We have all been there. You ask someone an important question, make a request, or propose an idea, and their reply comes back as “I Will Get Back To You.” It sounds polite, but it is vague. Is it a yes? Is it a no? Or is it simply a way to push the conversation down the road? No wonder the phrase often leaves us hanging in uncertainty.
Understanding how to respond to “I Will Get Back To You” is a skill that can save you time, reduce anxiety, and help you navigate both professional and personal conversations with confidence. Whether you are in a job interview, talking to a client, negotiating at work, or making social plans with friends, the way you handle this phrase can influence the outcome.
In this guide, we will break down what people really mean when they say “I Will Get Back To You,” why they use it, and how you can reply effectively in different situations. We will cover professional and casual contexts, strategies for following up, mistakes to avoid, and even sample responses you can adapt to your own conversations.
By the end of this article, you will not only know what to say but also how to turn the ambiguity of “I Will Get Back To You” into an opportunity.

250+ Responses to “I Will Get Back To You”
Simple acknowledgment
- Okay, sure.
- Alright.
- Got it.
- Sounds good.
- Noted.
- Understood.
- Okay then.
- Fine by me.
- Sure thing.
- Okay, no problem.
Thankful acceptance
- Thanks, I appreciate it.
- Thank you for letting me know.
- Thanks, that works.
- Appreciate you checking on it.
- Thanks for following up.
- Thank you, that helps.
- Appreciate your time on this.
- Thanks, I’ll wait for your update.
- Thank you for getting back to me later.
- Thanks, I’ll keep an eye out.
Professional courtesy
- No problem, take your time.
- Sure, please let me know when convenient.
- That works, I’ll wait for your update.
- Understood, I’ll stand by.
- Alright, I’ll await your reply.
- Certainly, I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
- Okay, I’ll be available when you’re ready.
- Not an issue, I’ll wait for your feedback.
- That’s fine, I’ll hold off until you respond.
- Absolutely, I’ll be ready for your follow up.
Neutral acknowledgment
- Alright, noted.
- Got it.
- Okay, I’ll wait.
- Sure.
- Alright then.
- Fine.
- Alright, understood.
- Okay.
- Noted on my side.
- Right, got it.
Respectful patience
- I’ll look forward to your update.
- Take the time you need, I’ll wait.
- No rush, I’ll be here when you’re ready.
- All good, I’ll wait until then.
- That’s fine, I’ll hold on for your reply.
- Happy to wait for your response.
- Okay, I’ll give you the space to get back.
- Take your time, I’ll be patient.
- That’s alright, I’ll wait as long as needed.
- No problem, I’ll wait for your word.
Supportive
- Sure, let me know whenever works best for you.
- No worries, I know you’ll get back when you can.
- That’s fine, I’m here when you’re ready.
- Sounds good, I’ll keep myself available.
- Totally fine, I’ll wait for your timing.
- Whenever works best for you, I’ll be ready.
- Take your time, I’ve got this end covered.
- Alright, I’ll let you reach out when you’re set.
- Not an issue, I know you’re on top of it.
- Works for me, I trust you’ll get back soon.
Positive reinforcement
- Great, I know you’ll figure it out.
- Perfect, I’ll wait for your update.
- Awesome, thanks for handling this.
- I appreciate your effort, I’ll wait.
- That’s great, I know you’ve got this.
- Wonderful, I’ll look forward to hearing back.
- Excellent, I trust you’ll get it sorted.
- Good stuff, I’ll wait for your note.
- Nice, I know you’ll get it done.
- That’s reassuring, I’ll stay tuned.
Friendly reminder tone
- Cool, I’ll keep an eye out for your reply.
- Sounds good, I’ll wait to hear from you.
- Okay, I’ll be expecting your update.
- Sure, I’ll check back if I don’t hear soon.
- Alright, I’ll watch for your response.
- Got it, I’ll be looking for your message.
- Perfect, I’ll wait for your follow up.
- Okay, I’ll make a note to expect your reply.
- Cool, I’ll let you circle back.
- Right, I’ll keep your update in mind.
Light humor
- No worries, I’ll be waiting with popcorn.
- Sure, don’t keep me hanging too long.
- Alright, I’ll just twiddle my thumbs till then.
- Okay, I’ll put on some elevator music.
- Fine, I’ll practice my patience skills.
- Got it, I’ll wait like a cat at the door.
- Sure, I’ll hold my breath… not too long though.
- Okay, I’ll be waiting like it’s a cliffhanger.
- Right, I’ll put it on my “waiting list.”
- Sounds good, I’ll be here sharpening my pencils.
Casual acceptance
- All good, just let me know when you can.
- No stress, reach out whenever.
- Cool, I’ll hear from you later.
- Works for me, message me when you’re ready.
- That’s fine, get back to me whenever.
- Alright, I’ll be around.
- Chill, just let me know when you have a chance.
- No worries, hit me up when you’re free.
- Okay, I’ll catch you later on it.
- That’s cool, I’ll wait for you to reach out.
Timeline confirmation
- Do you think it’ll be today or sometime this week?
- Should I expect your update later or tomorrow?
- Just checking, will you have an answer by end of day?
- Do you have a rough idea when you’ll get back to me?
- Should I plan to hear back in the next couple of days?
- Any estimate on when you’ll have time to respond?
- Will you be able to circle back this week?
- Should I keep some time open for your reply soon?
- Would it be later today or more like next week?
- Do you expect to have an answer soon or will it take longer?
Expectation setting
- Just to confirm, I’ll wait for your reply before moving forward.
- So I should hold off until I hear back from you, right?
- Just want to make sure I don’t miss anything before you respond.
- Should I check back with you if I don’t hear in a few days?
- Okay, I’ll leave this on pause until you update me.
- I’ll wait for your go ahead before proceeding.
- Just making sure, I shouldn’t move ahead until you reply.
- Do you want me to follow up if I don’t hear by Friday?
- Alright, I’ll let your update guide the next step.
- So I’ll keep this pending until you let me know.
Requesting specifics
- When do you think you’ll be able to get back to me?
- Could you give me an idea of when I might hear from you?
- About when should I expect your reply?
- Do you know a good time for me to check in again?
- Could you let me know if I should expect it today?
- What’s a reasonable time for me to hear from you?
- Any chance you know when you’ll have an update?
- Should I check in again at a specific time?
- Could you give me a ballpark timeline for your response?
- When’s a good time for me to follow up?
Dependence check
- No rush, but I’ll hold off on this until I hear from you.
- Just so you know, I can’t move forward until I get your input.
- I’ll wait for your response before taking the next step.
- I’ll pause on my side until you get back to me.
- I’ll need your reply before I continue.
- Okay, I’ll keep things on hold until you respond.
- I’ll let your answer decide the next move.
- Nothing more I can do until I hear from you.
- I’ll stop here until I have your guidance.
- I’ll depend on your reply to move forward.
Urgency clarification
- Should I wait before doing anything urgent on this?
- Do you want me to hold off completely until you reply?
- Is this something you’d like me to pause immediately?
- Should I treat this as urgent once you get back?
- Do you need me to act quickly after your response?
- Is it alright if I wait a bit or do you prefer speed?
- Do I need to prepare for a quick turnaround when you reply?
- Is this time sensitive from your end?
- Should I expect to move fast once you let me know?
- Do you want me to keep this on high priority?
Offering support
- Is there anything else I can give you in the meantime?
- Want me to share more details before you decide?
- Can I make this easier for you with extra info?
- Would it help if I pulled together more background?
- Do you want me to draft something for you while you check?
- Should I send a quick summary to help?
- Can I clarify anything before you get back?
- Would you like me to resend the details?
- Do you want me to do any prep before your update?
- Should I keep gathering info while you think it over?
Problem-solving
- If it helps, I can outline some options before you decide.
- Do you want me to suggest a couple of solutions first?
- I can brainstorm some ideas while you’re checking.
- Would it help if I drafted a plan for you?
- Want me to narrow down the choices to make it easier?
- I can prepare a quick overview for you in the meantime.
- Do you want me to troubleshoot some possible issues now?
- Should I list pros and cons while you confirm?
- I can simplify things before you finalize.
- Want me to run a few scenarios before you reply?
Follow-up scheduling
- Should I check back with you tomorrow if I don’t hear?
- Want me to follow up with you later this week?
- I’ll set a reminder to touch base with you on Friday.
- Should I give you a nudge if I don’t hear by Monday?
- Do you want me to circle back in a couple of days?
- I’ll check in with you around the same time tomorrow.
- Want me to follow up on this next week?
- Should I plan to reach out if there’s no update soon?
- I’ll ping you again if I haven’t heard back by then.
- Do you want me to schedule a quick follow up with you?
Making it easy
- I can resend the info whenever you’re ready.
- Want me to put everything in one short summary for you?
- I’ll keep the details handy so you don’t need to dig for them.
- I can highlight the key points if that saves you time.
- Do you want me to send a quick recap?
- I’ll make sure everything is organized for you when you get back.
- I can simplify the notes if that helps.
- Want me to package the info so it’s easier to review?
- I’ll streamline this so you can glance at it quickly.
- I’ll make sure it’s all clear and ready for you.
Collaborative tone
- Perfect, let me know how I can help when you get back.
- Sounds good, I’ll wait for your input before we move forward.
- Great, we’ll tackle this together once you reply.
- Alright, I’ll do my part and wait for your side.
- No problem, I’ll be ready to work with you when you’re back.
- Okay, let’s sync up once you’ve had time to check.
- That’s fine, we’ll figure it out together later.
- I’ll be ready to collaborate once you respond.
- Alright, I’ll pause here and we’ll continue as a team.
- Great, I’ll be here to move it forward with you.
Funny exaggeration
- Cool, I’ll start a countdown clock until you reply.
- Got it, I’ll camp outside my inbox until then.
- Okay, I’ll act like this is the season finale cliffhanger.
- Sure, I’ll keep refreshing my screen every 2 minutes.
- Alright, I’ll mark my calendar for the year 2050 just in case.
- Fine, I’ll train my carrier pigeon while I wait.
- Okay, I’ll keep a sleeping bag near my desk until you’re back.
- Sounds good, I’ll build a shrine to patience while waiting.
- Right, I’ll alert the media when you finally respond.
- Alright, I’ll prepare my acceptance speech for when I hear back.
Cheeky
- Don’t make me chase you down.
- I’ll hold you to that.
- No ghosting me, okay?
- Better be soon, I’ll get impatient.
- Don’t keep me waiting too long.
- I’ll remember this promise.
- You owe me a quick reply.
- I’ll be timing you.
- I’ll expect a good excuse if it takes too long.
- No disappearing act on me this time.
Dramatic patience
- Guess I’ll sit here twiddling my thumbs.
- I’ll be waiting like a statue until you reply.
- Time will crawl until I hear from you.
- I’ll wait forever if I must.
- I’ll try to survive the suspense.
- I’ll be here staring at the clock.
- Waiting will become my full time job.
- I’ll master the art of patience while I wait.
- I’ll pass the time counting ceiling tiles.
- I’ll endure the agony of anticipation.
Pop culture callback
- As Arnold said, I’ll be back… waiting for you.
- This feels like waiting for the next Marvel movie.
- I’ll treat this like the Game of Thrones finale.
- It’s like waiting for Half Life 3.
- I’ll wait like Ross waited for Rachel.
- This is giving me Stranger Things suspense.
- I’ll be here like Tom Hanks on that island in Castaway.
- Feels like waiting for the next season of my favorite show.
- Like Neo in the Matrix, I’ll wait for the signal.
- I’ll be patient like Yoda taught.
Playful trust
- I believe in you, don’t leave me hanging.
- I trust you’ll get back to me.
- I know you won’t forget.
- I’ve got faith you’ll follow through.
- I’m counting on you to reply.
- I trust you to circle back soon.
- I’ll rely on you to keep your word.
- I believe you’ll come through for me.
- I’ll trust the process and wait.
- I know you’ll get back when you can.
What “I Will Get Back To You” Usually Means
- A genuine need for time
Many times, when someone says “I Will Get Back To You,” they actually mean it. They might need to gather more information, check schedules, review details, or consult with others before giving you a clear answer. In this case, the phrase is not avoidance but simply a practical pause.
- A polite stall or soft no
On the other hand, “I Will Get Back To You” is often a socially acceptable way to avoid saying no directly. People prefer this soft landing because it feels less confrontational. Instead of rejecting you outright, they leave the door half open, even if they never plan to step through it.
- Context and culture shape the meaning
The interpretation also depends on context. In business, it may reflect a real process or approval chain. In personal conversations, it might be a polite way of brushing off an invitation. Cultural differences also play a role. In some cultures, avoiding direct refusals is common, making “I Will Get Back To You” a way to save face.
Common Situations Where You Hear “I Will Get Back To You”
- Job interviews and hiring processes
Candidates often hear “I Will Get Back To You” after interviews. Hiring managers may genuinely need to consult with their team, compare applicants, or wait for budget approvals. Other times, it is a polite way of signaling that they are moving on without giving you a firm rejection.
- Sales and client conversations
Sales professionals encounter this phrase constantly. A client might say it when they need to review budgets, get buy-in from other stakeholders, or simply delay a decision. Sometimes it is genuine interest with hesitation, and sometimes it is a way to avoid saying no.
- Workplace and team decisions
At work, colleagues or managers may say “I Will Get Back To You” when asked for decisions that affect multiple departments or priorities. It can be a neutral phrase that buys them time to consider other perspectives.
- Friends, family, and social plans
Outside of work, the phrase pops up when making plans. Friends or family may say it when they are unsure about schedules or want to avoid committing. It is often a softer version of “I am not sure I want to.”
The Psychology Behind the Phrase
- Decision avoidance
Humans naturally avoid making decisions when there is uncertainty or potential conflict. Saying “I Will Get Back To You” delays the pressure of choosing. It shifts the decision into the future where it feels less urgent.
- Fear of conflict
Another reason people use this phrase is to avoid conflict. Saying no directly can feel uncomfortable, especially if it risks disappointing someone. “I Will Get Back To You” works as a shield that protects relationships from immediate tension.
How to Respond Professionally
- Show empathy and clarity
In professional contexts, acknowledge the other person’s need for time while also asking for clarity. A simple response like “Of course, I understand. When would be a good time to check back with you?” balances patience with accountability.
- Offer a timeline
Timelines are crucial. Without them, you risk waiting indefinitely. If someone says “I Will Get Back To You,” try replying with “Great. Would next Tuesday work for an update?” That way, the responsibility shifts from vague promises to specific action.
- Templates for professional email responses
Subject: Follow up on [Topic]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for letting me know. Since you mentioned you will get back to me, would it be alright if I check in on [date] for an update? I appreciate your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Quick update on [Topic]
Hi [Name],
I know you are busy, and I appreciate you reviewing this. You mentioned getting back to me, so I wanted to kindly ask if there is a timeline that works best for you. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
- In-person or phone responses
- “Thanks, I completely understand. Would you be comfortable giving me an update by the end of the week?”
- “I appreciate you considering this. How about I check back with you on Monday if I do not hear from you before then?”
These responses respect their space while giving you a clear path forward.
How to Respond Casually
Keep it relaxed
If a friend says “I Will Get Back To You,” keep your reply simple and pressure free. For example, “Sure thing, just let me know when you can” leaves the ball in their court without sounding pushy.
Use humor when appropriate
Sometimes humor lightens the situation. For instance, if someone delays confirming dinner plans, you can reply with “Okay, I will keep the pizza hotline on standby.” This shows you are easygoing but still expecting a response.
Examples for casual replies
- Friendly: “No worries, just let me know when you know.”
- Playful: “Cool, I will mark it as pending on my imaginary calendar.”
- Curious: “Alright, I am interested to hear what you decide. Keep me posted.”
Follow-Up Strategy and Etiquette
- Timing your follow ups
If you never hear back, follow up after 48 to 72 hours for professional matters. For bigger decisions, wait about a week. In social contexts, a 24 to 48 hour wait is fine. The key is balancing patience with persistence.
- Choosing the right medium
Use email for formal communication, text or chat for casual follow ups, and phone calls when the matter is urgent. Matching the medium to the context increases your chance of a reply.
- Polite reminder messages
When following up, keep it brief and respectful. For example:
“Hi [Name], I just wanted to check in regarding [topic]. Would you have an update by [date]? Thank you for your time.”
This shows professionalism without sounding demanding.
When to Move On
- Recognizing red flags
If someone repeatedly says “I Will Get Back To You” without action or avoids setting timelines, it often means low interest. At that point, continuing to wait wastes your energy.
- Closing the loop respectfully
If you decide to stop waiting, you can send a polite closing message. For instance:
“Thank you for considering this. Since I have not heard back, I will assume you are going in a different direction. If anything changes, please feel free to reach out.”
This keeps the relationship intact while freeing you from uncertainty.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressuring too soon
Pushing for answers immediately can backfire. It makes you seem impatient and can make the other person defensive. Always allow a reasonable pause before following up.
- Being overly passive
The opposite mistake is never asking for clarification. If you take “I Will Get Back To You” at face value without a timeline, you risk staying stuck in limbo. Do not be afraid to ask politely for specifics.
- Reacting emotionally
Frustration is natural, but replying with annoyance or sarcasm damages your reputation. Stay professional and composed even if the phrase irritates you.
Turning “I Will Get Back To You” Into an Advantage
- Create follow-up triggers
Treat the phrase as a signal to set a reminder. Add it to your calendar with a follow-up note. That way, you stay proactive instead of passive.
- Strengthen your case
Use the waiting period to prepare more information. For instance, gather data, testimonials, or additional examples that support your position. A well-timed follow-up with stronger evidence can change a pending maybe into a solid yes.
Real-World Example Responses
Professional examples
- After an interview: “Thank you for the update. I am very interested in the role and would appreciate knowing the timeline for next steps.”
- In sales: “I appreciate you reviewing the proposal. Would it be helpful if I sent a summary document before our next discussion?”
Casual examples
- Friend RSVP: “Sounds good, I will save you a seat just in case.”
- Social plan: “No rush, just let me know before Saturday so I can plan accordingly.”
Assertive yet polite responses
“Thanks, I understand you need time. Could we agree on a date by which you will get back to me? That way, I can organize my next steps properly.”
This keeps the tone respectful but prevents endless waiting.
Key Takeaways
- “I Will Get Back To You” is ambiguous and can mean many things.
- Always ask for a timeline to avoid uncertainty.
- Use professional or casual responses depending on context.
- Follow up politely using the right channel and timing.
- Avoid being pushy, but do not stay passive.
- Know when to close the loop and move on.
- Use the waiting time to strengthen your case.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, having the right response to “I will get back to you” can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived whether in professional emails, workplace conversations, or even casual chats. The key is to balance politeness with confidence, ensuring you leave the conversation on a positive note while keeping the door open for follow-up. If you enjoyed this collection of professional responses, you may also find value in our guide on 250+ Best Responses to “You Deserve Better Than Me”, which offers even more practical and thoughtful replies for different scenarios.
FAQs
Q. What should I do if someone never gets back to me
Send one or two polite follow ups. If there is still no response, close the loop with a final message. This saves your time and leaves the door open for future communication.
Q. How long should I wait before following up
For professional matters, 48 to 72 hours is common. For larger decisions, wait about a week. In casual settings, a day or two is enough.
Q. Is “I Will Get Back To You” always a polite no
Not always. Sometimes it is a genuine delay, other times a soft rejection. The only way to know is to follow up and ask for clarity.
Q. How do I phrase a polite follow up email
Keep it short and respectful. Mention the context, acknowledge their time, and ask if there is an update. Example: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to check if there are any updates on [topic]. Would you have a chance to let me know by [date]?”
Q. Can I use humor when someone says “I Will Get Back To You”
Yes, if the relationship is casual or friendly. Humor lightens the mood and shows you are not pressuring them. But in formal settings, stick with polite professionalism.