How to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’ at Work
When someone asks you a question at work and you don’t have the answer immediately, the most direct and polite way to respond is to acknowledge the request, promise to find the information, and set a clear expectation for when you will reply. Instead of a vague “I will check and get back to you,” you can use phrases like “Let me look into that and follow up with you by the end of the day” or “I will confirm the details and send you an update shortly.” The key is to be specific about your next step and the timeline.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead
If you need a fast, polite replacement for “I will check and get back to you,” use one of these options:
- Formal: “I will investigate this and provide an update by [time].”
- Professional: “Let me verify the information and get back to you shortly.”
- Casual: “Let me check and I’ll let you know.”
- Email: “I will review the details and respond to you by [date].”
Why the Original Phrase Can Be Weak
The phrase “I will check and get back to you” is not impolite, but it can sound vague or uncommitted. It does not tell the listener when you will reply or what exactly you will do. In a workplace, clarity builds trust. A better version shows that you are taking ownership of the task and respecting the other person’s time.
Formal and Professional Alternatives
Use these in emails, meetings with senior colleagues, or written communication with clients.
| Phrase | Context | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| “I will look into this and revert by [time].” | Email or formal conversation | “Revert” is a formal synonym for “get back.” |
| “Allow me to confirm the details and follow up.” | Client or manager interaction | Shows respect and carefulness. |
| “I will research this and send you a full update.” | Project or technical questions | Implies thoroughness. |
| “I will check with the team and get back to you by [time].” | When you need to consult others | Sets a clear expectation. |
Casual and Everyday Alternatives
Use these with colleagues you know well or in quick, informal conversations.
| Phrase | Context | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| “Let me check and I’ll let you know.” | Quick chat at desk | Simple and friendly. |
| “I’ll find out and come back to you.” | Casual meeting | Direct and natural. |
| “Give me a moment to look it up.” | Immediate response | Shows you are acting now. |
| “I’ll get the answer and text you.” | Informal, close team | Very relaxed and fast. |
Natural Examples
Here are real-life workplace situations with the improved phrases.
Example 1: In a Meeting
Colleague: “Do we have the Q3 sales numbers yet?”
You: “I don’t have them right now, but I will check with the finance team and send you the report by 3 PM.”
Example 2: In an Email
Client: “Can you confirm the delivery date for order #4521?”
You: “Thank you for your inquiry. I will verify the shipping schedule with our warehouse and get back to you within 24 hours.”
Example 3: Casual Chat at Desk
Teammate: “Is the server update done?”
You: “Not yet. Let me check the status and I’ll let you know in five minutes.”
Example 4: On a Phone Call
Manager: “Can you handle the client request?”
You: “Yes, I will look into it and call you back before the end of the day.”
Common Mistakes
English learners often make these errors when trying to be polite.
- Mistake 1: Using “revert” incorrectly. Some learners say “I will revert back to you.” The word “revert” already means “go back,” so “revert back” is redundant. Say “I will revert to you” or “I will get back to you.”
- Mistake 2: No timeline. “I will check and get back to you” with no time frame leaves the other person waiting. Always add a specific time or date if possible.
- Mistake 3: Being too vague. “I will check” does not say what you will check. Be specific: “I will check the inventory list” or “I will confirm with the manager.”
- Mistake 4: Over-apologizing. “I’m sorry, I don’t know, but I will check” can sound weak. Instead, say “I don’t have that information right now, but I will find out.”
Better Alternatives for Specific Situations
When You Need to Ask Someone Else
If you must consult another person, say: “I will check with [name/department] and get back to you.” This shows you are taking action, not just waiting.
When You Need Time to Research
Use: “I will look into this thoroughly and provide a detailed answer by [time].” This sets a realistic expectation.
When the Answer Is Urgent
Say: “I will prioritize this and get back to you within the hour.” This shows urgency and respect.
When to Use It
Use these phrases whenever you do not have an immediate answer. This includes:
- During meetings when a question is asked.
- In email replies where you need to verify facts.
- On phone calls when you need to check records.
- In chat messages with colleagues.
Avoid using these phrases if you already know the answer. It is better to respond directly when you can.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the best phrase for each situation.
Question 1: A client asks about a discount policy you are not sure about. What do you say?
A) “I will check and get back to you.”
B) “Let me confirm the discount policy with my manager and email you by tomorrow.”
C) “I don’t know.”
Answer: B. It is specific and sets a clear timeline.
Question 2: Your colleague asks if the report is ready. You need to check the file. What do you say?
A) “I will check and get back to you.”
B) “Let me open the file and I will tell you in a minute.”
C) “Maybe later.”
Answer: B. It shows immediate action.
Question 3: Your boss asks for a figure you do not remember. What do you say?
A) “I will look it up and send it to you before lunch.”
B) “I will check and get back to you.”
C) “I forgot.”
Answer: A. It is polite and gives a deadline.
Question 4: A team member asks a simple question you can answer now. What do you say?
A) “I will check and get back to you.”
B) “Yes, the answer is 15 units.”
C) “Let me think about it.”
Answer: B. Answer directly when you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “I will check and get back to you” rude?
No, it is not rude, but it is vague. Adding a specific action and time makes it more professional and polite.
2. Can I use “revert” in casual conversation?
“Revert” is very formal and common in Indian and British business English. In casual American English, “get back to you” is more natural.
3. What if I cannot give a specific time?
If you cannot give an exact time, say “as soon as possible” or “by the end of the day.” Avoid leaving it open-ended.
4. Should I apologize before saying I will check?
Only apologize if you should have known the answer. Otherwise, simply say “I don’t have that information right now, but I will find out.”
Final Tip
Always follow up. If you say you will get back to someone, do it. Even if you do not have the answer yet, send a quick message saying “I am still working on it.” This builds trust and shows reliability.
For more polite phrases for everyday work situations, visit our Workplace Speaking Phrases section. If you need help with email writing, check our Professional Email Alternatives. For general polite expressions, see Polite Everyday Phrases. Learn more about our approach on our About Us page or read our FAQ.
