Formal vs Casual Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
When you need to tell someone you will look into something and respond later, the phrase “I will check and get back to you” works in many situations. However, the right version depends on who you are talking to and the setting. In formal contexts—such as emails to clients, managers, or professors—you should use more polished, respectful language. In casual settings with friends, family, or close coworkers, a relaxed and direct phrase is better. This guide gives you clear options for both formal and casual use, with examples and practice to help you choose the right tone every time.
Quick Answer: Which Version Should You Use?
- Formal: Use phrases like “I will investigate and follow up with you” or “I will look into this and update you shortly.” These are best for professional emails, customer service, or any situation where you need to sound respectful and thorough.
- Casual: Use phrases like “Let me check and get back to you” or “I’ll look it up and let you know.” These work well with friends, family, or teammates in relaxed conversations.
Understanding the Difference in Tone
The core meaning of “I will check and get back to you” is simple: you need time to find information before giving an answer. The tone changes based on word choice and sentence structure. Formal versions often use verbs like “investigate,” “review,” or “verify,” and they include polite phrases like “at your earliest convenience” or “as soon as possible.” Casual versions use contractions, simpler verbs like “check” or “look,” and a more direct style. The context also matters: formal phrases are common in written communication, while casual ones appear more in spoken conversation or informal messages.
Comparison Table: Formal vs Casual Versions
| Situation | Formal Version | Casual Version |
|---|---|---|
| Email to a client | I will review the details and follow up with you. | I’ll check and get back to you. |
| Response to a manager | I will investigate this matter and provide an update. | Let me look into it and let you know. |
| Customer service reply | I will verify the information and contact you shortly. | I’ll check and get back to you soon. |
| Text to a friend | I will confirm and respond later. | Let me check and I’ll text you back. |
| Meeting follow-up | I will examine the data and report back to the team. | I’ll look it up and tell you what I find. |
Formal Ways to Say ‘I Will Check and Get Back to You’
Use these phrases in professional emails, official correspondence, or any situation where you want to show respect and competence. They are especially useful when speaking with clients, supervisors, or people you do not know well.
1. I will investigate and follow up with you.
This version is strong and thorough. It suggests you will do a careful review, not just a quick look. Use it when the matter is important or complex.
Example: “Thank you for your inquiry. I will investigate the issue and follow up with you within 24 hours.”
2. I will review the matter and provide an update.
This is a polite and professional way to say you need time. It works well in emails to colleagues or clients.
Example: “I will review the matter and provide an update by the end of the day.”
3. I will look into this and get back to you shortly.
This is a slightly less formal but still professional option. “Look into” is common in workplace English and sounds natural without being too casual.
Example: “I will look into this and get back to you shortly with the details you requested.”
4. I will verify the information and respond as soon as possible.
Use this when you need to confirm facts or data before answering. It shows you care about accuracy.
Example: “I will verify the information and respond as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.”
5. I will examine the details and follow up at my earliest convenience.
This is very formal and polite. It is best for written communication with senior management or external partners.
Example: “I will examine the details and follow up at my earliest convenience.”
Casual Ways to Say ‘I Will Check and Get Back to You’
Use these phrases in everyday conversation, text messages, or informal emails with people you know well. They are direct and friendly.
1. Let me check and get back to you.
This is the most common casual version. It is simple and clear.
Example: “Let me check and get back to you. I should know in a few minutes.”
2. I’ll look it up and let you know.
This is perfect for quick questions, like checking a fact or a schedule.
Example: “I’ll look it up and let you know what time the movie starts.”
3. I’ll check and text you later.
Use this when you are speaking with a friend or family member and plan to reply by text.
Example: “I’ll check and text you later. Don’t worry about it.”
4. Give me a moment to check, and I’ll get back to you.
This is slightly more polite but still casual. It works well in face-to-face conversations.
Example: “Give me a moment to check, and I’ll get back to you. I just need to find the email.”
5. I’ll find out and tell you.
This is very direct and friendly. It is best for informal settings.
Example: “I’ll find out and tell you as soon as I know.”
Natural Examples in Context
Here are real-life situations showing how to use these phrases correctly.
Formal Example: Email to a Client
Subject: Update on Your Request
Dear Mr. Chen,
Thank you for reaching out. I will review the contract details and follow up with you by Friday. Please let me know if you need anything else in the meantime.
Best regards,
Sarah
Casual Example: Text to a Friend
Friend: “Do you know if the store is open tomorrow?”
You: “Not sure. Let me check and text you back.”
Formal Example: In a Meeting
“I will investigate the sales figures and provide an update at our next meeting.”
Casual Example: In a Conversation
“I’ll look it up and let you know. Give me a second.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using casual language in formal emails. Avoid “I’ll check and get back to you” when writing to a client or boss. Instead, use “I will review and follow up.”
- Being too vague. Saying “I will get back to you” without a timeframe can sound unprofessional. Add a specific time, like “within 24 hours” or “by tomorrow.”
- Overusing “as soon as possible.” This phrase can sound impatient or vague. Use it sparingly and only when you mean it.
- Forgetting to follow up. If you say you will check and get back to someone, make sure you actually do. Not following up damages trust.
Better Alternatives for Specific Situations
Sometimes you need a phrase that fits a particular context. Here are a few targeted options.
When you need more time
“I will need to research this further and will update you once I have a complete answer.”
When the answer is urgent
“I will prioritize this and get back to you within the hour.”
When you are unsure
“Let me confirm with the team, and I will follow up with you shortly.”
When you want to sound helpful
“I will look into this right away and keep you informed.”
Mini Practice: Choose the Best Version
Read each situation and decide which phrase is most appropriate. Answers are below.
- You are writing an email to a new client who asked about a product.
a) I’ll check and get back to you.
b) I will review the product details and follow up with you. - Your friend asks if you can meet for coffee tomorrow.
a) I will investigate my schedule and provide an update.
b) Let me check and text you later. - Your manager asks for a report update during a team meeting.
a) I’ll look it up and let you know.
b) I will examine the data and report back to the team. - You are texting your sibling about dinner plans.
a) I will verify the restaurant hours and respond as soon as possible.
b) I’ll check and let you know.
Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-b
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “I will check and get back to you” in a formal email?
It is acceptable in some workplaces, but it is better to use a more polished version like “I will review and follow up.” The original phrase sounds a bit casual for formal written communication.
2. What is the most polite way to say this?
“I will investigate the matter and follow up with you at my earliest convenience” is very polite. It shows respect for the other person’s time and the importance of the issue.
3. Should I always give a timeframe?
Yes, if possible. Adding a specific time, such as “within 24 hours” or “by the end of the day,” helps the other person know when to expect your reply. It also shows you are reliable.
4. How do I say this in a casual text message?
Use short, direct phrases like “Let me check and get back to you” or “I’ll look it up and let you know.” You can also say “I’ll check and text you later.”
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Phrase
Think about your audience and the situation. If you are writing to someone you do not know well, or if the topic is important, choose a formal version. If you are talking to a friend or coworker you are close with, a casual version is fine. Always consider whether you need to add a timeframe to show you are reliable. With practice, you will naturally choose the right tone every time.
For more help with professional language, explore our guides on Professional Email Alternatives and Workplace Speaking Phrases. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.