Is ‘I will check and get back to you’ Correct in a Professional Email?
Yes, the phrase “I will check and get back to you” is grammatically correct and widely used in professional emails. It is a clear, polite, and practical way to let someone know you need time to find information before giving a full response. While it is not overly formal, it is perfectly acceptable for most workplace communication, especially when you want to sound helpful and reliable without making a promise you cannot keep immediately.
Quick Answer
Use “I will check and get back to you” when you need to verify facts, look up details, or confirm something before replying. It works well in internal team emails, customer support messages, and casual professional conversations. For very formal or high-stakes communication, you might choose a slightly more polished alternative, but this phrase is rarely wrong.
Understanding the Tone and Context
The phrase sits comfortably in the middle of the formality scale. It is not as stiff as “I shall investigate the matter and revert” nor as casual as “Let me look it up and tell you later.” It strikes a balance that feels professional without being cold. The word “check” implies a quick action, so it reassures the reader that you are on top of the request. “Get back to you” is a standard phrasal verb in business English that means “reply with an answer.”
When to Use It
- In reply to a question about a project status, pricing, or availability.
- After receiving a request that requires you to consult a database, a colleague, or a document.
- When you want to acknowledge the message and set a clear expectation for a follow-up.
When to Avoid It
- If you already have the answer, just give it directly.
- In extremely formal legal or financial correspondence where “revert” or “advise” might be preferred.
- If you know you will not be able to check soon, it is better to give a specific timeline.
Comparison Table: Formal vs. Informal Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| I will check and get back to you. | Neutral / Professional | General business emails, customer support, team chats |
| I shall investigate and revert. | Very Formal | Legal, regulatory, or high-level corporate communication |
| Let me look into it and let you know. | Casual / Friendly | Internal messages, colleagues you know well |
| I will confirm and update you shortly. | Polished / Professional | Client-facing emails where you want to sound proactive |
| I need to check first. | Informal / Direct | Quick instant messages or verbal conversations |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how the phrase appears in real email contexts. Notice how the surrounding language changes the overall tone.
- Customer support email: “Thank you for your order inquiry. I will check our current stock levels and get back to you within 24 hours.”
- Internal team message: “Good question about the deadline. I will check with the project lead and get back to you before the meeting.”
- Sales follow-up: “I appreciate your interest in our premium plan. I will check the available features for your region and get back to you with a detailed comparison.”
- Colleague reply: “I am not sure about the file version. I will check the shared drive and get back to you in a few minutes.”
Common Mistakes
Even though the phrase is simple, learners sometimes make small errors. Here are the most frequent ones to watch out for.
- Mistake: “I will check and get back to you soon.”
Correction: This is actually fine, but avoid adding “soon” if you do not mean it. Be specific when possible. - Mistake: “I will check and revert back to you.”
Correction: “Revert” already means “go back,” so “revert back” is redundant. Use “revert” alone or “get back.” - Mistake: “I will check and come back to you.”
Correction: “Come back” is for physical return. Use “get back” for replies. - Mistake: “I will check and get back to you, okay?”
Correction: Avoid “okay?” in professional emails. It can sound uncertain or too casual.
Better Alternatives for Different Situations
Depending on the level of formality and the urgency of the request, you can choose a more suitable phrase.
For Formal Emails
- “I will review the details and revert to you by end of day.”
- “I will investigate the matter and provide an update shortly.”
- “Please allow me to verify the information before responding.”
For Neutral Professional Emails
- “I will confirm the information and follow up with you.”
- “Let me check with the relevant team and get back to you.”
- “I will look into this and update you as soon as possible.”
For Casual or Quick Replies
- “Let me check and let you know.”
- “I will find out and tell you.”
- “Give me a moment to check.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the best option for each scenario.
- You are writing to a new client who asked about a service feature. What is the best reply?
A. “I will check and get back to you.”
B. “I will check and revert back to you.”
C. “I will check and come back to you.”
Answer: A. It is clear and professional. B is redundant, and C is incorrect for email replies. - You are in a very formal email to a senior executive. Which phrase is most appropriate?
A. “I will check and get back to you.”
B. “I will investigate and revert.”
C. “Let me check and let you know.”
Answer: B. It is more formal and suitable for high-level communication. - You are chatting with a coworker on instant messaging. What sounds natural?
A. “I shall investigate and revert.”
B. “I will check and get back to you.”
C. “Let me check and tell you.”
Answer: C. It is direct and casual, perfect for quick chats. - You want to sound proactive and professional in a client email. Which is best?
A. “I will check and get back to you.”
B. “I will confirm and update you shortly.”
C. “I need to check first.”
Answer: B. It sounds more polished and action-oriented.
FAQ
1. Is “I will check and get back to you” too informal for a job application email?
It depends on the context. If you are replying to a recruiter’s question during the application process, it is acceptable. However, for a cover letter or initial inquiry, use a more formal phrase like “I will review the requirements and respond accordingly.”
2. Can I use this phrase in a verbal conversation?
Yes, it works well in spoken English too. In a meeting or phone call, you can say, “I will check and get back to you on that point.” It sounds natural and professional.
3. Should I always add a time frame?
It is not required, but it is helpful. Adding “by tomorrow” or “within an hour” shows respect for the other person’s time. Without a time frame, the phrase can feel vague.
4. What is the difference between “get back to you” and “revert”?
“Get back to you” is common in American and international business English. “Revert” is more common in British and Indian English, especially in formal writing. Both mean the same thing, but “revert” can sound stiff in casual American emails.
For more help with professional email language, explore our Email Phrase Corrections section. You can also check our Grammar Accuracy Checks for related topics. If you have questions about this guide, visit our FAQ or contact us. To understand how we create content, see our Editorial Policy.