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 reply later, the phrase “I will check and get back to you” works, but it can sound too direct or vague depending on the situation. The best way to say it depends on whether you are writing a professional email, speaking with a colleague, or chatting with a friend. This guide gives you clear formal and casual alternatives, explains when to use each, and helps you avoid common mistakes so you sound natural and appropriate in any context.
Quick Answer: Choose Your Tone
For formal situations (emails to clients, managers, or people you don’t know well), use phrases like “I will look into this and follow up with you” or “I will investigate and provide an update.” For casual situations (talking to coworkers, friends, or in informal chats), say “Let me check and get back to you” or “I’ll find out and let you know.” The key difference is formality: formal versions use complete sentences and polite hedging, while casual versions are shorter and more direct.
Formal Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
Formal phrases are best for professional emails, official correspondence, or when you need to show respect and reliability. They often include words like “review,” “investigate,” “follow up,” or “update.” These phrases sound more polished and give the impression that you are taking the matter seriously.
Common Formal Alternatives
- I will look into this and follow up with you. – Neutral and professional. Use in most business emails.
- I will review the details and provide an update. – Good when you need to examine information before replying.
- I will investigate this matter and get back to you. – Slightly more serious. Use for problems or complaints.
- I will confirm the information and revert to you. – Common in British English. Means “reply.”
- I will check with the relevant team and update you accordingly. – Use when you need to consult others.
When to Use Formal Versions
Use these in emails to clients, senior colleagues, or external partners. They are also appropriate in written reports, customer service replies, or any situation where you want to sound professional and thorough. Avoid using them with close friends or in casual chats, as they can sound stiff or overly serious.
Natural Examples
Example 1 (Email to a client): “Thank you for your inquiry. I will review the contract details and provide an update by Friday.”
Example 2 (To a manager): “I will investigate the issue with the server and follow up with you once I have more information.”
Example 3 (Customer service): “I will check with our billing department and revert to you within 24 hours.”
Casual Ways to Say ‘I will check and get back to you’
Casual phrases are perfect for conversations with coworkers, friends, or in informal settings. They are shorter, use contractions, and often include words like “let you know” or “find out.” These versions sound friendly and relaxed.
Common Casual Alternatives
- Let me check and get back to you. – Simple and natural. Works in most informal situations.
- I’ll find out and let you know. – Very common in spoken English.
- I’ll look into it and tell you what I find. – Friendly and clear.
- I’ll check and shoot you a message. – Very casual. Use with close friends or teammates.
- Give me a moment to check, and I’ll get back to you. – Slightly more polite but still casual.
When to Use Casual Versions
Use these in face-to-face conversations, instant messages, or emails to colleagues you know well. They are also fine in informal team chats or when the topic is not very serious. Avoid using them in formal written communication or with people you don’t know well, as they can sound unprofessional.
Natural Examples
Example 1 (To a coworker): “Sure, let me check the schedule and get back to you.”
Example 2 (To a friend): “I’m not sure about the time. I’ll find out and let you know.”
Example 3 (In a team chat): “I’ll look into it and tell you what I find. Give me a few minutes.”
Comparison Table: Formal vs Casual
| Situation | Formal Version | Casual Version |
|---|---|---|
| General inquiry | I will look into this and follow up. | Let me check and get back to you. |
| Need to research | I will review the details and provide an update. | I’ll find out and let you know. |
| Problem or complaint | I will investigate this matter and get back to you. | I’ll look into it and tell you what I find. |
| Consulting others | I will check with the team and update you. | I’ll ask around and let you know. |
| Quick reply | I will confirm and revert to you. | I’ll check and shoot you a message. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing tones in one sentence. For example, “I will check and get back to you ASAP” – “ASAP” is too casual for a formal email. Use “as soon as possible” or “promptly” instead.
- Using “revert” incorrectly. In British English, “revert” means “reply,” but in American English, it means “return to a previous state.” If your audience is American, use “get back to you” or “reply.”
- Being too vague. “I will check and get back to you” without a time frame can sound unhelpful. Add a specific time, like “by end of day” or “within 24 hours.”
- Overusing “I will.” In casual speech, “I’ll” sounds more natural. In formal writing, “I will” is fine, but don’t repeat it too often.
Better Alternatives for Specific Contexts
For Email Subject Lines
Instead of “Checking” or “Update,” use a clear subject like “Follow-up on your request” (formal) or “Quick check” (casual).
For Customer Service
Use “I will look into this and get back to you within 24 hours” to set clear expectations. Avoid “I’ll check and let you know” as it sounds too vague.
For Team Collaboration
Use “I’ll check with [name] and update the thread” (casual but clear) or “I will coordinate with the relevant department and provide an update” (formal).
Mini Practice: Choose the Right Phrase
Read each situation and choose the best phrase from the options. Answers are below.
- You are emailing a client about a billing error. Which is best?
a) I’ll check and let you know.
b) I will investigate this matter and follow up with you.
c) Let me find out and tell you. - You are chatting with a coworker about a meeting time. Which is best?
a) I will review the schedule and provide an update.
b) I’ll check the calendar and get back to you.
c) I will confirm and revert to you. - You are writing to your manager about a project delay. Which is best?
a) I’ll look into it and tell you what I find.
b) Let me check and shoot you a message.
c) I will look into the issue and update you by tomorrow. - You are texting a friend about dinner plans. Which is best?
a) I will confirm the reservation and revert to you.
b) I’ll check the restaurant and let you know.
c) I will investigate and provide an update.
Answers
- b) Formal and professional for a client complaint.
- b) Casual and clear for a coworker.
- c) Formal and includes a time frame for your manager.
- b) Casual and natural for a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “I will check and get back to you” in a formal email?
Yes, but it is a bit plain. For formal emails, it is better to use a more polished version like “I will look into this and follow up with you.” The original phrase is acceptable but can sound too simple for important correspondence.
2. What is the difference between “get back to you” and “revert to you”?
“Get back to you” is common in both American and British English and means to reply later. “Revert to you” is mainly used in British English and means the same thing, but it can confuse American readers. Stick with “get back to you” for international audiences.
3. Should I always give a time frame when I say I will check?
Yes, if possible. Adding a time frame like “by end of day” or “within 24 hours” shows you are reliable and helps the other person know when to expect your reply. Without it, your response can feel incomplete.
4. Is it rude to say “I’ll check and get back to you” in a casual conversation?
No, it is perfectly fine and natural in casual conversations. It is direct and friendly. Just avoid using it in formal writing or with people who expect a more polished tone.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Tone
Think about your audience and the situation. If you are unsure, it is safer to use a slightly more formal version, especially in writing. You can always adjust to a casual tone once you know the person better. Practice using both formal and casual phrases in your daily conversations and emails to build confidence. For more help with polite and professional language, explore our guides on Polite Everyday Phrases and Professional Email Alternatives. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us for support.
