Phrasal verbs · Free lesson
Get back to someone: promise a later reply
Someone asks a question you cannot answer yet. You can explain that you need to check, then promise a later reply.
Professor Scott MendozaMeaning in this lesson
get back to someone
Contact or respond to that person later with an answer or update.
Example
“I’ll check the room schedule and get back to you.”
I will check the information and then respond to you.
The short answer
Get back to someone means contact or reply to them later, often after checking information. “I’ll get back to you” promises another response. It does not specify when or guarantee a particular answer.
Promise the reply you can actually give.
Put the person after to: get back to you, get back to the customer. Add a time if you can commit to it. “I’ll get back to you by three” sets a latest time of three. Without that time phrase, the listener does not know your deadline. Your reply can come by phone, email or message.
Separate the check from the reply.
Is the small meeting room available on Friday?
I need to check the schedule. I’ll get back to you by three.
The speaker promises a reply by three. The room has not been confirmed as available.
Make a clear follow-up promise
Say what needs checking
I need to check the room schedule.
Name the next action
I’ll get back to you.
Add a realistic time if known
I’ll get back to you by three.
Try it now
Check what you’ve learned.
Read all answers and explanations
“I’ll get back to you.” What is promised?
A later reply.A later response is promised. Neither the result nor a deadline has been stated.
Replace the customers: “I’ll get back to the customers.”
I’ll get back to them.The people receiving the reply come after to: to them.
“I’ll get back to you by three.” What does by three add?
Three is the latest promised time.By three sets a latest time for the reply. It does not determine the answer.
Put it into practice
Promise an update you can give.
You manage room bookings. You need to check Friday’s schedule and can give a definite update by three. The room’s availability is not known yet.
- Customer
Can we book the small meeting room for Friday?
See a model answer
- Customer
Can we book the small meeting room for Friday?
- You
I need to check the schedule. I’ll get back to you.
- Customer
When should I expect your reply?
- You
I’ll get back to you by three.
A useful promise names the next response and, when known, a time. It does not invent the answer to the original question.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Does get back to you mean call you?
It can, but the expression also works for an email or message. Specify the channel when the other person needs to know it.
“I’ll get back to you by email.”
Does “I’ll get back to you” mean soon?
It gives no exact deadline. Add a time phrase when timing matters and you can make that commitment.
“I’ll get back to you tomorrow morning.”
Take it into your day
Practice a reply to a question you cannot answer immediately. Say what you need to check and when you can realistically respond.
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