Formal vs Casual Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
When you need to tell someone you will look into something and respond later, the phrase “I will check and get back to you” works in many situations. However, the best version depends on who you are talking to and the setting. In formal contexts, such as a client email or a meeting with a manager, you should use more polished and specific language. In casual settings, like a chat with a coworker or a friend, a shorter and more direct phrase feels natural. This guide gives you the right phrase for every situation, with clear examples and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer: Which phrase should you use?
Use a formal version when you are speaking to a client, your boss, or someone you do not know well. Use a casual version when you are talking to a teammate, a colleague you are close with, or a friend. The table below shows the main difference at a glance.
| Context | Best phrase |
|---|---|
| Formal email to a client | “I will review the details and follow up with you shortly.” |
| Casual chat with a coworker | “Let me look into it and get back to you.” |
| Formal meeting with a manager | “I will investigate and provide an update by end of day.” |
| Casual text to a friend | “I’ll check and let you know.” |
Formal ways to say ‘I will check and get back to you’
Formal language shows respect and professionalism. It is appropriate for emails to clients, communication with senior management, and any situation where you want to sound reliable and thorough. In formal settings, avoid vague words like “check” and “get back.” Instead, use precise verbs like “review,” “investigate,” “confirm,” or “follow up.” Also, include a specific time frame when possible.
Examples for formal emails
- “I will review the proposal and follow up with you by Wednesday.”
- “Let me investigate this matter and provide an update within 24 hours.”
- “I will confirm the details and revert to you as soon as possible.”
- “Please allow me to look into this further. I will get back to you with a complete answer.”
Examples for formal conversations
- “I will look into that and get back to you before the end of the day.”
- “Let me check with the team and I will follow up with you shortly.”
- “I need to verify that information. I will update you once I have the details.”
Casual ways to say ‘I will check and get back to you’
Casual language is shorter, friendlier, and more direct. It works well with colleagues you know well, in team chats, or when talking to friends. In casual settings, you can use contractions like “I’ll” and “let me.” You can also drop words like “will” and use a more relaxed tone.
Examples for casual conversations
- “I’ll check and let you know.”
- “Let me look into it and get back to you.”
- “Give me a moment to check, and I’ll tell you what I find.”
- “I’ll find out and message you.”
Examples for casual emails or messages
- “I’ll take a look and get back to you.”
- “Let me check and I’ll let you know.”
- “I’ll look into it and update you.”
Comparison table: Formal vs Casual
| Situation | Formal | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Email to a client | “I will review the contract and follow up with you tomorrow.” | “I’ll check the contract and get back to you.” |
| Team meeting | “I will investigate the issue and report back by Friday.” | “Let me look into it and let you know.” |
| Chat with a coworker | “I will confirm the schedule and revert to you.” | “I’ll check and tell you.” |
| Text to a friend | Not appropriate | “I’ll check and let you know.” |
Natural examples in context
Seeing the phrase in a full sentence helps you understand the tone and situation better. Below are natural examples for both formal and casual settings.
Formal context: Email to a client
Subject: Update on your request
Dear Mr. Chen,
Thank you for sending the documents. I will review them carefully and follow up with you by Thursday. If I need any additional information, I will let you know.
Best regards,
Sarah
Casual context: Slack message to a teammate
User A: Do you know if the report is ready?
User B: Not sure yet. Let me check and I’ll get back to you in a few minutes.
Formal context: During a meeting
Manager: Can you confirm the budget numbers?
You: I will verify the figures with the finance team and provide an update before the end of the meeting.
Casual context: Phone call with a friend
Friend: Can you pick me up at 6?
You: I need to check my schedule first. I’ll look and call you back.
Common mistakes to avoid
English learners often make small errors that change the tone or clarity of the phrase. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “revert” incorrectly
Many learners use “revert” to mean “reply” or “get back.” In professional English, “revert” usually means to return to a previous state. It is better to say “follow up” or “get back to you.”
Incorrect: I will revert to you soon.
Correct: I will follow up with you soon.
Mistake 2: Being too vague in formal settings
In formal communication, avoid saying “I will check and get back to you” without a time frame. It sounds uncertain.
Incorrect: I will check and get back to you.
Correct: I will check and get back to you by the end of the day.
Mistake 3: Using casual language in a formal email
Phrases like “I’ll let you know” or “I’ll check” are too informal for a client or a manager.
Incorrect: I’ll check and let you know.
Correct: I will review the information and update you.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to use a subject in casual speech
In very casual speech, some learners drop the subject. This can sound incomplete.
Incorrect: Will check and get back.
Correct: I’ll check and get back to you.
Better alternatives for specific situations
Sometimes you need a phrase that is more specific than “I will check and get back to you.” Below are alternatives for common scenarios.
When you need to confirm information
- “I will verify the details and confirm.”
- “Let me double-check and get back to you.”
When you need to research or investigate
- “I will look into this and provide an update.”
- “I will research the matter and follow up.”
When you need to ask someone else
- “I will check with the team and get back to you.”
- “Let me consult with my colleague and revert.”
When you want to sound very professional
- “I will review the information and respond at my earliest opportunity.”
- “I will investigate and report back with my findings.”
Mini practice section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the best phrase for each situation.
Question 1
You are writing an email to a new client. Which phrase is most appropriate?
A) I’ll check and let you know.
B) I will review your request and follow up by tomorrow.
C) Let me check and get back to you.
Answer: B. This is formal, clear, and includes a time frame.
Question 2
You are chatting with a close coworker on Slack. Which phrase sounds natural?
A) I will investigate and provide an update.
B) I’ll look into it and let you know.
C) I will confirm and revert.
Answer: B. This is casual and friendly.
Question 3
Your manager asks you to check a report. Which response is best?
A) I will review the report and get back to you by this afternoon.
B) I’ll check and tell you.
C) Let me look.
Answer: A. It is respectful and gives a clear time frame.
Question 4
You are talking to a friend on the phone. Which phrase is too formal?
A) I will investigate and revert to you.
B) I’ll check and call you back.
C) Let me look into it and let you know.
Answer: A. This is too formal for a casual conversation with a friend.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use “I will check and get back to you” in a formal email?
It is acceptable but not ideal. The phrase is a little vague and informal. A better choice is “I will review the information and follow up with you.” This sounds more professional and specific.
2. What is the difference between “get back to you” and “follow up”?
“Get back to you” is more general and can be used in both formal and casual settings. “Follow up” is slightly more formal and often implies that you will take action after checking. In formal writing, “follow up” is preferred.
3. Is it rude to say “I will check and get back to you” without a time?
It can sound uncertain or dismissive, especially in a professional context. Adding a time frame, such as “by the end of the day” or “within 24 hours,” shows that you are reliable and respectful of the other person’s time.
4. Can I use “revert” in a formal email?
In some countries, especially in India and parts of Asia, “revert” is commonly used to mean “reply.” However, in standard international business English, “revert” means to return to a previous state. To avoid confusion, use “follow up,” “get back to you,” or “respond.”
For more guides on choosing the right words for different situations, explore our Formal and Casual Versions category. You can also find help with Polite Everyday Phrases and Professional Email Alternatives. If you have questions about our content, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
