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 commonly used in professional emails. However, its appropriateness depends heavily on your audience, the context, and the tone you want to set. While it is a clear and direct statement, it can sometimes sound a bit informal or vague in very formal business correspondence. This guide will help you understand exactly when to use it, when to avoid it, and what better alternatives exist for different professional situations.

Quick Answer: When to Use “I will check and get back to you”

Use this phrase when you need to verify information before giving a final answer. It works best in:

• Internal team emails with colleagues you know well.
• Casual client relationships where you have established a friendly rapport.
• Quick follow-ups where the request is simple and the answer will come soon.

Avoid it in highly formal proposals, legal correspondence, or when writing to senior executives who expect more precise language.

Breaking Down the Phrase: Tone and Context

Formal vs. Informal Tone

The phrase “I will check and get back to you” sits in the middle of the formality spectrum. It is not as stiff as “I shall investigate the matter and revert” but not as casual as “Let me look into it and let you know.” The word “check” is straightforward but can feel a little informal in very polished writing. The phrase “get back to you” is a common phrasal verb that is widely accepted in business English, but some traditional professionals prefer more formal alternatives like “respond” or “follow up.”

Email vs. Conversation Context

In spoken conversation, “I will check and get back to you” sounds natural and polite. In email, it can work well, but you have more time to craft a precise message. In writing, you can add specifics about what you are checking and when you will reply. This makes your email more professional and reassuring.

Common Nuance: The Promise of Action

This phrase makes a clear promise: you will take action (check) and then communicate the result (get back). It shows responsibility. However, if you use it too often without following through, it can damage trust. Also, note that “check” is a bit vague. If you can be more specific about what you are verifying, your email will sound more competent.

Comparison Table: “I will check and get back to you” vs. Alternatives

Natural Examples in Professional Contexts

Example 1: Internal Team Email (Appropriate)

Subject: Question about Q3 budget
Body: “Thanks for sending the spreadsheet. I will check the figures with accounting and get back to you before the end of the day.”

Example 2: Client Email (Slightly Informal but Acceptable)

Subject: Your request for additional data
Body: “I received your request for the sales breakdown by region. I will check our database and get back to you with the numbers by tomorrow morning.”

Example 3: Formal Proposal (Better Alternative Needed)

Subject: Proposal for marketing services
Body: “Thank you for your proposal. Our team will review the terms and respond with any questions by Friday.” (Instead of “check and get back”)

Example 4: Quick Follow-Up (Appropriate)

Subject: Re: Meeting time change
Body: “I saw your message about the schedule conflict. I will check with the venue and get back to you in an hour.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Being Too Vague

Incorrect: “I will check and get back to you.” (No indication of when or what exactly you are checking)
Correct: “I will check the inventory list and get back to you by 3 PM.”

Mistake 2: Overusing the Phrase

If every email you send ends with “I will check and get back to you,” it can make you seem unsure or slow. Vary your language. Use “I will confirm,” “I will look into,” or “I will review” depending on the situation.

Mistake 3: Using It for Urgent Matters

Incorrect: “The server is down. I will check and get back to you.” (Too slow for an emergency)
Correct: “I am investigating the server issue now. I will update you in 10 minutes.”

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Follow Up

This phrase creates an expectation. If you say you will get back to someone, do it. Even if you have no new information, send a quick update: “I am still checking. I will have an answer by tomorrow.”

Better Alternatives for Professional Emails

When You Need to Be More Formal

• “I will review the matter and respond accordingly.”
• “I will investigate this and provide an update.”
• “I will consult with the relevant department and revert.”

When You Want to Be More Specific

• “I will verify the delivery date and confirm by email.”
• “I will check the contract terms and send you a summary.”
• “I will look into the pricing and get back to you with options.”

When You Want to Sound More Confident

• “I will find the answer and let you know shortly.”
• “I will get the information you need and follow up.”
• “I will confirm this with the team and update you.”

When to Use “I will check and get back to you”

Use it when:

• The request is simple and routine.
• You have a friendly relationship with the recipient.
• You plan to reply quickly (within hours or a day).
• You are in an informal industry like creative services, tech startups, or small businesses.

Avoid it when:

• The email is part of a formal proposal or contract negotiation.
• You are writing to a senior executive or a new client.
• The matter is urgent or sensitive.
• You need to sound authoritative and decisive.

Mini Practice: Choose the Best Option

Question 1: You are emailing a new client about a pricing question. Which is most professional?
a) I will check and get back to you.
b) I will review the pricing structure and respond by tomorrow.
c) Let me check and get back.

Answer: b) This is specific, formal, and includes a deadline.

Question 2: You are writing to a colleague you know well about a minor detail. Which is fine?
a) I will investigate the matter and revert.
b) I will check and get back to you.
c) I will confirm with the board and respond formally.

Answer: b) This is natural and appropriate for a casual internal email.

Question 3: You need to sound confident in a job application follow-up. Which is best?
a) I will check and get back to you.
b) I will review your feedback and respond with my availability.
c) Let me look into it.

Answer: b) This shows initiative and clarity.

Question 4: You are in a quick chat message to your manager. Which is acceptable?
a) I will check and get back to you.
b) I will verify the data and revert at the earliest convenience.
c) I shall investigate and respond.

Answer: a) In a chat, the simple phrase works well. The others are too formal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is “I will check and get back to you” grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The sentence uses the future tense (“will check”) and the phrasal verb “get back to” correctly. It is a complete and clear statement.

2. Can I use this phrase in a formal email to a boss?

It depends on your workplace culture. In many modern companies, it is fine. However, if your boss prefers very formal language, consider using “I will review the information and respond” or “I will look into this and follow up.”

3. What is a more polite way to say “I will check and get back to you”?

To sound more polite, add “please” or “kindly.” For example: “I will kindly check the details and get back to you shortly.” You can also soften it: “Let me check on this, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.”

4. Should I always include a time frame when using this phrase?

It is highly recommended. Adding a time frame (e.g., “by the end of the day,” “within two hours,” “tomorrow morning”) makes your email more professional and reduces anxiety for the reader. It shows you respect their time.

For more help with professional email language, explore our Email Phrase Corrections section. If you have questions about other common verb mistakes, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks page. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.