"I will get back to you" tells someone you've seen their message, you're taking it seriously, and a real answer is coming. To make it work, add two things: a specific time and, when it helps, a one-line reason for the wait. Below are 30 templates for clients, managers, colleagues, job searches and customers, plus tips for following through.
Why this short email matters
A holding reply sounds minor, but it solves a real problem. When people hear nothing, they assume their message was lost or ignored. They send reminders, call, or copy your manager. A two-line reply heads all of that off.
The weak version is open-ended: "I'll get back to you soon." Soon means different things to different people. The strong version names a time: "I'll get back to you by Friday at noon." Now the reader can plan.
The three-part formula
- Acknowledge what they sent or asked.
- Commit to a specific time.
- Explain in one line, if the reason is useful.
That's often all you need. Here are 30 ways to put it together.
For clients and customers
Hi [Name],
Thanks for your question about [topic]. I want to give you an accurate answer, so I'm checking with [team]. I'll get back to you by [day, time].
Best,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for sending the project details. I'm putting the quote together now and will have it in your inbox by [day].
Regards,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Got your comments on the draft, thank you. I'll work through them and send a revised version by [day].
Best,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for telling us what happened with your order. I'm reviewing it with our warehouse team and will get back to you with a solution by [day].
I'm sorry for the trouble.
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I've received your refund request for order [number]. Our billing team processes these within [timeframe], and I'll confirm by email once it's done.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Great question about adding [custom feature]. I need to confirm it's possible with our production team. Expect an answer from me by [day].
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Happy to talk. My calendar is packed today, but I'll send you a few times for a call tomorrow morning.
Best,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for flagging clause [number]. I'm sending it to our legal team for review and will get back to you with their response by [date].
Regards,
[Your Name]
For your manager
Hi [Manager],
I'm pulling together the latest numbers now. You'll have the full update by [time] today.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
Thanks for sending the proposal. I'd like to read it properly before I comment, so I'll send my thoughts by end of day [day].
[Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
I can take this on. I'm finishing [current task] first, which should wrap up [day]. I'll get back to you with a plan for the new request right after.
Does that order work for you?
[Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
I don't know offhand, but I can find out. I'll check with [person or team] and get back to you within the hour.
[Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
I'm gathering vendor prices for the estimate. Two of three have replied. I'll send you the full comparison by [day].
[Your Name]
For colleagues and teams
Hi [Name],
Sure, I can help with that. I'm in meetings until [time], then I'll get back to you and we can go through it together.
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for sending this over. I'll review it this afternoon and leave comments in the doc by [time].
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Got it. Our team is planning next sprint on [day], and I'll bring your request to that meeting. I'll let you know where it lands by [day].
Best,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I need to check a couple of calendars before I confirm. I'll get back to you with a time by tomorrow morning.
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I'll need to export the data from [system], which takes a little time. I'll share the file with you by [day].
[Your Name]
For job searches and recruiters
Hi [Name],
Thank you for thinking of me for the [Role] position. I'd like to read the job description carefully and will get back to you by [day] about whether I'd like to move forward.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name],
Thank you so much for the offer. I'm excited about the role and want to give it the consideration it deserves. Could I get back to you with my decision by [date]?
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for the invitation to interview. I'm confirming my schedule and will reply with my availability by [time] today.
Best,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for your patience. We're finishing interviews this week and will get back to you with a decision by [date].
Best,
[Your Name]
For vendors, partners and networking
Hi [Name],
Thanks for the proposal. We're reviewing it alongside a couple of others and will get back to you by [date] either way.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I like the idea. I'd like to run it past [colleague] before we commit, and I'll get back to you next week with our thoughts.
Best,
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for reaching out. I'd be glad to grab a coffee. Let me check my schedule and I'll get back to you with a couple of dates by [day].
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for following up on invoice [number]. I've asked our accounts team for the payment status and will get back to you by [day].
Best,
[Your Name]
For special situations
Hi [Name],
Got your message. I'm away from my desk but will reply properly when I'm back this afternoon.
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I'm out today but saw your email. I'll get back to you first thing [day]. If it's urgent, [colleague] at [email] can help in the meantime.
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I said I'd have this to you today, but I'm still waiting on [missing piece]. I now expect to get back to you by [new time]. Sorry for the delay.
[Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks! Let me look into this and I'll get back to you tomorrow.
[Your Name]
Writing tips for holding replies
Name a time, not a mood
"Soon," "shortly" and "ASAP" are vague. "By 3 p.m.," "by Thursday," and "within two business days" are promises. Pick a time you can actually meet, with a little buffer.
Match the formality of the sender
If your manager wrote two casual lines, a four-paragraph reply feels stiff. If a client wrote formally, keep a polished tone. The templates above range from "Thanks!" to "Dear [Name]" so you can choose.
Don't over-apologize
One "sorry for the delay" is enough when you're late. When you're replying on time, no apology is needed at all. Saying "I'll get back to you by Friday" is normal business, not a failure.
Keep the thread
Reply in the same email thread so the follow-up lands next to the original question. A new thread with a new subject line is easy to miss.
Actually follow up
The holding reply only builds trust if the real reply arrives. Put a reminder in your calendar the moment you hit send. If something blocks you, send a short update before the deadline, as in template 29.
Alternatives to "I will get back to you"
If you write this phrase several times a day, vary it:
- I'll follow up by [day].
- Let me check and confirm by [time].
- I'll have an answer for you [day].
- I'm looking into this and will update you [day].
- Give me until [time] and I'll send the details.
- I'll circle back once I hear from [person].
Key takeaways
- Acknowledge, commit to a specific time, and add a reason only if it helps.
- Choose a deadline you can beat, then set a reminder.
- If you'll miss it, update the person before it passes.
- Keep holding replies short. Their job is to buy time politely, not to answer the question.