Polite Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
If you need to tell someone you will verify information and respond later, the direct phrase “I will check and get back to you” is clear but can feel a bit flat or vague in polite conversation. The most effective polite alternatives depend on your relationship with the listener, the urgency of the request, and whether you are speaking or writing. For everyday polite use, try “Let me look into that and follow up with you shortly” or “I will confirm the details and update you as soon as I can.” These phrases show you are taking responsibility without making a promise you cannot keep.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead
Here are three ready-to-use polite alternatives for different situations:
- For a colleague or friend: “Let me check on that and get right back to you.”
- For a customer or client: “I will look into this and follow up with you by the end of the day.”
- For a manager or senior person: “I will verify the information and update you as soon as I have an answer.”
Understanding the Tone and Context
The original phrase “I will check and get back to you” is neutral. It works in many situations, but it can sound abrupt or impersonal. The key is to adjust the level of formality and the amount of detail you give. In a professional email, you might want to sound more organized. In a casual conversation, you can be more direct but still polite. The nuance is about showing you care about the other person’s time and need.
Formal vs. Informal Versions
Formal (email or professional setting): “I will investigate this matter and provide you with an update by tomorrow morning.” This version uses stronger verbs like “investigate” and “provide” and gives a clear timeline.
Informal (chat or quick conversation): “Let me check real quick and I’ll let you know.” This is friendly and fast, suitable for a coworker you know well.
Comparison Table: Common Alternatives
| Alternative Phrase | Tone | Best Used In | Key Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Let me look into that and follow up. | Polite, professional | Email, phone call | Shows you will investigate, not just check. |
| I will confirm and get back to you. | Formal, precise | Client communication | Implies you need to verify facts. |
| I will find out and update you. | Neutral, friendly | Team chat, casual email | Simple and direct, but still polite. |
| Let me double-check that for you. | Helpful, reassuring | Customer service | Shows you are being careful. |
| I will research this and come back to you. | Formal, thorough | Detailed requests | Suggests you need time to gather information. |
Natural Examples in Context
Seeing these phrases in real situations helps you choose the right one. Below are examples for email and conversation.
Email Examples
Example 1 (Polite and professional):
“Dear Ms. Chen,
Thank you for your question about the delivery schedule. I will look into this and follow up with you by the end of the week. Please let me know if you need anything else in the meantime.
Best regards,
James”
Example 2 (Friendly but clear):
“Hi Tom,
Thanks for sending that file. Let me check the details and get back to you later today. I want to make sure everything is correct before I reply.
Thanks,
Sarah”
Conversation Examples
Example 1 (In a meeting):
Manager: “Can you confirm the budget numbers for next quarter?”
You: “I will verify the figures and update you before the end of the meeting.”
Example 2 (On the phone with a customer):
Customer: “I need to know if my order has shipped.”
You: “Let me double-check that for you right now. I will have an answer in just a moment.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
English learners often make small errors that change the tone or clarity of this phrase. Here are the most common ones:
- Mistake 1: Saying “I will check and revert back.” The word “revert” is often used incorrectly in business English. “Revert” means to go back to a previous state, not to reply. Use “get back to you” or “follow up” instead.
- Mistake 2: Giving no timeline. “I will check and get back to you” is vague. Adding a time frame like “later today” or “by tomorrow” shows respect for the other person’s schedule.
- Mistake 3: Using “I will check” too many times. If you say this repeatedly in one conversation, it sounds like you are not sure. Vary your language with “look into,” “confirm,” or “verify.”
- Mistake 4: Forgetting to actually follow up. The phrase is a promise. If you do not respond, you lose trust. Always set a reminder to reply.
Better Alternatives for Specific Situations
Sometimes you need a phrase that fits a very specific context. Here are targeted alternatives.
When You Need More Time
If the request is complex, say: “This requires a bit of research. I will gather the information and get back to you by Friday.” This sets realistic expectations.
When You Are in a Hurry
If you are busy but want to be polite, say: “I will check on that as soon as I finish this task and let you know.” This shows you are prioritizing but not ignoring them.
When You Want to Sound More Helpful
Instead of just saying you will check, add a helpful offer: “Let me look into that for you. In the meantime, here is a document that might help.” This adds value.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Try to choose the best polite alternative for each situation.
Question 1: A customer emails you asking about a refund. You need to check the policy. What do you reply?
A) “I will check and get back to you.”
B) “Let me review our refund policy and update you within 24 hours.”
C) “Check later.”
Answer: B. It is polite, gives a timeline, and shows you will review the policy carefully.
Question 2: Your colleague asks you a quick question about a project deadline. You are busy but can answer soon. What do you say?
A) “I will investigate this matter and provide a report.”
B) “Let me check my notes and get back to you in a few minutes.”
C) “I don’t know.”
Answer: B. It is friendly, honest, and gives a short timeline.
Question 3: Your manager asks for a sales figure during a meeting. You are not sure. What do you say?
A) “I will confirm the number and share it before the meeting ends.”
B) “I will check and get back to you.”
C) “Maybe later.”
Answer: A. It is professional and shows you will act quickly.
Question 4: A friend asks if you can meet next week. You need to check your schedule. What do you say?
A) “Let me look at my calendar and let you know tonight.”
B) “I will get back to you.”
C) “I don’t know yet.”
Answer: A. It is polite, specific, and gives a clear time for your reply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it rude to say “I will check and get back to you”?
No, it is not rude, but it can sound a little vague or impersonal. Adding a timeline and a polite tone makes it better. For example, “I will check on that and get back to you shortly” is perfectly fine.
2. Can I use “I will revert” in professional emails?
It is better to avoid “revert” in this context. Many native speakers find it confusing or incorrect. Use “get back to you,” “follow up,” or “update you” instead.
3. What if I forget to get back to someone?
If you forget, apologize briefly and provide the information as soon as you remember. For example: “I apologize for the delay. Here is the information you requested.” Honesty is always the best policy.
4. How do I say this in a very formal letter?
In a formal letter, you can write: “I will investigate the matter and provide you with a detailed response at my earliest convenience.” This is very polite and respectful.
For more polite everyday phrases, explore our Polite Everyday Phrases category. If you need help with professional writing, visit our Professional Email Alternatives section. For questions about our content, please see our FAQ or contact us. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.