How to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’ at Work
When a colleague, client, or manager asks you a question you cannot answer immediately, the most professional and honest response is to say you will check and get back to them. This phrase shows that you are careful, responsible, and respectful of their time. In a workplace setting, using the right version of this phrase can make you sound more confident and reliable. This guide gives you direct alternatives for speaking and writing at work, with clear examples for different situations.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead
If you need a fast replacement for “I will check and get back to you,” use one of these options depending on your situation:
- Formal email: “I will look into this and update you by the end of the day.”
- Casual conversation: “Let me find out and let you know.”
- Professional speaking: “Let me verify that and get back to you shortly.”
- Polite everyday: “I will double-check and come back to you.”
Each version keeps the same meaning but adjusts the tone to fit your workplace culture and relationship with the person.
Why This Phrase Matters at Work
Saying “I will check and get back to you” is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of professionalism. It tells the other person that you take their question seriously and that you will not give them a wrong or incomplete answer. In many workplaces, rushing to answer without verifying facts can lead to mistakes, confusion, or lost trust. Using this phrase correctly helps you build a reputation as someone who is thorough and dependable.
However, the exact words you choose matter. A very casual version might sound unprofessional in a formal email, while a very formal version might sound stiff in a quick chat with a teammate. Below, you will find the best options for different contexts.
Comparison Table: Formal vs. Casual vs. Email
| Context | Best Phrase | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Formal email to a client | “I will investigate this matter and provide an update by tomorrow.” | Very formal, clear deadline |
| Professional email to a manager | “Let me review the details and get back to you shortly.” | Professional, respectful |
| Casual conversation with a coworker | “Let me check and let you know.” | Informal, friendly |
| Polite everyday request | “I will look into it and come back to you.” | Neutral, polite |
| Speaking in a meeting | “I will confirm that and follow up with everyone.” | Professional, group-oriented |
Natural Examples for Different Situations
Example 1: In a Formal Email to a Client
Situation: A client asks about a delivery date that you need to confirm with your warehouse.
What to write:
“Thank you for your inquiry. I will check with our logistics team and update you on the delivery schedule by the end of the business day.”
Example 2: In a Quick Chat with a Colleague
Situation: A coworker asks if you have the latest sales report.
What to say:
“I am not sure if I have the final version. Let me look it up and get back to you in a few minutes.”
Example 3: During a Team Meeting
Situation: Your manager asks for a specific number that you do not have at hand.
What to say:
“I do not have that figure right now, but I will verify it and share it with the team after the meeting.”
Example 4: On the Phone with a Customer
Situation: A customer asks about a refund status.
What to say:
“Let me check your account details and call you back within the hour with an update.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Saying “I will check” without a follow-up plan
If you only say “I will check,” the other person does not know when to expect an answer. This can make you seem unreliable.
Fix: Always add a time frame or a next step. For example: “I will check and get back to you before lunch.”
Mistake 2: Using a very casual phrase in a formal email
Saying “I will check and let you know” in an email to a senior manager or client can sound too informal.
Fix: Use “I will review the information and provide an update.”
Mistake 3: Promising to get back but never doing it
This is the biggest mistake. If you say you will get back to someone, you must follow through. If you forget, you lose trust.
Fix: Write a quick note or set a reminder immediately after you say the phrase.
Mistake 4: Using “I will revert” incorrectly
Some learners use “I will revert” to mean “I will get back to you.” In many workplaces, especially in the US and UK, this sounds unnatural or overly formal.
Fix: Use “I will get back to you” or “I will follow up.”
Better Alternatives for Specific Situations
When you need to sound more confident
- “I will find the answer and let you know.”
- “Let me confirm that and come back to you.”
When you need to sound more polite
- “I will look into this for you and get back to you as soon as possible.”
- “Let me check on that and update you shortly.”
When you are in a hurry
- “I will check and get back to you in a moment.”
- “Let me verify and reply quickly.”
When you want to show extra care
- “I will personally look into this and send you a detailed response by tomorrow.”
- “Let me double-check everything and give you a complete answer.”
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the best phrase for each situation. Answers are below.
1. You are writing an email to a new client who asked about pricing.
a) “I will check and let you know.”
b) “I will review our pricing options and send you a detailed quote by the end of the day.”
c) “Let me check and get back.”
2. A coworker asks you a quick question during a coffee break.
a) “I will investigate this matter and provide an update.”
b) “Let me check and tell you in a minute.”
c) “I will revert to you shortly.”
3. Your manager asks for a number during a meeting.
a) “I do not have it. I will check.”
b) “I will confirm that number and share it with everyone after the meeting.”
c) “Let me look it up and get back.”
4. A customer calls and asks about an order status.
a) “I will check and call you back within an hour.”
b) “I will check.”
c) “Let me see.”
Answers:
1. b – This is professional and gives a clear deadline.
2. b – This is natural and friendly for a casual conversation.
3. b – This is professional and shows you will follow up with the whole team.
4. a – This gives a specific time frame, which is reassuring for a customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it okay to say “I will check and get back to you” in a formal email?
Yes, but it is better to add a time frame or a more formal verb. For example, “I will review the details and get back to you by tomorrow morning” sounds more professional than just “I will check.”
2. What is the difference between “get back to you” and “come back to you”?
Both are correct and mean the same thing. “Get back to you” is more common in American English. “Come back to you” is also used and sounds slightly more polite in some contexts. You can use either one.
3. Can I use “I will revert” instead of “I will get back to you”?
It depends on your workplace. In some companies, especially in India and parts of Asia, “I will revert” is common. However, in the US, UK, and Australia, it sounds unnatural or overly formal. It is safer to use “I will get back to you” or “I will follow up.”
4. How do I make sure I do not forget to get back to someone?
Right after you say or write the phrase, set a reminder on your phone, write a note on a sticky pad, or send yourself a quick email. If you promised to get back by a certain time, set an alarm. Following through is just as important as the phrase itself.
Final Tips for Using This Phrase at Work
Using “I will check and get back to you” is a simple but powerful way to show professionalism. To use it well, remember these three points:
- Always add a time frame. This shows respect for the other person’s time.
- Match your tone to the situation. Use formal versions for clients and managers, and casual versions for close coworkers.
- Follow through. The phrase is only useful if you actually get back to the person. Make it a habit to follow up.
For more help with polite and professional language at work, explore our Workplace Speaking Phrases section. You can also find useful alternatives in our Professional Email Alternatives category. If you have questions about using these phrases in your own writing, visit our FAQ page or contact us for more guidance.
