How to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’ at Work
When a colleague, manager, or client asks you a question you cannot answer immediately, the most professional and clear response is to say you will check the information and follow up. The phrase “I will check and get back to you” is direct and honest, but there are many ways to say it depending on your workplace, the urgency of the request, and your relationship with the person. This guide gives you the best professional alternatives, explains when to use each one, and helps you avoid common mistakes that can make you sound unsure or unprofessional.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead
If you need a fast, professional replacement for “I will check and get back to you,” use one of these three options depending on your situation:
- For a formal email: “I will look into this and follow up with you by [time/date].”
- For a casual conversation with a teammate: “Let me find out and get back to you.”
- For a client or manager: “I will confirm the details and update you shortly.”
Understanding the Tone: Formal vs. Casual
The original phrase “I will check and get back to you” is neutral and works in most situations. However, the word “check” can sometimes sound too simple or vague in a formal business context. The word “get back” is also slightly informal. Below is a comparison of how the tone changes with different word choices.
| Situation | Formal Phrase | Casual Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Email to a client | I will verify the information and provide an update. | I will check and let you know. |
| Meeting with manager | I will research this and report back to you. | Let me check and get back to you. |
| Chat with coworker | I will look into it and follow up. | I will find out and tell you. |
| Phone call with customer | I will confirm the details and call you back. | I will check and call you back. |
Better Alternatives for Professional Emails
In written communication, especially email, you have more space to be specific. This builds trust and shows you are organized. Here are the best alternatives for email:
1. “I will look into this and follow up with you by [time].”
This is the most professional and widely used alternative. It shows you are taking action (“look into”) and that you will take responsibility for the next step (“follow up”). Adding a specific time makes you reliable.
Example: “Thank you for your question about the Q3 report. I will look into this and follow up with you by end of day tomorrow.”
2. “I will confirm the details and update you shortly.”
Use this when you already have some information but need to verify it. “Confirm” sounds more thorough than “check.”
Example: “I have received your request for the budget figures. I will confirm the details with the finance team and update you shortly.”
3. “I will research this and get back to you with my findings.”
This is ideal for complex questions that require investigation. It sets the expectation that you will provide a complete answer.
Example: “Your question about the software integration is a good one. I will research this and get back to you with my findings by Friday.”
Better Alternatives for Workplace Speaking
In face-to-face conversations or on the phone, you need phrases that sound natural and confident. Here are the best options:
1. “Let me find out and get back to you.”
This is a polite and natural way to say it in a casual conversation. It is direct without being rude.
Example: “That is a great question about the new policy. Let me find out and get back to you.”
2. “I will check on that and let you know.”
This is very close to the original but sounds slightly more polished. It works well in most everyday workplace situations.
Example: “I am not sure about the deadline for that task. I will check on that and let you know.”
3. “Give me a moment to verify, and I will come back to you.”
Use this when you are in a meeting or on a call and need a few seconds to look something up. It sounds professional and in control.
Example: “I want to make sure I give you the correct number. Give me a moment to verify, and I will come back to you.”
Natural Examples in Context
Seeing the phrases used in real conversations helps you understand the nuance. Here are three scenarios:
Scenario 1: A manager asks about a project status during a team meeting.
Manager: “Sarah, can you give us an update on the client onboarding timeline?”
You: “I have the initial dates, but I need to confirm the final approval from the legal team. I will look into this and follow up with you by the end of the day.”
Scenario 2: A coworker asks for help with a spreadsheet during a casual chat.
Coworker: “Do you know why this formula is not working?”
You: “I am not sure off the top of my head. Let me find out and get back to you.”
Scenario 3: A client asks a detailed question about a service feature during a phone call.
Client: “Can your system handle automated reporting for multiple currencies?”
You: “That is a specific requirement. I will confirm the details with our product team and update you shortly.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even native speakers make mistakes with this phrase. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:
Mistake 1: Being too vague
Wrong: “I will check and get back to you.” (No time frame, no action plan.)
Right: “I will check the inventory levels and get back to you by 3 PM.”
Mistake 2: Using “I will try”
Wrong: “I will try to check and get back to you.” (This sounds uncertain.)
Right: “I will check and get back to you.” (Confident and direct.)
Mistake 3: Forgetting to actually follow up
This is not a language mistake, but it is a professional one. If you say you will get back to someone, you must do it. If you cannot find the answer, send a message saying you are still working on it.
Mistake 4: Using “I will revert” incorrectly
Some non-native speakers use “I will revert” to mean “I will get back to you.” In standard business English, “revert” usually means to go back to a previous state. It is better to use “get back to you” or “follow up.”
When to Use Each Alternative
Choosing the right phrase depends on three factors: your audience, the medium, and the urgency.
- For a formal email to a senior manager or client: Use “I will look into this and follow up with you by [time].”
- For a quick chat message to a teammate: Use “Let me find out and get back to you.”
- For a phone call with a customer: Use “I will confirm the details and call you back.”
- For a meeting where you need to check something quickly: Use “Give me a moment to verify, and I will come back to you.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers down or say them out loud.
Question 1: Your manager asks you for the sales numbers from last quarter, but you do not have them ready. What do you say in a formal email?
Answer: “I will look into this and follow up with you by the end of the day.”
Question 2: A coworker asks you a quick question about a file name during a chat. What is a natural casual response?
Answer: “Let me find out and get back to you.”
Question 3: A client asks a technical question during a phone call. You need to check with your team. What do you say?
Answer: “I will confirm the details with my team and update you shortly.”
Question 4: You are in a meeting and someone asks a question you can answer in 30 seconds if you look at your notes. What do you say?
Answer: “Give me a moment to verify, and I will come back to you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “I will check and get back to you” unprofessional?
No, it is not unprofessional. It is a neutral and acceptable phrase. However, for very formal situations, using “look into” or “confirm” instead of “check” sounds more polished.
2. Should I always give a specific time when I say I will get back to someone?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Giving a time, such as “by 5 PM today” or “by tomorrow morning,” shows you are organized and respectful of the other person’s time. It also holds you accountable.
3. What if I cannot find the answer? What should I say?
If you cannot find the answer, do not stay silent. Send a brief update: “I am still looking into your question. I will have an answer for you by [new time].” This maintains trust.
4. Can I use “I will revert” in business English?
It is better to avoid “revert” in this context. While it is used in some regions (especially Indian English), it is not standard in international business English. Use “get back to you” or “follow up” instead.
For more professional phrases for everyday work situations, explore our Workplace Speaking Phrases category. If you need help with written communication, visit our Professional Email Alternatives section. To understand the difference between formal and casual language, check out Formal and Casual Versions. For polite everyday interactions, see Polite Everyday Phrases. Learn more about our approach on our About Us page.
