It can be frustrating when you send out a message or request that needs a reply, and you don’t get one on time. If it has to do with your business or project, it becomes more worrisome, as this scenario can impact your progress.
However, when you eventually get a reply and the sender says they forgot to reply, how do you respond?
Knowing how to respond is important for maintaining the relationship you share with the person. But if you don’t know how to reply, you don’t have to worry because this article has all you need.
This guide post reveals the 20 best replies to give when someone says they forgot to reply. Whether it has to do with your business or a conversation with your friends or acquaintances, you’ll find different responses that suit your needs.
20 Best Replies to Give When Someone Says They Forgot to Reply
The best response to give when someone says they forgot to reply depends on the relationship you share with them.
If they’re your friends, you can tease them with replies like “What were you thinking?”, “You must have had a lot in your head,” etc.
If they’re business partners or acquaintances, you can give polite responses like “That’s understandable knowing the lot of things you have to do,” “You should get a personal assistant to help,” etc.
Also, you can admonish someone for their mistake with words like “Your delay almost cost us this project,” “You’ll have to pay for this as we’ve lost the client,” etc.
Below are the 20 best replies to give when someone says they forgot to reply:
- Okay, please go ahead
- No worries
- Alright, so can you reply now?
- What were you thinking?
- You must have had a lot in your head
- That’s understandable knowing the lot of things you have to do
- It happens. Sometimes I get caught up in a lot of things that it becomes difficult to keep track of some things
- You should get a personal assistant to help
- Don’t worry about it
- You should apologize for that
- You should set reminders for things like this
- Maybe it’s not so important, right?
- I forgive you, but I won’t next time
- Let’s get right into the business
- Your delay almost cost us this project
- It’s a little too late now, we are working with someone else
- Unfortunately, we’ve moved ahead
- You’ll have to pay for this as we’ve lost the client
- That is your problem, deal with it
- I don’t appreciate such omissions here
Okay, Please Go Ahead
“Okay, please go ahead” is the top on our list of best replies to give to someone who says they forgot to reply.
This is a positive reply that shows you take no offense in their delay. Also, it acknowledges their excuse and gives them the go-ahead to do what they’re meant to do.
It’s a suitable reply when they speak to you directly, as it lets them know it’s not a big deal.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- Okay, please go ahead. I was even about sending someone to check on you.
- Okay, please go ahead. I have been waiting for you.
No Worries
“No worries” is a simple response to give to someone who says they forgot to reply. This is another reply that tells the person that you’re not offended.
It’s also the reply to give when you don’t want to ask what caused their delayed response. In addition, it’ll work over a text or when speaking to them directly.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- No worries, I’m not offended.
- No worries, we forgot to send a follow-up email too.
Alright, So Can You Reply Now?
If you want to quickly get into the business of the day “Alright, so can you reply now?” is the best reply for someone who fails to reply to your message on time.
This response indicates that it’s no big deal, letting them know that their response is more important.
Additionally, it’s appropriate when they only give the excuse for not replying on time and not the actual answer you want.
What Were You Thinking?
“What were you thinking?” is a question to ask someone who says they forgot to reply. It’s suitable for a friend, acquaintance, or employee.
Additionally, depending on your tone, you can genuinely ask this question to find out what they forgot.
Or you can use it as a slight rebuke, letting them know they shouldn’t let anything distract them.
You Must Have Had a Lot in Your Head
“You must have had a lot in your head” is another ideal response to give someone who doesn’t reply to your message on time.
It’ll work when they say they forgot to reply, as it shows your understanding.
However, you can use this statement sarcastically to make fun of them for letting themselves get carried away.
It’s an ideal response for an informal environment.
That’s Understandable Knowing the Lot of Things You Have to Do
“That’s understandable knowing the lot of things you have to do” is another great response for someone who says they forgot to reply.
Sometimes instead of getting annoyed with people, showing empathy can solve a lot of issues. So, this one is a beautiful way to let the person know that you understand why they forgot to reply.
Also, it’s the perfect way to assure the person that you’re not offended.
It Happens. Sometimes I Get Caught Up in a Lot of Things That It Becomes Difficult to Keep Track of Some Things
Another way to show empathy when someone says they forgot to reply is by letting them know that you, too, have been in their situation.
“It happens. Sometimes, I get caught up in a lot of things, and it becomes difficult to keep track of some things” gives them an example of such a situation.
You Should Get a Personal Assistant to Help
When you want to offer a solution to their problem, “You should get a personal assistant to help” is one way of responding to someone when they say they forgot to reply.
Besides, giving this reply shows you’re not offended or you’re not going to react to their negligence at the moment.
It’ll work for a casual or semi-formal conversation.
Don’t Worry About It
“Don’t worry about it” is another way to let someone know that you’re not offended about something.
When someone fails to reply to a message and says they forgot, this reply tells them that it’s not a big deal to you.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- Don’t worry about it. I’m more concerned about getting this done immediately.
- Don’t worry about it. I know how things can get busy here.
You Should Apologize for That
When you want someone to know that they’ve offended you, “You should apologize for that” best communicates the message.
This reply will work when someone says they forgot to reply to let them know that they didn’t do well.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- You should apologize for that; it doesn’t speak well of your work ethic.
- You should apologize for that, I almost concluded that you were not interested.
You Should Set Reminders for Things Like This
If you want to offer a solution to someone who says they forgot to reply, “You should set reminders for things like this” is the ideal response
Besides providing a solution, it lets them know that you’re not offended.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- You should set reminders for things like this. It’d help keep you on track.
- You should set reminders for things like this, so they don’t skip your mind and cost you something huge someday.
Maybe It’s Not So Important, Right?
If you want the person to know that you’re not letting them off the hook easily for their action, “Maybe it’s not so important, right?” is the right question to ask.
This question can serve as a way to admonish a friend or worker for their negligence.
I Forgive You, But I Won’t Next Time
“I forgive you, but I won’t next time” is another perfect response for someone who says they forgot to reply.
This statement shows that you’re slightly offended, but it lets them know that you’re letting it slide.
However, it’s the perfect way to warn them that next time won’t be the same.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- I forgive you, but I won’t next time, so you better sit up.
- I forgive you, but I won’t next time. So you need to work out ways to help you.
Let’s Get Right into the Business
If you’re working with a business client or partner, “Let’s get right into the business,” is the appropriate response when they fail to reply to you on time.
This one shows that you’re more interested in getting the business done. Also, it lets them know that you’re not bothered by their omission.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- Let’s get right into the business, we’ve wasted much time as it is.
- Let’s get right into the business. We can’t afford more delay.
Your Delay Almost Cost Us This Project
When you want someone to know the consequences of their actions, “Your delay almost cost us this project” is the ideal response.
It’ll work when someone says they forgot to reply to something important. Also, it’s appropriate for a work colleague or employee to let them know how costly their action is.
Additionally, it should work to make them adjust, so as not to repeat the same mistake.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- Your delay almost cost us this project, I don’t think we can work together anymore.
- Your delay almost cost us this project, I won’t tolerate this next time.
It’s a Little Too Late Now, We Are Working with Someone Else
If you’ve already moved on, “It’s a little too late now, we are working with someone else” is the best answer when someone says they forgot to reply.
While this reply doesn’t indicate that you’re offended, it does show that you’re no longer bothered about them.
Moreover, it’s the perfect reply when you want to reiterate the importance of doing the right thing at the right time.
Unfortunately, We’ve Moved Ahead
“Unfortunately, we’ve moved ahead” is another way to let someone know you’re no longer working with them.
When someone fails to send in a reply to something important on time, this reply tells them that you couldn’t indulge their action.
It’s the appropriate professional response in a formal environment. Moreover, it indicates a good professional work ethic, leading to a good brand perception.
You can use this phrase in many ways when appropriate:
- Unfortunately, we’ve moved ahead. You can try again next time.
- Unfortunately, we’ve moved ahead with people who replied before the deadline.
You’ll Have to Pay for This as We’ve Lost the Client
Sometimes, letting people serve punishment for their actions, especially in a work environment, is necessary.
If someone fails to reply to a message on time, and it costs you a client “You’ll have to pay for this as we’ve lost the client” is the best response if you’re punishing them.
Additionally, even if you might not follow up with your words later, this reply communicates your feelings about it.
That Is Your Problem, Deal with It
“That is your problem, deal with it” is necessary to let someone know that you’re not interested in their problem.
When someone says they forgot to reply, you can give this reply to let them know you’re not involving yourself in the matter.
Also, it’ll work in situations when it doesn’t affect you directly or when you want the person to handle it themselves.
I Don’t Appreciate Such Omissions Here
“I don’t appreciate such omissions here” adequately communicates your feelings when someone fails to do what they’re meant to do.
It’s the perfect thing to say when someone says they forgot to reply to let them know you don’t tolerate such negligence.
Moreover, whether you’re punishing them or not, this reply will let them know that they need to do better.
End Note
Your response to a situation can adequately communicate how you feel. But, sometimes, allowing your emotions to guide your response might not be the best.
When someone says they forgot to reply, this article can guide you on how you can reply in any situation.
