When a colleague or manager asks you a question you cannot answer immediately, the most professional and clear response is to say you will verify the information and return with an answer. The direct way to say this at work is: “Let me confirm that and get back to you.” This phrase is polite, takes responsibility, and sets a clear expectation. It works in emails, meetings, and casual conversations without sounding vague or unprepared.
Quick Answer: The Best Phrases to Use
If you need a fast, professional way to say “I will check and get back to you,” use one of these options depending on your situation:
- For a formal email: “I will verify the details and follow up with you shortly.”
- For a meeting or phone call: “Let me look into that and get back to you.”
- For a casual conversation with a teammate: “I’ll check and let you know.”
- For a customer or client: “I will confirm this and return to you with an update.”
Each of these phrases shows you are reliable and that you value the other person’s time.
Understanding the Context: Formal vs. Informal
The way you say “I will check and get back to you” changes based on who you are speaking to and the setting. In a workplace, you need to match your tone to the situation.
Formal Contexts
Use formal language when speaking to a senior manager, a client, or in a written email. Formal phrases sound more respectful and thorough.
Examples:
- “I will review the data and provide an answer by the end of the day.”
- “Please allow me to investigate this matter and revert to you.”
- “I will check with the relevant department and update you accordingly.”
Notice that formal phrases often include words like “review,” “investigate,” “revert,” and “accordingly.” These words add a sense of professionalism and precision.
Informal Contexts
Use casual language with close colleagues, in quick chats, or during team stand-ups. Informal phrases are shorter and friendlier.
Examples:
- “I’ll check and get back to you.”
- “Let me find out and let you know.”
- “I’ll look it up and tell you later.”
Informal phrases often drop words like “will” and use contractions like “I’ll” and “let you know.” They sound natural and relaxed.
Comparison Table: Formal vs. Casual Phrases
| Situation | Formal Phrase | Casual Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Email to a client | “I will verify the information and revert to you.” | “I’ll check and get back to you.” |
| Meeting with boss | “Let me confirm the details and follow up.” | “I’ll look into it and let you know.” |
| Chat with coworker | “I will investigate and update you.” | “I’ll check and tell you.” |
| Phone call with customer | “I will review your request and call you back.” | “I’ll check and call you back.” |
Use the formal column for written communication or when speaking to someone in authority. Use the casual column for quick, spoken exchanges with people you know well.
Natural Examples in Workplace Situations
Here are real-life examples of how to use these phrases in different work scenarios.
Example 1: In a Team Meeting
Situation: Your manager asks for the sales numbers from last quarter, but you don’t have them ready.
You say: “I don’t have that data in front of me right now. Let me pull the report and get back to you before the end of the meeting.”
Why it works: You acknowledge the gap, state your action, and give a clear timeline.
Example 2: In an Email to a Client
Situation: A client asks if a product can be delivered by Friday.
You write: “Thank you for your inquiry. I will check with our logistics team and confirm the delivery date. I will get back to you within two hours.”
Why it works: You show you are taking action and you set a specific time for the follow-up.
Example 3: In a Casual Chat with a Colleague
Situation: A teammate asks if you have the updated project timeline.
You say: “I think I have it saved somewhere. I’ll check and let you know in a minute.”
Why it works: It is honest, quick, and friendly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
English learners often make small errors when using these phrases. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “revert” incorrectly
Incorrect: “I will revert back to you.”
Correct: “I will revert to you.”
Explanation: “Revert” already means “to go back.” Adding “back” is redundant. In business English, “revert” is common in formal emails, but it can sound old-fashioned. Use “get back to you” for a more natural tone.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to set a timeline
Incorrect: “I will check and get back to you.” (no time given)
Better: “I will check and get back to you by 3 PM.”
Explanation: Without a timeline, the other person does not know when to expect an answer. Adding a specific time shows respect and reliability.
Mistake 3: Using “I will check” too often
Incorrect: “I will check and get back to you. I will check and let you know.” (repeated)
Better: “Let me verify that and follow up.”
Explanation: Repeating the same phrase sounds robotic. Use synonyms like “verify,” “confirm,” “look into,” or “investigate” to vary your language.
Mistake 4: Being too vague
Incorrect: “I’ll get back to you sometime.”
Better: “I’ll get back to you after I check with the team.”
Explanation: “Sometime” is too vague. Explain what you will do and when.
Better Alternatives for Different Situations
Instead of always saying “I will check and get back to you,” use these alternatives to sound more professional and natural.
When you need to research
- “I will look into this and provide an update.”
- “Let me research that and come back to you.”
- “I will investigate and share my findings.”
When you need to ask someone else
- “I will consult with the team and get back to you.”
- “Let me ask the expert and follow up.”
- “I will check with the relevant person and confirm.”
When you need to review documents
- “I will review the file and respond shortly.”
- “Let me go through the report and get back to you.”
- “I will examine the details and update you.”
When you want to sound more confident
- “I will confirm this and return with an answer.”
- “Let me verify and get back to you with certainty.”
- “I will double-check and follow up.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers, then check the suggested responses below.
Question 1
Your boss asks for a budget update during a meeting. You do not have the numbers. What do you say? (Formal)
Suggested answer: “I do not have the budget figures right now. Let me review the spreadsheet and get back to you within 30 minutes.”
Question 2
A coworker asks if you finished the report. You are not sure. What do you say? (Casual)
Suggested answer: “I think I did, but let me check and let you know.”
Question 3
You receive an email from a client asking about a discount. You need to check with your manager. Write a short email reply.
Suggested answer: “Dear [Client], Thank you for your message. I will check with my manager regarding the discount and get back to you by tomorrow morning. Best regards, [Your Name]”
Question 4
You are on a phone call with a supplier. They ask about an order status you do not know. What do you say?
Suggested answer: “I do not have that information at the moment. I will check with our warehouse and call you back within the hour.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “I will revert to you” correct English?
Yes, “I will revert to you” is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal business emails, especially in British English. However, it can sound stiff. For most workplace situations, “I will get back to you” is more natural and widely understood.
2. Should I always give a timeline when I say I will check?
Yes, it is best practice to give a specific time or deadline. Saying “I will get back to you by 5 PM” shows you are organized and respectful of the other person’s time. If you cannot give an exact time, say something like “later today” or “within the next hour.”
3. Can I use “I will check and get back to you” in an email?
Yes, it works in emails, but it is a bit informal for very formal correspondence. In a professional email, consider using “I will verify the information and follow up with you” or “I will confirm the details and revert to you.”
4. What is the difference between “check” and “verify”?
“Check” is more general and casual. It means to look at something to see if it is correct. “Verify” is more formal and precise. It means to confirm the truth or accuracy of something. Use “verify” in formal emails or when dealing with important data.
Final Tips for Using These Phrases
To sound natural and professional at work, remember these three tips:
- Match your tone to the situation. Use formal language with clients and managers. Use casual language with teammates.
- Always set a clear expectation. Tell the person when they can expect your answer. This builds trust.
- Vary your vocabulary. Do not repeat the same phrase. Use synonyms like “confirm,” “verify,” “look into,” and “follow up.”
For more help with workplace communication, explore our Workplace Speaking Phrases category. If you have questions about this guide, please contact us. You can also read our Editorial Policy to learn how we create our content.
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