In professional and personal communication, responding promptly is crucial. However, sometimes a complete answer isn’t immediately available.
That’s when phrases like “I will get back to you soon” come in handy. While polite, overuse can sound repetitive.
This article explores various alternatives, providing you with a richer vocabulary to convey the same message with nuance and professionalism. Mastering these alternatives will enhance your communication skills, making you sound more articulate and considerate.
This guide is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their English communication.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: “I Will Get Back to You Soon”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition: “I Will Get Back to You Soon”
The phrase “I will get back to you soon” is a common expression used to indicate that the speaker intends to provide a response or follow-up information at a later time, ideally within a relatively short period. It serves as a placeholder, acknowledging the other person’s communication while setting an expectation for a future reply.
This phrase signals both responsiveness and a need for additional time to gather information, formulate an answer, or complete a task before providing a comprehensive response. The implied timeframe of “soon” is deliberately vague, allowing the speaker flexibility while assuring the recipient that their request hasn’t been ignored.
In terms of classification, it’s a form of promise or commitment, albeit a general one. Functionally, it serves as a communication bridge, maintaining contact while deferring the complete response. Contextually, it’s appropriate in a wide range of situations, from professional emails to casual conversations, where an immediate answer isn’t feasible. The effectiveness of the phrase depends on the speaker’s credibility and the recipient’s understanding of what “soon” means in that particular context.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “I will get back to you soon” follows a simple, declarative structure. Let’s break it down:
- I: The subject pronoun, referring to the speaker.
- will: An auxiliary verb indicating future tense, expressing intention or promise.
- get back: A phrasal verb meaning to respond or provide a follow-up.
- to you: A prepositional phrase indicating the recipient of the response.
- soon: An adverb of time, specifying that the response will be provided in the near future.
The structure is flexible and can be modified slightly while retaining the core meaning. For example, “I’ll get back to you shortly” or “I will follow up with you soon” maintain the same grammatical structure and intent.
The key elements are the future tense marker (“will”) and the adverb of time (“soon,” “shortly,” etc.), which together convey the promise of a timely response.
Types and Categories of Alternatives
There are several ways to categorize alternatives to “I will get back to you soon,” based on the level of formality, the specificity of the timeframe, and the focus of the response. Here are some key categories:
Affirmative Assurances
These phrases emphasize the speaker’s commitment to respond, reassuring the recipient that their request is being taken seriously. They often use positive language to create a sense of confidence and reliability.
Time-Specific Responses
These alternatives provide a more concrete timeframe for the response, setting clear expectations and reducing ambiguity. They help the recipient understand when they can expect to hear back, which can be particularly important in professional settings.
Action-Oriented Responses
These phrases focus on the specific actions the speaker will take to address the request, highlighting the steps involved in preparing a response. They demonstrate a proactive approach and provide insight into the speaker’s process.
Inquiry Acknowledgement
These options simply acknowledge the receipt of the inquiry and indicate that it is being processed. They may not provide a specific timeframe but assure the sender that their communication has been received and is under consideration.
Formal Responses
These alternatives are suitable for professional or official communication, using precise language and maintaining a respectful tone. They are often used in emails, letters, or reports where a high level of formality is required.
Informal Responses
These phrases are appropriate for casual conversations or communications with close colleagues, using more relaxed language and a friendly tone. They are often used in instant messages, text messages, or informal emails.
Examples
To illustrate the various alternatives to “I will get back to you soon,” here are several examples organized by category.
Affirmative Assurance Examples
The following table provides examples of affirmative assurances, offering a reassuring tone that you will indeed respond.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I’ll certainly look into that. | I’ll certainly look into that and get back to you as soon as possible. |
| I’ll find out for you. | I’ll find out for you and let you know what I discover. |
| I’ll make sure to get back to you. | I’ll make sure to get back to you with the information you need. |
| I’ll be in touch. | I’ll be in touch with an update on the project. |
| I’ll follow up on this. | I’ll follow up on this and provide you with a detailed response. |
| I will investigate this matter. | I will investigate this matter and provide you with an update on the findings. |
| Rest assured, I’ll get you an answer. | Rest assured, I’ll get you an answer to your question promptly. |
| I’ll prioritize this and respond quickly. | I’ll prioritize this and respond quickly with the necessary details. |
| Consider it done; I’ll get back to you. | Consider it done; I’ll get back to you with a solution. |
| Your request is important, and I’ll address it promptly. | Your request is important, and I’ll address it promptly, providing a comprehensive answer. |
| I’m on it, and I’ll update you soon. | I’m on it, and I’ll update you soon with the progress. |
| I’ll handle this and keep you informed. | I’ll handle this and keep you informed about any developments. |
| I’ll take care of it and provide feedback. | I’ll take care of it and provide feedback on the next steps. |
| I’ll ensure you receive a response. | I’ll ensure you receive a response to your query as soon as possible. |
| I am committed to providing an answer. | I am committed to providing an answer and will do so shortly. |
| I’ll definitely get back to you about this. | I’ll definitely get back to you about this with all the relevant information. |
| I will make sure you have the information you need. | I will make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. |
| I’ll definitely look into it. | I’ll definitely look into it and let you know what I find out. |
| I’ll find the information and get back to you. | I’ll find the information and get back to you as soon as possible. |
| I’ll be sure to follow up with you. | I’ll be sure to follow up with you regarding your inquiry. |
Time-Specific Response Examples
The following table lists phrases that give a more precise timeframe for when you will respond.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I’ll get back to you by [date/time]. | I’ll get back to you by tomorrow afternoon. |
| I’ll have an answer for you within [timeframe]. | I’ll have an answer for you within 24 hours. |
| I’ll respond before the end of the day. | I’ll respond before the end of the day with a solution. |
| I’ll provide an update by [date/time]. | I’ll provide an update by Friday morning. |
| I’ll revert to you in [number] days. | I’ll revert to you in three days with the finalized report. |
| I’ll send you the details by [date/time]. | I’ll send you the details by next Monday. |
| Expect to hear from me within [timeframe]. | Expect to hear from me within the next few business days. |
| I’ll aim to have this resolved by [date/time]. | I’ll aim to have this resolved by the end of the week. |
| I will get back to you within the hour. | I will get back to you within the hour after I have reviewed all the documents. |
| I’ll give you a call back by [time]. | I’ll give you a call back by 3 PM today. |
| I should have an update for you by [date]. | I should have an update for you by next Tuesday. |
| I’ll provide a response within the next [timeframe]. | I’ll provide a response within the next 48 hours. |
| I’ll have this ready for you by [date/time]. | I’ll have this ready for you by the end of business today. |
| I expect to have an answer by [date]. | I expect to have an answer by the 15th of the month. |
| I’ll get back to you no later than [date/time]. | I’ll get back to you no later than tomorrow at noon. |
| I will make sure to respond to you by [date]. | I will make sure to respond to you by the end of the week. |
| I’ll be back in touch before [date/time]. | I’ll be back in touch before Friday afternoon. |
| I’ll aim to respond to you before [date/time]. | I’ll aim to respond to you before the end of the day. |
| I anticipate having an answer by [date]. | I anticipate having an answer by the end of next week. |
| I’ll update you by [date/time]. | I’ll update you by the close of business today. |
Action-Oriented Response Examples
This table provides examples of phrases that focus on the actions you will take to respond to the request.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I’m looking into it right now. | I’m looking into it right now and will update you as soon as I have more information. |
| I’m checking with [person/department] about that. | I’m checking with the finance department about that and will let you know what they say. |
| I need to gather some information first. | I need to gather some information first, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. |
| I’m reviewing the details and will respond shortly. | I’m reviewing the details and will respond shortly with a comprehensive answer. |
| I’ll need to consult with my team. | I’ll need to consult with my team, and then I’ll get back to you. |
| I’m currently investigating this issue. | I’m currently investigating this issue and will provide updates as they become available. |
| I’m preparing a detailed response. | I’m preparing a detailed response that I will send to you shortly. |
| I’m analyzing the data and will provide insights. | I’m analyzing the data and will provide insights as soon as I have them. |
| I will research the best approach for your request. | I will research the best approach for your request and then present the options to you. |
| I’m working on finding a solution. | I’m working on finding a solution, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I have one. |
| I am in the process of gathering the necessary information. | I am in the process of gathering the necessary information to provide a complete response. |
| I’m compiling the data needed to answer your question. | I’m compiling the data needed to answer your question thoroughly. |
| I’m in the process of reviewing your documents. | I’m in the process of reviewing your documents and will provide feedback shortly. |
| I’m coordinating with the relevant teams. | I’m coordinating with the relevant teams to get you a comprehensive answer. |
| I’m checking the availability and will get back to you. | I’m checking the availability and will get back to you with the results. |
| I will evaluate your request and provide feedback. | I will evaluate your request and provide feedback as soon as possible. |
| I’m assessing the situation and will provide an update. | I’m assessing the situation and will provide an update shortly. |
| I’m putting together a proposal for you. | I’m putting together a proposal for you and will send it over soon. |
| I’m working on clarifying the details. | I’m working on clarifying the details and will get back to you shortly. |
| I’m currently verifying the information. | I’m currently verifying the information and will let you know as soon as I’m done. |
Inquiry Acknowledgment Examples
The following table provides examples of phrases that acknowledge that you received the inquiry and are processing it.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Your message has been received. | Your message has been received, and we are reviewing it. |
| Thank you for your inquiry. | Thank you for your inquiry; we will be in touch soon. |
| We have received your request. | We have received your request and are processing it. |
| Your email is important to us. | Your email is important to us, and we will respond as soon as possible. |
| We acknowledge your submission. | We acknowledge your submission and will review it shortly. |
| We have noted your question. | We have noted your question and are looking into it. |
| Your request is currently being evaluated. | Your request is currently being evaluated by our team. |
| We appreciate you reaching out. | We appreciate you reaching out; we will be in contact soon. |
| Your inquiry is being processed. | Your inquiry is being processed, and we’ll respond shortly. |
| We’ve received your communication. | We’ve received your communication and are working on a response. |
| We are aware of your request. | We are aware of your request and are gathering information. |
| Your message has been successfully delivered. | Your message has been successfully delivered; we will respond promptly. |
| We are reviewing your submission. | We are reviewing your submission and will provide feedback soon. |
| Your message is in our queue. | Your message is in our queue, and we’ll get to it shortly. |
| We are aware of your submission. | We are aware of your submission and are reviewing it for further action. |
| Your matter is under review. | Your matter is under review, and we’ll provide an update soon. |
| We have received your correspondence. | We have received your correspondence and will respond shortly. |
| Your query is being addressed. | Your query is being addressed, and we’ll be in touch soon. |
| Your message has been successfully received. | Your message has been successfully received and is being processed. |
| We have received your information. | We have received your information and will review it promptly. |
Formal Response Examples
The following table provides examples of formal phrases suitable for professional communication.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I shall revert to you at my earliest convenience. | I shall revert to you at my earliest convenience with the requested documentation. |
| I will provide a comprehensive response shortly. | I will provide a comprehensive response shortly following a thorough review. |
| Please allow me some time to investigate this matter. | Please allow me some time to investigate this matter, and I will update you accordingly. |
| I will endeavor to respond to your inquiry promptly. | I will endeavor to respond to your inquiry promptly with accurate information. |
| A detailed response will be provided in due course. | A detailed response will be provided in due course after careful consideration. |
| I am currently reviewing the information and will respond accordingly. | I am currently reviewing the information and will respond accordingly to your request. |
| I will ensure that you receive a timely response. | I will ensure that you receive a timely response regarding your query. |
| Your request will be addressed with the utmost attention. | Your request will be addressed with the utmost attention to detail. |
| I will be in contact with you forthwith. | I will be in contact with you forthwith with an update on the project. |
| I shall provide an update as soon as feasible. | I shall provide an update as soon as feasible following the internal review. |
| I will communicate further details at the earliest opportunity. | I will communicate further details at the earliest opportunity regarding the proposed changes. |
| I am currently evaluating your request. | I am currently evaluating your request and will provide a detailed response shortly. |
| I will provide you with an update in the near future. | I will provide you with an update in the near future regarding the project’s progress. |
| Please allow me a short period to gather the necessary information. | Please allow me a short period to gather the necessary information before responding. |
| I will furnish you with the requested details shortly. | I will furnish you with the requested details shortly after consulting with the team. |
| Your inquiry is receiving due consideration. | Your inquiry is receiving due consideration, and we will respond shortly. |
| I will address your matter as expeditiously as possible. | I will address your matter as expeditiously as possible to ensure a prompt resolution. |
| The matter is being given my immediate attention. | The matter is being given my immediate attention, and I will revert shortly. |
| I will contact you at the earliest possible moment. | I will contact you at the earliest possible moment with the relevant information. |
| I will respond to your correspondence soon. | I will respond to your correspondence soon with all necessary details. |
Informal Response Examples
The following table provides examples of informal phrases suitable for casual conversations or communications with close colleagues.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I’ll check that out and let you know. | I’ll check that out and let you know what I find. |
| I’ll get back to you ASAP. | I’ll get back to you ASAP with the details. |
| I’ll look into it and get back to you shortly. | I’ll look into it and get back to you shortly with an update. |
| I’ll find out and tell you soon. | I’ll find out and tell you soon what the answer is. |
| I’ll give you a shout when I know more. | I’ll give you a shout when I know more about the situation. |
| I will update you as soon as I can. | I will update you as soon as I can, promise! |
| I’ll get back to you real quick. | I’ll get back to you real quick with the answer. |
| I’ll be in touch momentarily. | I’ll be in touch momentarily with the information. |
| I’ll text you back when I know something. | I’ll text you back when I know something more. |
| I’ll holler at you later with the details. | I’ll holler at you later with the details on the project. |
| I’ll circle back with you shortly. | I’ll circle back with you shortly after the meeting. |
| I’ll ping you as soon as I have an update. | I’ll ping you as soon as I have an update on the situation. |
| I’ll give you the lowdown ASAP. | I’ll give you the lowdown ASAP on what’s happening. |
| I’ll buzz you as soon as I hear back. | I’ll buzz you as soon as I hear back from the manager. |
| I’ll catch you later with the answer. | I’ll catch you later with the answer to your question. |
| I’ll get back to you in a jiffy. | I’ll get back to you in a jiffy with the required information. |
| I’ll get the info and hit you up soon. | I’ll get the info and hit you up soon with it. |
| I’ll let you know pronto. | I’ll let you know pronto what the decision is. |
| I’ll revert back to you shortly. | I’ll revert back to you shortly concerning the issue. |
| I’ll come back to you shortly. | I’ll come back to you shortly with the necessary details. |
Usage Rules
While the alternatives provided offer variety, it’s essential to use them appropriately. Here are some rules to consider:
- Context is key: Choose a phrase that matches the formality of the situation. A formal response is better suited for professional emails to senior management, while an informal response is fine for a quick chat with a colleague.
- Specificity matters: If you can provide a timeframe, do so. “I’ll get back to you by tomorrow” is more helpful than “I’ll get back to you soon.”
- Don’t overpromise: Only commit to a timeframe you can realistically meet. It’s better to be slightly conservative than to miss a deadline.
- Maintain consistency: Use similar language and tone when communicating with the same person or group. This helps maintain a consistent brand and avoids confusion.
- Follow through: The most important rule is to actually get back to the person within the promised timeframe. Failure to do so can damage your credibility.
- Consider your audience: Different cultures may interpret phrases differently. Be mindful of cultural norms when communicating with international colleagues or clients.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “I will get back to you soon”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I’ll get back to you sometime.” | “I’ll get back to you by the end of the week.” | “Sometime” is too vague and doesn’t provide a clear expectation. |
| “I’ll maybe get back to you.” | “I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” | “Maybe” suggests uncertainty and a lack of commitment. |
| “I’ll get back to you eventually.” | “I’ll get back to you by tomorrow.” | “Eventually” implies a long delay and isn’t helpful. |
| “I’ll revert back to you.” | “I’ll revert to you.” | “Back” is redundant after “revert.” |
| “I’m looking in it.” | “I’m looking into it.” | “Into” is the correct preposition to use with “look.” |
| “I’ll be in touched.” | “I’ll be in touch.” | “Touch” is a noun in this context, not a verb. |
| “I’ll get back to you soonest.” | “I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” | “Soonest” is not grammatically correct in this context. |
| “I’ll be contacting you shortly in the near future.” | “I’ll be contacting you shortly.” | “In the near future” is redundant because “shortly” already implies that. |
| “I’ll find out for you, but I don’t promise anything.” | “I’ll find out for you and let you know what I discover.” | Adding “but I don’t promise anything” undermines the effort and makes it seem unreliable. |
| “I’ll get back to you never.” | “I’m unable to assist you with this matter at this time.” | Never is not a helpful response. If you cannot assist, be honest, but professional. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Phrase
Choose the most appropriate alternative to “I will get back to you soon” for each scenario.
| Scenario | Possible Answers | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Responding to a client’s email requesting product information. | A) I’ll get back to you ASAP. B) I will provide a comprehensive response shortly. C) I’ll check that out and let you know. | B |
| Telling a colleague you need to check with another department before answering their question. | A) I’m checking with [person/department] about that. B) I shall revert to you at my earliest convenience. C) I’ll get back to you in a jiffy. | A |
| Assuring your manager you’ll provide an update on a project. | A) I’ll be in touch. B) I’ll text you back when I know something. C) Your message has been received. | A |
| Responding to a customer service inquiry via email. | A) I’ll give you a shout when I know more. B) I’m looking into it right now. C) We have received your request. | C |
| Informing a team member that you need a day to find some information. | A) I’ll get back to you by tomorrow. B) I’ll get back to you real quick. C) I’ll holler at you later with the details. | A |
| Acknowledging a formal request from a senior executive. | A) I’ll get back to you ASAP. B) I’ll ensure that you receive a timely response. C) I’ll find out and tell you soon. | B |
| Responding to a quick question from a close friend. | A) I shall revert to you at my earliest convenience. B) I’ll get back to you in a jiffy. C) We have received your request. | B |
| Letting a customer know you are working on their problem. | A) I’ll give you a shout when I know more. B) I’m currently investigating this issue. C) We have received your request. | B |
| Responding to a colleague who needs information within a couple of days. | A) I’ll get back to you by next week. B) I’ll get back to you in a jiffy. C) I’ll get back to you by Thursday. | C |
| Acknowledging a request from a client. | A) I’ll give you a shout when I know more. B) I’m currently investigating this issue. C) Thank you for your inquiry. | C |
Exercise 2:
Rewrite the following sentences using alternatives to “I will get back to you soon.”
- Original: I will get back to you soon with the sales figures.
Rewritten: I’ll provide the sales figures by the end of the day. - Original: Thank you for your email; I will get back to you soon.
Rewritten: Thank you for your email; we will respond as soon as possible. - Original: I will get back to you soon regarding the project proposal.
Rewritten: I’ll provide feedback on the project proposal by next week. - Original: I will get back to you soon with a solution to your problem.
Rewritten: I’m working on finding a solution and will get back to you as soon as I have one. - Original: I will get back to you soon about the meeting time.
Rewritten: I’ll confirm the meeting time by tomorrow morning. - Original: I will get back to you soon with the updated report.
Rewritten: I’ll send you the updated report by Friday. - Original: I will get back to you soon regarding your application.
Rewritten: Your application is currently being evaluated and we will respond shortly. - Original: I will get back to you soon with more details.
Rewritten: I’ll provide more details within the next 24 hours. - Original: I will get back to you soon about the pricing.
Rewritten: I’ll get back to you with the pricing information by the end of the day. - Original: I will get back to you soon to schedule a meeting.
Rewritten: I’ll contact you by the end of the week to schedule a meeting.
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using appropriate alternatives to “I will get back to you soon.”
- I’m currently __________ the issue and will provide an update shortly.
Answer: investigating - Thank you for your inquiry; we __________ shortly.
Answer: will be in touch - I’ll __________ with the information you requested by tomorrow.
Answer: follow up - Please allow me some time to __________, and I’ll get back to you.
Answer: gather the necessary information - I __________ to you at my earliest convenience.
Answer: shall revert - I’ll __________ and let you know what I find out.
Answer: look into it - We __________ your request and are processing it.
Answer: have received - I’ll __________ by the end of the week with a solution.
Answer: get back to you - I’m __________ with the relevant teams to get you an answer.
Answer: coordinating - Your message has been received and we __________ it.
Answer: are reviewing
Advanced Topics
For more advanced usage, consider these points:
- Conditional responses: Instead of a direct promise, you can provide a conditional response, such as “If I can find the information, I’ll let you know by Friday.” This manages expectations and avoids overcommitment.
- Proactive updates: If you anticipate a delay, proactively provide an update to the person. This shows that you haven’t forgotten and are still working on it.
- Delegation: If you’re unable to respond personally, delegate the task to someone else and inform the person who will be following up.
- Using technology: Utilize tools like automated email responses or project management software to keep people informed of progress.
FAQ
Is “I’ll get back to you soon” unprofessional?
Not necessarily, but it can sound vague and overused. Using more specific and contextual alternatives can enhance your professionalism.
What if I can’t get back to someone within the timeframe I promised?
Communicate the delay as soon as possible and provide a revised timeframe. Apologize for any inconvenience caused.
How do I handle situations where I don’t have an answer and don’t know when I will?
Acknowledge the request, explain the uncertainty, and offer to provide updates as you learn more. For example, “I’m currently investigating this, but the timeline is unclear.
I’ll update you as soon as I have more information.”
Can I use informal phrases in professional emails?
It depends on your relationship with the recipient and the company culture. When in doubt, err on the side of formality.
What is the best way to follow up if I haven’t received a response?
Send a polite reminder, referencing your previous communication. For example, “I’m following up on my previous email regarding [topic].
Please let me know if you need any further information from my side.”
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “I will get back to you soon” is a valuable skill for effective communication. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and using them appropriately, you can convey professionalism, build trust, and manage expectations effectively.
Remember to consider context, provide specific timeframes when possible, and always follow through on your promises. With practice, you’ll be able to respond to inquiries with confidence and clarity, enhancing your relationships and achieving your communication goals.