation.
But when is something like this useful?
We recommend using it when emailing colleagues who are working on the same project as you. It shows that you would like to get their input on the situation to learn their ideas to help you both move forward.
Here is an email example to show you how it works:
Dear Bex,
What is the next course of action? We need to discuss this before we’re able to move on.
All the best,
Janet Prior
2. What Comes Next?
Another great question that shows you how to say “please let me know the next steps” in an email is “what comes next?” It’s simple and clear, making it a great choice when you don’t want to confuse the recipient.
You may use it when emailing your boss. It shows that you’re interested in hearing about the process of something and want to know the next steps. After all, it’ll help you understand what to expect if you’re just picking up a new project or task.
Check out this email sample if you’re still unsure:
Dear Ms. Carlosita,
What comes next in the process? Are we sure we’re on the right track with the whole project?
All the best,
Joseph Cantina
3. Please Let Me Know the Next Stages
While it doesn’t differ too much from the original phrase, you can say “please let me know the next stages.” It’s a subtle change (swapping “steps” for “stages”), but it allows you to keep things interesting in your business emails.
You can use this in any situation to find out what comes next in a process. Perhaps you can use it to ask colleagues for an update, especially if they know what you need to do to improve your current project.
Here’s a great email example to help you with it:
Dear Harry,
Please let me know the next stages. I’m keen to learn more about the situation as it unfolds.
Kind regards,
Sammy Cricket
4. Please Let Me Know What to Expect Next
“Please let me know what to expect next” is a great alternative to “please let me know the next steps.” It shows you how to ask about the next steps in an interview process. It also suggests you respect the recipient and trust they’ll have the information relevant to help you.
For instance, you may use it when emailing a recruiter. It shows you would like to know whether you have anything else to do before hearing about the job position.
You may also refer to this sample email:
Dear Herb,
Please let me know what to expect next. I trust that you’ve thought things through to help us understand this.
Thank you,
Darren Pickard
5. Please Advise on the Next Steps
You can say “please advise on the next steps” in professional emails to learn what to do next. Most of the time, this is all you need to ask when you’re unsure about what awaits you. So, you’ll often find yourself saying this in emails to your boss.
It suggests that you trust them to provide adequate information. Usually, your boss is the most clued-in. Therefore, it’s best to ask them to “advise” you to find out exactly what they expect.
Check out this email example as well:
Dear Hughie,
Please advise on the next steps. I’m still keen to communicate with you regarding the position available.
Yours,
Jo Soccer
6. What Do We Need to Do to Move Things Forward?
We recommend asking “what do we need to do to move things forward?” when you’re unsure of what to do next. It shows that you’d like to know the next steps, and it’s a great formal option that you could use in many emails.
You might use this when emailing coworkers about a project. It shows that you’re keen to move things forward, but you might not know what needs to be done to ensure that happens. Perhaps your coworker will have more information.
Here’s a great email sample to help you understand it better:
Dear Melissa,
What do we need to do to move things forward? I’d like to discuss this with you when you have a moment.
Yours,
Abi Mitchell
7. I’m Looking Forward to Hearing About the Plan
When you already know someone has a good plan in place, you can say “I’m looking forward to hearing about the plan.” It shows you value someone’s ideas and want to find out what the plan of action is.
Generally, a phrase like this works best when emailing your boss. It shows you value them and want to flatter their planning abilities. We highly recommend it if you get along well with your boss and want them to appreciate your kind words.
Perhaps this sample email will help you:
Dear Mr. Kingsley,
I’m looking forward to hearing about the plan. Of course, I’m sure you have some bright ideas to help with this.
Kind regards,
Jackie Chaser
8. I Would Like to Be Taken Through the Next Steps
“I would like to be taken through the next steps” is a polite synonym for “please let me know the next steps.” You can use it to ask whether someone is happy to explain what to expect from a project or situation in the future.
It’s quite respectful, making it a good one when emailing supervisors. It shows you value their authority and would like to know what they have in store for you moving forward.
Check out this email example if you’re still unsure:
Dear Maria,
I would like to be taken through the next steps, please. Firstly, what did you have in mind for us to continue with?
All the best,
Holly Aberdeen
9. Could You Tell Me What to Do Next?
We recommend asking “could you tell me what to do next?” when emailing your boss about new changes in the workplace. It shows you don’t have all the information that you might need and would like a rundown on all the steps to take.
For instance, you might ask a question like this when other colleagues have come to you for answers. If you don’t have all the answers, refer to your boss and ask them about the next steps.
Then, you can learn from someone with more information and relay whatever you find most relevant. It’s a great way to help you act as a middleman.
Here’s a useful example to show you how it works:
Dear Ruby-Rose,
Could you tell me what to do next? I’m still not sure if I have the appropriate answers to their questions.
Thank you so much,
Bennett Carton