When you need to tell someone you will look into something and reply later, the phrase “I will check and get back to you” is a safe choice. However, depending on whether you are writing to your boss, a client, a colleague, or a friend, you should adjust your wording. In formal settings, you want to sound professional and respectful. In casual settings, you can be more direct and relaxed. This guide gives you the exact phrases to use for each situation, with clear examples and explanations.
Quick Answer: Which Phrase Should You Use?
Use “I will investigate the matter and provide an update by [time]” for formal emails to managers or clients. Use “Let me look into it and get back to you” for everyday workplace conversations. Use “I’ll check and let you know” for casual chats with close colleagues or friends. The key difference is the level of detail and the tone of certainty you want to show.
Understanding the Tone Difference
The core meaning of “I will check and get back to you” is the same in all versions: you need time to find information before you can answer. The difference lies in how much responsibility you take, how specific you are about timing, and how formal your vocabulary is. Formal versions often use words like “investigate,” “verify,” or “update,” while casual versions use “look into,” “check,” or “let you know.” Formal versions also tend to include a specific time frame, which shows reliability. Casual versions are more open-ended.
Formal Versions (For Emails, Clients, and Senior Management)
Use these phrases when you want to sound professional, reliable, and respectful. They are ideal for written communication, especially in emails to people you do not know well or who are in a higher position.
1. “I will investigate the matter and provide an update by [time].”
This is the most formal and professional option. It shows you are taking the issue seriously and you are committed to a deadline. Use it for complex problems or when the request comes from a senior person.
Example: “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will investigate the matter and provide an update by end of business tomorrow.”
2. “I will verify the details and revert to you shortly.”
“Revert” is a common formal word in business English meaning “to reply.” This phrase is excellent for professional emails where you need to confirm facts before answering.
Example: “I need to check the contract terms. I will verify the details and revert to you shortly.”
3. “I will look into this and get back to you with my findings.”
This is slightly less formal than “investigate” but still very professional. It works well in both emails and face-to-face meetings with managers.
Example: “That is a good question about the budget. I will look into this and get back to you with my findings.”
Casual Versions (For Colleagues, Friends, and Quick Chats)
Use these phrases when you are speaking with people you know well or in informal settings like instant messaging or casual conversations. They are shorter and more direct.
1. “Let me look into it and get back to you.”
This is the most natural casual version. It is polite but not stiff. It works for almost any informal workplace situation.
Example: “I am not sure about the schedule change. Let me look into it and get back to you.”
2. “I’ll check and let you know.”
This is very short and direct. It is perfect for quick messages or spoken conversations with close teammates.
Example: “Do we have enough stock? I’ll check and let you know.”
3. “Give me a moment to find out.”
This is a friendly, conversational way to ask for time. It is best used in person or on the phone.
Example: “That is a good point. Give me a moment to find out.”
Comparison Table: Formal vs Casual
| Formal Version | Casual Version | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| I will investigate the matter and provide an update by [time]. | Let me look into it and get back to you. | Complex issues or requests from senior staff |
| I will verify the details and revert to you shortly. | I’ll check and let you know. | Quick fact-checking or data confirmation |
| I will look into this and get back to you with my findings. | Give me a moment to find out. | General questions in meetings or conversations |
Natural Examples in Context
Formal Email Example
Subject: Update on your request
Body: Dear Ms. Chen,
Thank you for your inquiry about the delivery timeline. I will investigate the matter and provide an update by Friday afternoon. Please let me know if you need any further information in the meantime.
Best regards,
James
Casual Chat Example
Person A: Hey, do you know if the report is due today?
Person B: I am not sure. Let me look into it and get back to you.
Person A: Thanks!
Workplace Conversation Example
Manager: Can you confirm the client’s availability for next Tuesday?
Employee: I will verify the details and revert to you shortly. I need to check their calendar first.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “revert” in casual conversation
“Revert” is very formal. Do not use it with close colleagues or friends. It can sound strange or overly stiff.
Wrong: “I’ll revert to you later.” (sounds too formal for a casual chat)
Correct: “I’ll get back to you later.”
Mistake 2: Forgetting to specify a time in formal settings
In formal emails, not giving a time frame can make you seem unreliable. Always add “by [time]” or “shortly.”
Weak: “I will investigate the matter and get back to you.”
Better: “I will investigate the matter and get back to you by tomorrow morning.”
Mistake 3: Using “check” too often in formal writing
“Check” is a simple word. In formal writing, use “verify,” “review,” or “investigate” to sound more professional.
Too casual: “I will check and get back to you.” (fine for casual, weak for formal)
Better: “I will review the details and get back to you.”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
For Formal Emails
- “I will review the information and follow up.” Use when you need to read documents before answering.
- “I will confirm the details and update you.” Use when you are sure the answer exists, but you need to find it.
- “I will look into this and revert.” A shorter formal option for internal emails.
For Casual Conversations
- “I’ll find out and tell you.” Very direct and friendly.
- “Let me see and I’ll let you know.” Natural and relaxed.
- “Hang on, I’ll check.” Use in quick, spoken exchanges.
Mini Practice: Choose the Best Phrase
Read each situation and choose the most appropriate phrase from the options. Answers are below.
Question 1: You are writing an email to a client who asked about a pricing error. What do you say?
A) I’ll check and let you know.
B) I will investigate the matter and provide an update by end of day.
C) Give me a moment to find out.
Question 2: Your colleague asks you a quick question about a file name during a meeting. What do you say?
A) I will verify the details and revert to you shortly.
B) Let me look into it and get back to you.
C) I will investigate the matter.
Question 3: You are chatting with a friend who asked if you are free for lunch next week. What do you say?
A) I will confirm the details and update you.
B) I’ll check my schedule and let you know.
C) I will investigate the matter.
Question 4: Your manager asks you to confirm a project deadline in a formal email. What do you say?
A) I’ll check and let you know.
B) Give me a moment to find out.
C) I will verify the details and revert to you shortly.
Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-C
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “I will check and get back to you” in a formal email?
Yes, but it is not the strongest choice. It is acceptable in semi-formal emails, but for very formal situations, use “investigate” or “verify” instead. Adding a time frame also helps.
2. Is “revert” a correct word in business English?
Yes, “revert” meaning “to reply” is common in British and Indian business English. However, it is very formal and can sound odd in American English or casual settings. Use it only in formal written communication.
3. What is the best phrase for a phone call?
For a phone call, use a natural, conversational phrase like “Let me look into it and get back to you” or “Give me a moment to find out.” Avoid very formal phrases like “I will investigate the matter” because they sound too stiff on the phone.
4. Should I always give a specific time when I say I will get back to someone?
In formal settings, yes. It shows you are reliable and respectful of the other person’s time. In casual settings, it is not always necessary, but it is still a good habit. Even a simple “I’ll check and let you know later today” is better than no time at all.
Final Tip
Choose your phrase based on who you are talking to and how you are communicating. For formal emails, be specific and use professional vocabulary. For casual chats, be short and natural. The most important thing is to actually follow up. No matter which phrase you use, make sure you do check and get back to the person. That builds trust and shows you are dependable.
For more help with professional communication, explore our guides on Polite Everyday Phrases and Professional Email Alternatives. You can also learn about our editorial policy or visit our FAQ page for common questions.
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