We'll see

[1265] Let me get back to you on that

🎲 I'll keep that in mind
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A polite way to postpone giving an answer, decision, or information.
  • It indicates the speaker needs time to check something, think about it, or consult someone else before responding.

Origin

  • Standard polite phrase from business and social contexts. Get back to someone means to contact them again later, usually with requested information or a decision.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • I'll let you know.
  • I need to check first.
  • I'll find out and let you know.
  • I'll look into it and follow up.
  • Give me a little time to confirm that.
  • I will revert back to you. (Common in some business contexts, e.g., Indian English, though 'revert' technically means 'return to a previous state')

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • I'll hyu later (I'll hit you up later = I'll contact you later)
  • Gimme a sec, gotta check.
  • Dunno rn, I'll tell ya later.
  • Let me scope that out and holler back. (Scope out = investigate; Holler back = reply)

More Formal:

  • I will ascertain that information and respond shortly.
  • Allow me some time to review this, and I shall follow up.
  • I require further consultation before I can provide a definitive answer.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very appropriate and common in professional, business, and formal settings.
  • Also used informally, though simpler phrases like I'll check and tell you later might be more common among close friends.
  • Essential phrase for customer service and business communication.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The main issue arises if the speaker fails to actually get back to the person. This can be seen as unreliable or dismissive. Learners using the phrase should understand the implied commitment to follow up.

Examples

  • Can you confirm the delivery date? Let me check the schedule and get back to you on that.
  • Are you free for dinner on Friday? Let me check my calendar and get back to you on that.
  • What's the policy on remote work? That's a detailed question. Let me get back to you on that with the specifics.

Dialogue

Client: Can you give me a quote for painting these three rooms?

Painter: I need to calculate the paint required and labor time. Let me get back to you on that by this afternoon.

Client: Okay, sounds good. I'll wait for your call.

Social Media Examples

  • (Work Chat/Email): Re: budget allocation for Q4 good question. Let me consult with finance and get back to you on that by EOD.
  • (Forum response): Someone asked about compatibility with the new OS. Let me test that and get back to you on that.

Response Patterns

  • Okay, thanks. / Thank you.
  • Sure, no problem. / No rush.
  • Great, I look forward to hearing from you.
  • Okay, when do you think you'll know? (If a timeframe is needed)

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing Let me get back to you...:

  • The listener typically acknowledges and waits (Okay, thanks.).
  • May ask for a timeframe: Any idea when you might know?.
  • May offer further info if needed: Let me know if you need any more details from my end.

Action:

  • The speaker is expected to follow through and provide the information/answer later.
  • The listener waits or sends a polite reminder if too much time passes.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's a response to a question or request.

Intonation

  • Usually polite, professional, and neutral. Let me get BACK to you on THAT.
  • Stress often falls on back and that.
  • The tone conveys helpfulness and the intention to follow up.

Generation Differences

  • Standard across working-age generations and widely understood by all.

Regional Variations

  • Standard across English-speaking regions.
We'll see
🎲 I'll keep that in mind