How to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’ at Work

When a colleague or manager asks for information you don’t have at hand, the most direct and professional response is to say you will check and get back to them. This phrase is clear, honest, and sets the right expectation. However, depending on the situation—whether you are speaking in a meeting, writing an email, or talking one-on-one—you may need to adjust the wording to sound more formal, more casual, or more confident. This guide gives you the best alternatives for every workplace context, with practical examples and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer: Best Alternatives at a Glance

If you need a ready-to-use phrase right now, here are the top choices for different situations:

• Formal email: “I will look into this and follow up with you shortly.”
• Casual conversation: “Let me check and get back to you.”
• During a meeting: “I’ll confirm that and update you after the meeting.”
• To a manager: “I will investigate and report back by the end of the day.”
• To a client: “I will review the details and respond as soon as possible.”

Understanding the Tone: Formal vs. Casual

The phrase “I will check and get back to you” sits comfortably in the middle of the formality scale. It is polite enough for most workplace conversations but can feel too direct for formal written communication or too stiff for a quick chat with a teammate. The key is to match your wording to the relationship and the medium.

Formal Tone

Use formal alternatives when writing to clients, senior management, or in official emails. Formal language shows respect and professionalism. It often uses words like investigate, review, confirm, or follow up instead of check.

Casual Tone

Casual versions work well with close colleagues, in instant messages, or during informal team stand-ups. They are shorter and use everyday verbs like look, see, or find out.

Comparison Table: Formal vs. Casual Alternatives

Natural Examples in Workplace Situations

Seeing the phrase in real contexts helps you understand when and how to use it. Below are examples for different workplace scenarios.

Example 1: Email to a Client

Situation: A client asks about a delivery date you are not sure about.

Dear Mr. Chen,

Thank you for your inquiry. I will check with our logistics team and get back to you with the exact delivery date by the end of the day. Please let me know if you need any further information in the meantime.

Best regards,
Sarah

Example 2: During a Team Meeting

Situation: Your manager asks for the latest sales figures, but you do not have them ready.

“I don’t have the final numbers right now, but I will check the report and get back to you before the end of the meeting.”

Example 3: Casual Conversation with a Colleague

Situation: A coworker asks if you can join a project meeting next Tuesday.

“I’m not sure about my schedule yet. Let me check and get back to you in five minutes.”

Example 4: Formal Written Response

Situation: A supplier sends a request for a price adjustment.

“We have received your proposal. Our team will review the terms and revert with a decision within three business days.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even native speakers make small errors when using this phrase. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Being Vague About Timing

Wrong: “I will check and get back to you.” (No time frame can feel unprofessional.)
Right: “I will check and get back to you by this afternoon.”

Mistake 2: Using “Revert” Incorrectly

In some business contexts, revert is used to mean “reply.” However, in standard English, revert means to return to a previous state. Avoid it unless your workplace uses it commonly.
Better: “I will review and reply to you.”

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Follow Up

If you say you will get back to someone, you must actually do it. Not following up damages trust. Always set a reminder.

Mistake 4: Overpromising Speed

Wrong: “I will check and get back to you in five minutes.” (If you cannot keep that promise, it looks bad.)
Right: “I will check and get back to you as soon as possible, likely within an hour.”

Better Alternatives for Specific Situations

Choosing the right phrase depends on who you are talking to and what you need to do. Here are targeted alternatives.

When You Need to Investigate Thoroughly

• “I will look into this matter and provide a full update.”
• “Let me investigate and report back with my findings.”
• “I will research the issue and get back to you with a solution.”

When You Need to Confirm Information

• “I will verify the details and confirm with you.”
• “Let me double-check and let you know.”
• “I will confirm the schedule and update you.”

When You Are in a Hurry or Informal

• “I’ll check and ping you.”
• “Let me see and I’ll tell you.”
• “I’ll find out and get back to you.”

When Writing a Formal Email

• “I will review the information and respond at my earliest convenience.”
• “I will examine the request and follow up with a detailed answer.”
• “I will assess the situation and revert with a recommendation.”

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the best option for each situation.

Question 1

You are in a meeting with your boss. She asks for a report you haven’t finished. What do you say?

A. “I’ll check and get back to you.”
B. “I will complete the report and share it with you by the end of the day.”
C. “Let me see.”

Answer: B. This is direct, polite, and gives a clear deadline.

Question 2

You are writing an email to a new client. Which phrase is most appropriate?

A. “I’ll check and let you know.”
B. “I will review your request and respond within 24 hours.”
C. “Let me look into it.”

Answer: B. Formal and professional, with a clear time frame.

Question 3

Your teammate asks a quick question in a chat message. What is the best casual reply?

A. “I will investigate and revert.”
B. “I’ll check and tell you in a sec.”
C. “I will look into this matter.”

Answer: B. Short, friendly, and appropriate for chat.

Question 4

You need to check something that will take a few days. How do you set the right expectation?

A. “I will check and get back to you.”
B. “I will look into this and update you by Friday.”
C. “I’ll check now.”

Answer: B. It gives a realistic timeline and shows you are organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is “I will check and get back to you” too informal for a job interview?

Yes, it can feel a little casual. In an interview, use a more polished phrase like “I will look into that and follow up with you” or “I will confirm and get back to you.”

2. Can I use “revert” in place of “get back”?

In some companies, especially in India and parts of Asia, “revert” is commonly used to mean “reply.” However, in standard international English, it is better to use “reply,” “respond,” or “get back to you” to avoid confusion.

3. What if I never find the answer? How do I follow up?

If you cannot find the information, be honest. Say something like: “I have checked several sources but have not been able to confirm the details yet. I will continue looking and update you by tomorrow.”

4. Should I always give a deadline when I say I will check?

Yes, whenever possible. Adding a time frame—like “by the end of the day” or “within two hours”—shows professionalism and helps the other person plan. If you cannot give an exact time, say “as soon as possible” and explain why.

Final Tips for Using This Phrase at Work

Using “I will check and get back to you” is a sign of responsibility, not uncertainty. It shows you are honest about what you know and committed to finding the right answer. To sound more professional, always add a time frame. To sound more confident, use stronger verbs like confirm, verify, or review. And remember: the most important part is actually following up. No matter how polished your phrase is, your actions matter most.

For more help with workplace communication, explore our guides on Workplace Speaking Phrases and Professional Email Alternatives. If you have questions about our content, visit our FAQ page or read our Editorial Policy to learn how we create these resources.