Polite Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
When you need to tell someone you will look into something and reply later, the direct phrase “I will check and get back to you” is clear but can feel flat or rushed in polite conversation or professional email. The most effective polite alternatives depend on your relationship with the listener, the urgency of the request, and whether you are speaking or writing. This guide gives you direct, natural replacements that sound respectful, confident, and helpful in everyday English.
Quick Answer: The Best Polite Alternatives
If you need a polite phrase right now, use one of these:
- For emails: “I will look into this and follow up with you.”
- For casual conversation: “Let me check on that and get back to you.”
- For formal situations: “I will investigate this matter and provide an update.”
- For a colleague: “I will find out and let you know.”
Why “I will check and get back to you” Can Sound Impolite
The original phrase is not rude, but it can sound abrupt or vague. The word “check” is very general, and “get back to you” is informal. In professional or polite contexts, you often need to show that you understand the importance of the request and that you will take specific action. Replacing these words with more precise or courteous language makes you sound more reliable and considerate.
Formal and Professional Alternatives
Use these in business emails, with clients, or in formal meetings. They show respect and professionalism.
1. “I will look into this and follow up with you.”
When to use it: This is the most versatile professional alternative. It works in almost any workplace situation, from customer service to internal requests.
Example email: “Thank you for sending the report. I will look into this and follow up with you by the end of the day.”
2. “I will investigate this matter and provide an update.”
When to use it: Use this for serious or complex issues, especially in formal correspondence or when dealing with complaints.
Example email: “We have received your concern about the billing error. I will investigate this matter and provide an update within 48 hours.”
3. “I will review the details and get back to you shortly.”
When to use it: Ideal when you need to read or examine something before replying. It sounds thorough and careful.
Example conversation: “That is a good question. I will review the details and get back to you shortly.”
4. “I will confirm and revert to you.”
When to use it: Common in British and Indian English professional settings. “Revert” here means to reply. Use it only if your workplace uses this phrasing.
Example email: “I will confirm the availability and revert to you by tomorrow morning.”
Casual and Everyday Alternatives
Use these with friends, family, or close colleagues. They sound natural and friendly without being too informal.
1. “Let me check on that and get back to you.”
When to use it: Perfect for casual conversation. It is polite but relaxed.
Example: “Do you know if the store is open on Sunday?” “I am not sure. Let me check on that and get back to you.”
2. “I will find out and let you know.”
When to use it: Simple and direct. Works well with friends or coworkers you know well.
Example: “Can you come to the party on Saturday?” “I need to check my schedule. I will find out and let you know.”
3. “I will look it up and tell you.”
When to use it: Very casual. Use only with people you are close to.
Example: “What time does the movie start?” “I am not sure. I will look it up and tell you.”
Comparison Table: Formal vs. Casual Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| I will look into this and follow up. | Professional | Emails, customer service | Shows active investigation |
| I will investigate and provide an update. | Formal | Complaints, serious issues | Sounds thorough and official |
| I will review and get back to you. | Professional | Meetings, document review | Implies careful examination |
| Let me check on that and get back to you. | Casual polite | Everyday conversation | Friendly and reassuring |
| I will find out and let you know. | Casual | Friends, close colleagues | Simple and direct |
Natural Examples in Context
Here are full sentences showing how to use these phrases naturally in real situations.
In a professional email
“Dear Ms. Patel,
Thank you for your inquiry about the delivery date. I will look into this and follow up with you by the end of the week. Please let me know if you need anything else in the meantime.
Best regards,
James”
In a conversation with a colleague
“Hey Mark, do you know if the client approved the proposal?”
“I haven’t heard back yet. Let me check on that and get back to you.”
In a customer service chat
“I am sorry for the delay. I will investigate this matter and provide an update as soon as possible.”
In a casual phone call
“Can you pick me up at 5?”
“I need to see if I can leave work early. I will find out and let you know in 10 minutes.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
English learners often make these errors when trying to sound polite. Avoid them to sound more natural.
Mistake 1: Using “revert” incorrectly
Wrong: “I will revert back to you.”
Right: “I will revert to you.” or “I will get back to you.”
Note: “Revert” already means to return, so “revert back” is redundant. Also, “revert” is not common in American English.
Mistake 2: Being too vague
Wrong: “I will check.”
Right: “I will check the schedule and get back to you.”
Note: Adding a specific detail (what you will check) makes you sound more reliable.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to give a time frame
Wrong: “I will get back to you.”
Right: “I will get back to you by this afternoon.”
Note: Adding “soon,” “shortly,” or a specific time shows respect for the other person’s time.
Mistake 4: Using “I will check and revert” in casual conversation
Wrong: “I will check and revert.” (to a friend)
Right: “Let me check and get back to you.”
Note: “Revert” sounds too formal for everyday talk with friends.
Better Alternatives for Specific Situations
Choose the best phrase based on who you are talking to and the situation.
When you need more time
“I will need to look into this more carefully. I will get back to you by Friday.”
When you are unsure about the answer
“That is a good question. Let me check with the team and follow up with you.”
When you want to sound very polite
“I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. I will investigate and provide an update as soon as possible.”
When you are in a hurry
“I will check right now and get back to you in a moment.”
Mini Practice: Choose the Best Phrase
Read each situation and choose the most polite and natural phrase. Answers are below.
1. You are in a meeting and your boss asks for a figure you do not have. What do you say?
a) “I will check and get back to you.”
b) “I will look into that and follow up with you after the meeting.”
c) “I don’t know.”
2. A customer emails about a problem with their order. What do you write?
a) “I will check and revert.”
b) “I will investigate this issue and provide an update within 24 hours.”
c) “I will get back to you.”
3. Your friend asks if you can go to dinner on Friday. You need to check your schedule.
a) “Let me check on that and get back to you.”
b) “I will investigate and revert.”
c) “I will look into this matter.”
4. A colleague asks for a document you need to find.
a) “I will find it and let you know.”
b) “I will check.”
c) “I will revert back to you.”
Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-a, 4-a
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “I will get back to you” polite?
Yes, it is polite and widely used in both casual and professional settings. However, it is more effective when you add what you will do (e.g., “I will check the details and get back to you”) and when you will reply.
2. Can I use “I will revert” in American English?
It is not common in American English. Most Americans use “get back to you” or “follow up.” If you use “revert” in the US, some people may not understand what you mean. It is more common in British and Indian English.
3. What is the difference between “follow up” and “get back to you”?
“Follow up” often implies that you will take action after checking, while “get back to you” simply means you will reply. “Follow up” sounds slightly more proactive and professional.
4. How do I say this in a very formal email?
Use phrases like “I will investigate this matter and provide an update at the earliest opportunity” or “I will review the information and revert to you shortly.” Avoid contractions and keep the tone respectful.
Final Tip for Learners
The key to sounding polite is not just the words you choose, but also your tone and the details you add. Always try to include what you will check and when you will reply. This shows that you are taking the request seriously and that you respect the other person’s time. Practice these alternatives in your daily conversations and emails, and soon they will feel natural.
For more everyday polite phrases, visit our Polite Everyday Phrases section. If you need help with professional writing, see our Professional Email Alternatives guide. For questions about our content, please read our Editorial Policy or FAQ page.
