Is It Correct to Say ‘please revert’?
No, it is not correct to use “please revert” to mean “please reply” or “please get back to me.” This is one of the most common verb mistakes in professional English, especially in emails. The verb “revert” means to return to a previous state, condition, or subject. For example, you revert to an old habit or revert to an earlier version of a document. Using “revert” to mean “reply” is a misuse that has spread in some business circles, particularly in Indian English, but it is not standard in global English. If you want to ask someone to respond, use “reply,” “respond,” or “get back to me.”
Quick Answer
Do not use “please revert” to mean “please reply.” Use “please reply,” “please respond,” or “please get back to me.” Reserve “revert” for situations where something returns to a previous state, such as “revert to the original settings” or “revert to bad habits.”
What Does “Revert” Actually Mean?
The verb “revert” has a clear and specific meaning in standard English. It means to return to a former condition, practice, subject, or belief. Here are the main uses:
- Return to a previous state: “After the update failed, the system reverted to its original configuration.”
- Return to a previous topic: “Let me revert to the point you raised earlier.”
- Return to a previous behavior: “He reverted to his old habit of interrupting people.”
In legal and technical contexts, “revert” can also mean that property or rights return to a previous owner. None of these meanings involve replying to an email or getting back to someone.
Why “Please Revert” Is a Mistake
The confusion comes from a non-standard usage that has become common in some workplaces, especially in India and parts of Asia. In these contexts, “please revert” is used as a synonym for “please reply.” However, this usage is not accepted in standard English. If you use “please revert” in an email to a native English speaker from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or most other countries, they will likely be confused or think you have made an error.
This mistake falls under Grammar Accuracy Checks because it involves using a word with the wrong meaning. It is also relevant to Email Phrase Corrections because it frequently appears in professional correspondence.
Comparison Table: “Revert” vs. Correct Alternatives
| Phrase | Meaning | Correct Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please revert | Return to a previous state | No (for reply) | “Please revert to the old password.” (correct for return) |
| Please reply | Give an answer | Yes | “Please reply to my email by Friday.” |
| Please respond | Give a response | Yes | “Please respond to the invitation.” |
| Please get back to me | Contact me later | Yes | “Please get back to me when you have the report.” |
| Please revert back | Double error (redundant) | No | Avoid entirely. “Revert” already implies “back.” |
Natural Examples
Here are examples showing how “revert” is used correctly in everyday English, followed by the correct way to ask for a reply.
Correct Uses of “Revert”
- “If you stop practicing, your skills will revert to where they were last year.”
- “The software will revert to the default settings if you click ‘Reset.'”
- “Let’s revert to the main topic after this short discussion.”
- “After the divorce, she reverted to her maiden name.”
Correct Ways to Ask for a Reply
- “Please reply to my email at your earliest convenience.”
- “Could you respond to the proposal by Wednesday?”
- “Please get back to me with your decision.”
- “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners and professionals make with “revert”:
- Mistake 1: “Please revert on this matter.”
Correction: “Please reply regarding this matter.” or “Please respond to this.” - Mistake 2: “Kindly revert back to me.”
Correction: “Kindly get back to me.” (Note: “revert back” is redundant because “revert” already means “return.”) - Mistake 3: “I will revert to you soon.”
Correction: “I will get back to you soon.” or “I will reply soon.” - Mistake 4: “Please revert with your feedback.”
Correction: “Please send your feedback.” or “Please reply with your feedback.”
Better Alternatives for “Please Revert”
If you have been using “please revert” in your emails, here are better alternatives depending on the situation:
Formal Email Context
- “Please respond at your earliest convenience.”
- “I would appreciate your reply by the end of the day.”
- “Kindly confirm your availability.”
Informal or Conversational Context
- “Let me know what you think.”
- “Get back to me when you can.”
- “Just reply when you have a moment.”
When to Use “Revert” Correctly
You should use “revert” only when something returns to a previous condition. For example:
- “After the trial period, the account will revert to the free version.”
- “He reverted to his old ways despite the training.”
- “The land reverted to the government after the lease expired.”
If you are not describing a return to a previous state, do not use “revert.”
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct word or phrase for each sentence. Answers are below.
- “Please _____ to me with the updated figures.”
a) revert
b) reply - “After the error, the system _____ to its backup configuration.”
a) reverted
b) replied - “Kindly _____ on the meeting invitation.”
a) revert
b) respond - “If you stop exercising, your fitness level will _____.”
a) revert
b) reply
Answers: 1. b) reply, 2. a) reverted, 3. b) respond, 4. a) revert
FAQ: Common Questions About “Please Revert”
1. Is “please revert” ever correct in English?
Yes, but only when you mean “return to a previous state.” For example, “Please revert to the original document.” It is never correct when you mean “please reply.”
2. Why do some people say “please revert” in emails?
This usage is common in Indian English and some other regional varieties. It likely started as a translation or adaptation of local business language. However, it is not considered standard in international English.
3. What should I say instead of “please revert” in a professional email?
Use “please reply,” “please respond,” or “please get back to me.” For a more formal tone, try “I look forward to your response” or “Kindly confirm at your earliest convenience.”
4. Is “revert back” correct?
No. “Revert” already means “to go back,” so adding “back” is redundant. Avoid “revert back” entirely. Use “revert” alone when you mean return, or use “get back” when you mean reply.
Final Note
Using “please revert” to mean “please reply” is a common verb mistake that can confuse readers and make your writing sound unprofessional in international contexts. By replacing it with “reply,” “respond,” or “get back to me,” you will communicate more clearly and avoid this error. For more help with similar issues, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks and Email Phrase Corrections sections. If you have questions about this or other verb mistakes, feel free to contact us or check our FAQ page.
