Better Way to Say ‘revert back’ in English
If you want to say revert back in English, the better way is simply to say revert or reply or get back. The phrase revert back is a common redundancy because the prefix re- in revert already means back. Saying revert back is like saying return back or go back back. In professional writing, emails, and everyday conversation, native speakers avoid this repetition. This guide will show you exactly what to use instead, with examples for formal and informal situations.
Quick Answer: What to Use Instead of ‘revert back’
Use one of these clear alternatives depending on your context:
- Revert (formal, technical) – “Please revert with your feedback.”
- Reply (neutral, common) – “Please reply by Friday.”
- Get back to (informal, conversational) – “I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”
- Respond (formal, polite) – “Kindly respond at your earliest convenience.”
- Return (for physical items or to a previous state) – “Return the document to HR.”
Choose the simplest word that fits your tone. Most of the time, reply or get back to works perfectly.
Why ‘revert back’ Is a Mistake
The verb revert comes from Latin revertere, where re- means back and vertere means to turn. So revert already means turn back or go back. Adding back creates a redundancy, similar to saying enter into or refer back. While some people use revert back in Indian English and other regional varieties, it is not considered standard in international business English or academic writing.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
In formal emails, especially in British and American English, revert alone is acceptable but can sound stiff. Many professionals prefer reply or respond. In informal conversation, get back to sounds natural and friendly. Avoid revert back in all contexts to sound more polished.
Comparison Table: ‘revert back’ vs. Better Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| revert back | Redundant / Non-standard | Avoid | “Please revert back soon.” (incorrect) |
| revert | Formal, technical | Legal, IT, formal correspondence | “Please revert with your comments.” |
| reply | Neutral, professional | Emails, business communication | “Please reply to this email.” |
| get back to | Informal, friendly | Conversations, casual emails | “I’ll get back to you later.” |
| respond | Formal, polite | Customer service, official requests | “Kindly respond by Monday.” |
| return | Formal, specific | Physical items, previous state | “Return the signed contract.” |
Natural Examples
Here are real-life sentences showing the better alternatives in action.
Email Context
- Before: “Please revert back with your approval.”
After: “Please revert with your approval.” - Before: “I will revert back to you once I check.”
After: “I will get back to you once I check.” - Before: “Kindly revert back at the earliest.”
After: “Kindly reply at your earliest convenience.”
Conversation Context
- Before: “Can you revert back on this?”
After: “Can you get back to me on this?” - Before: “He reverted back with the report.”
After: “He replied with the report.”
Technical / IT Context
- Before: “The system will revert back to default settings.”
After: “The system will revert to default settings.” - Before: “Revert back the changes.”
After: “Revert the changes.”
Common Mistakes
Learners often make these errors with revert back. Recognize them to avoid them.
- Using ‘revert back’ in formal emails. Many job applicants write “I will revert back to you.” This can sound unprofessional to native speakers. Use “I will reply” or “I will get back to you.”
- Using ‘revert’ when you mean ‘reply’. In everyday English, revert is less common. Saying “Please revert” can confuse readers who expect reply or respond.
- Using ‘revert back’ in conversation. In casual talk, “I’ll revert back” sounds awkward. “I’ll get back to you” is natural and friendly.
- Confusing ‘revert’ with ‘return’. Revert means to go back to a previous state or topic. Return means to give back or come back. Use return for physical objects: “Return the book to the library.”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
1. Use ‘revert’ (without ‘back’) in formal or technical writing
When you need a precise word for going back to a previous state or topic, revert is correct. Example: “After the update, the software will revert to version 2.0.” In legal or IT contexts, “Please revert with your decision” is acceptable but still formal.
2. Use ‘reply’ for most email and business communication
Reply is the safest, most neutral choice. It works in formal and informal settings. Example: “Please reply to this message by noon.”
3. Use ‘get back to’ for informal conversation and casual emails
This phrase is friendly and common. Example: “I’ll get back to you after the meeting.” Avoid it in very formal letters.
4. Use ‘respond’ for polite or official requests
Respond sounds slightly more formal than reply. Example: “We kindly ask you to respond within 48 hours.”
5. Use ‘return’ for physical items or going back to a place
Example: “Please return the form to the front desk.” Do not use revert for physical returns.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the best alternative for each sentence. Answers are below.
- “Please _____ with your feedback by Friday.” (revert back / revert / return)
- “I will _____ to you after I check the schedule.” (revert back / get back / revert)
- “The settings will _____ to default after restart.” (revert back / revert / reply)
- “Kindly _____ to this invitation by tomorrow.” (revert back / respond / get back)
Answers
- revert (or reply) – “Please revert with your feedback by Friday.”
- get back – “I will get back to you after I check the schedule.”
- revert – “The settings will revert to default after restart.”
- respond – “Kindly respond to this invitation by tomorrow.”
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘revert back’
1. Is ‘revert back’ ever correct?
No, it is always redundant. The word revert already means go back. Adding back is unnecessary. Some regional varieties of English use it, but it is not standard in international business or academic English.
2. Can I use ‘revert’ alone in an email?
Yes, but only in formal or technical contexts. For example, “Please revert with your comments” is acceptable in legal or IT emails. In general business writing, reply or respond is clearer and more natural.
3. What is the difference between ‘revert’ and ‘reply’?
Revert means to go back to a previous state, topic, or condition. Reply means to answer a message. In most email situations, you want to reply, not revert.
4. Is ‘revert back’ acceptable in Indian English?
It is commonly used in Indian English, but it is still considered a redundancy. If you are writing for an international audience, it is better to use revert, reply, or get back to to avoid confusion.
Final Tip: Keep It Simple
The best way to avoid the revert back mistake is to choose the simplest word that fits your meaning. In most cases, reply or get back to will work perfectly. If you need a formal tone, use respond or revert (without back). Practice using these alternatives in your emails and conversations, and you will sound more natural and professional.
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