The correct way to say it
Wrong
“Finance not reply.”
Correct
“Finance has not replied yet.”
In professional English, 'Finance not reply' sounds incomplete because it is missing a helping verb and the correct verb form. If you are talking about a delay that started in the past and is still true now, use the present perfect: 'has not replied yet' or 'have not received a reply yet'. In many workplace situations, it is even more diplomatic to focus on the status instead of blaming the department.
Why Arabic speakers make this mistake
Arabic speakers often translate the idea directly from Arabic, where the sentence can be shorter and the meaning is clear from context. English usually needs a subject, a helping verb and the correct tense. Also, in Arabic it may feel normal to say the department did not respond directly, but in English business communication it can sound a little blunt. A softer version such as 'I am still waiting for confirmation from Finance' sounds more professional.
Correct examples in real professional situations
In a meeting with your manager
“In a meeting with your manager”
In an email update
“In an email update”
In a message to a colleague
“In a message to a colleague”
In an interview
“In an interview”
When explaining a delay to a client
“When explaining a delay to a client”
Why does this matter in a professional context?
Saying 'Finance not reply' is understandable, but it can sound unfinished or too direct in a workplace conversation. Your manager will probably understand the meaning, but the sentence may make your English sound less polished than your actual professional ability. A stronger version, such as 'I have not received a reply from Finance yet' or 'I am still waiting for confirmation from Finance', shows clarity, professionalism and emotional control. It also helps you explain the delay without blaming another department, which is important in Gulf workplace cultures where respect and relationships matter.
Ready-to-use phrases for explaining the delay professionally
“I have not received a reply from Finance yet.”
Use this when you want to state the fact clearly and neutrally.
“I am still waiting for confirmation from Finance.”
Use this when the delay depends on approval or confirmation.
“The confirmation from Finance is still pending.”
Use this in formal updates, project reports or status meetings.
“I have followed up with Finance and I am waiting for their response.”
Use this when you want to show that you have already taken action.
“Once Finance confirms, I can finalise the report.”
Use this when you want to connect the delay to the next step.
“I will update you as soon as I receive confirmation from Finance.”
Use this when speaking to a manager, client or stakeholder.
Weak vs strong professional English
Weak version
“”
Strong version
“”
Other phrases to double-check
- •The client not answer vs The client has not answered yet
- •I am waiting your reply vs I am waiting for your reply
- •Please update me once you receive vs Please update me once you receive it
- •I will inform you once he reply vs I will inform you once he replies
- •Still pending from your side vs This is still pending on your side
- •I sent him but no response vs I sent it to him but have not received a response