What is the recommended approach to follow up if you haven’t received a response?

• A. Send a polite reminder after an appropriate interval, restate the question, and set a new deadline.
• B. Immediately resend the original email with no changes.
• C. Ignore the thread until they respond.
• D. Call the recipient and demand a reply within one hour.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a polite follow-up after a reasonable pause, with a restatement of the request and a clear new deadline, balances persistence with respect for the recipient’s time. Waiting a few business days respects their workload, and in the follow-up you briefly remind them of what you asked for and what needs to be done, while proposing a specific deadline or asking when they think they can provide a response. This approach clarifies priorities, makes it easier for them to respond, and shows you’re organized and considerate.

Resending the original email without changes can feel repetitive and pushy, cluttering the recipient’s inbox. Ignoring the thread fails to move the conversation forward. Calling to demand a reply within an hour comes across as aggressive and can harm the working relationship. The recommended method keeps tone courteous, keeps the request clear, and increases the likelihood of a timely, thoughtful reply.