How to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’ at Work
When a colleague or manager asks you a question you cannot answer immediately, the most professional and clear response is to say you will verify the information and return with an answer. The phrase “I will check and get back to you” is a standard workplace expression that buys you time, shows responsibility, and sets a clear expectation. This guide explains exactly how to use this phrase in different work situations, including email, meetings, and casual conversations, with natural alternatives and common pitfalls to avoid.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead of ‘I will check and get back to you’
If you need a direct replacement right now, use one of these options depending on your situation:
- Formal email: “I will look into this and follow up with you by the end of the day.”
- Casual conversation: “Let me check and I’ll get back to you in a bit.”
- Meeting setting: “I need to verify that information. I will update you after the meeting.”
- Customer-facing: “Let me confirm the details and I will get back to you shortly.”
These alternatives keep you sounding professional while being clear about your next step.
Understanding the Core Meaning and Tone
The phrase “I will check and get back to you” has three key parts: check (you need to find or verify information), get back (you will return to the person with an answer), and you (the person waiting). The tone can range from neutral to slightly formal, depending on how you say it. In a workplace, this phrase is safe because it does not promise an immediate answer, but it does promise action.
Formal vs. Casual Versions
Here is how the same idea changes depending on the setting:
- Formal (email to a client): “I will investigate this matter and revert to you with my findings.”
- Semi-formal (email to a manager): “I will check on this and get back to you as soon as possible.”
- Casual (chat with a teammate): “Let me check and I’ll let you know.”
- Very casual (in-person with a close colleague): “I’ll look it up and tell you in a sec.”
Notice that the formal versions use words like “investigate” and “revert,” while casual versions use “look it up” and “tell you.” Choose based on your relationship with the person and the situation.
Comparison Table: Different Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
| Situation | Phrase to Use | Tone | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email to a client | “I will review the details and revert to you shortly.” | Formal | When you need to sound reliable and professional |
| Email to your boss | “I will check on this and follow up with you by tomorrow.” | Semi-formal | When you want to set a clear deadline |
| Team meeting | “Let me verify that and I will update everyone after the meeting.” | Neutral | When you are speaking to a group |
| Slack or chat | “I’ll check and get back to you in a few minutes.” | Casual | When speed is expected but not immediate |
| Phone call | “Let me look into that and call you back.” | Neutral | When you need to end the call politely |
| In-person quick question | “I’ll check and let you know right away.” | Casual | When the answer is simple but not at hand |
Natural Examples in Context
Seeing the phrase used in real workplace situations helps you understand when and how to use it naturally.
Example 1: Email to a Colleague
Subject: Question about the Q3 report
Body: “Hi Sarah, thanks for sending over the draft. I noticed a few numbers that do not match our records. I will check the original data and get back to you before the end of the day. Best, Mark”
Example 2: During a Team Meeting
Manager: “Does anyone know the deadline for the vendor contract renewal?”
You: “I am not sure off the top of my head. Let me check the contract file and I will get back to you after this meeting.”
Example 3: Chat Message on Slack
Teammate: “Do we have access to the new design tool yet?”
You: “I think we do, but let me check with IT. I’ll get back to you in a few minutes.”
Example 4: Customer Service Phone Call
Customer: “Can you tell me when my order will arrive?”
You: “I understand you want to know the delivery date. Let me check the tracking system and I will get back to you within the hour.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
English learners often make small errors that change the meaning or sound unprofessional. Here are the most common mistakes with this phrase.
Mistake 1: Saying ‘I will check and come back to you’
This is a direct translation from some languages, but in English, “come back” usually means physically returning to a place. Use “get back to you” instead.
Wrong: “I will check and come back to you.”
Right: “I will check and get back to you.”
Mistake 2: Forgetting to Set a Time Expectation
If you only say “I will check and get back to you,” the other person does not know when to expect an answer. This can cause frustration. Add a time frame when possible.
Better: “I will check and get back to you by this afternoon.”
Mistake 3: Using ‘Revert’ Incorrectly
Some learners use “revert” to mean “reply,” but in many workplaces, “revert” sounds very formal and is often used only in Indian English. In American and British English, “get back to you” or “follow up” is more common.
Less natural: “I will revert to you.”
More natural: “I will get back to you.”
Mistake 4: Promising Too Much
Avoid saying “I will check and get back to you immediately” unless you truly can answer in seconds. If you set an unrealistic expectation, you look unreliable.
Safer: “I will check and get back to you as soon as I have the information.”
Better Alternatives for Specific Situations
Sometimes you need a phrase that fits a particular context better than the standard version. Here are alternatives grouped by situation.
When You Need to Sound More Confident
- “I will confirm the details and update you.”
- “Let me verify that and I will get back to you.”
- “I will look into it and provide an answer shortly.”
When You Want to Sound More Polite
- “Let me check on that for you, and I will follow up.”
- “I will be happy to look into that and get back to you.”
- “Allow me to check and I will return with an answer.”
When You Are in a Hurry
- “I will check and let you know in a moment.”
- “Let me look it up and I will tell you right away.”
- “I will check quickly and get back to you.”
When You Need to End a Conversation Politely
- “I will take a note of that and get back to you.”
- “Let me research that and I will reach out to you.”
- “I will check with the team and get back to you.”
When to Use ‘I will check and get back to you’
This phrase is appropriate in many workplace scenarios, but not all. Use it when:
- You do not have the answer immediately available.
- You need to look up information in a system, document, or database.
- You need to ask someone else for the answer.
- You want to show that you are taking responsibility for finding the answer.
- You need to end a conversation or email without leaving the other person hanging.
Avoid using it when:
- You already know the answer. Just give it directly.
- You are not actually going to check. Only say it if you will follow through.
- The question is very simple and you can answer immediately.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Try to answer before looking at the suggested responses.
Question 1
Your manager asks you in a meeting: “What is the budget for the marketing campaign next quarter?” You do not have the number. What do you say?
Suggested answer: “I do not have that figure right now. Let me check the budget spreadsheet and I will get back to you after the meeting.”
Question 2
A client emails you asking for a delivery date. You need to check with the warehouse. Write a short email response.
Suggested answer: “Dear Client, thank you for your inquiry. I will check with our warehouse team and get back to you with the delivery date by tomorrow morning. Best regards, [Your Name]”
Question 3
A coworker sends you a quick chat message: “Do we have the new software license yet?” You are not sure. What do you reply?
Suggested answer: “I am not sure. Let me check with the IT department and I will get back to you in a few minutes.”
Question 4
You are on a phone call with a customer. They ask a question you cannot answer immediately. How do you end the call politely?
Suggested answer: “I want to make sure I give you the correct information. Let me check on that and I will call you back within the hour. Is that okay?”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is ‘I will check and get back to you’ too informal for a job interview?
Yes, it can sound a little too casual in a job interview. Instead, say something like “I will look into that and follow up with you” or “Let me verify that information and I will get back to you.” This shows professionalism and attention to detail.
2. Can I use ‘I will check and get back to you’ in a formal written report?
No, it is too conversational for a formal report. In a report, you would write something like “Further investigation is required before a definitive answer can be provided” or “The matter will be reviewed and a response will be issued.”
3. What is the difference between ‘get back to you’ and ‘follow up with you’?
“Get back to you” is more general and means returning with an answer. “Follow up with you” often implies that you will contact the person again after taking some action, and it can sound slightly more proactive. Both are correct, but “follow up” is often preferred in professional emails.
4. How do I say this phrase in a group setting, like in a meeting?
In a group, you can say “I will check on that and get back to everyone” or “Let me verify and I will update the team.” This makes it clear that you will inform all relevant people, not just the person who asked.
For more guidance on workplace communication, explore our Workplace Speaking Phrases category. If you have questions about this guide, visit our FAQ page or contact us. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create our content.
