The phrase “I will be in touch” is a common way to close conversations when you plan to follow up—but it can sometimes feel vague or overly formal. To sound more natural and engaging, you might say “I’ll reach out soon,” “I’ll get back to you shortly,” or “You’ll hear from me soon.”
The wording you choose can set the tone for how the other person feels—whether you want to sound professional in an email, friendly in a casual chat, or reassuring in a business update. This guide explores clear and effective alternatives to “I will be in touch” that help you communicate with confidence and warmth.
Defining “I Will Be In Touch” and Its Limitations
The phrase “I will be in touch” is a general expression indicating an intention to communicate with someone in the future. It falls under the category of future tense statements and functions as a promise or commitment to maintain contact. While seemingly straightforward, its ambiguity can be a significant drawback. The lack of specificity regarding when, how, and why you will be in touch can leave the recipient uncertain and potentially undermine the perceived sincerity of the promise. The phrase is often used to politely conclude a conversation or interaction, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the context and the relationship between the speakers.
Consider the difference between saying “I will be in touch” after a job interview versus saying “I will email you the project proposal by Friday.” The latter provides concrete information, demonstrating commitment and professionalism. The former, while polite, lacks the same impact.
Therefore, understanding the limitations of “I will be in touch” and exploring more specific alternatives is crucial for effective communication.
Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
Many alternatives to “I will be in touch” follow a similar structural pattern: a clear statement of intent, often accompanied by a specific timeframe or method of communication. These phrases typically include a subject (I), a verb indicating future action (will, plan to, intend to), and an object specifying the mode or topic of communication (email, call, send you an update). Adding a timeframe (by next week, on Tuesday) significantly enhances clarity and sets expectations. Let’s examine the basic structure:
[Subject] + [Future Tense Verb] + [Mode/Topic of Communication] + [Timeframe (Optional)]
For example:
- I + will send + you the report + by Friday.
- We + plan to call + you + next week.
- She + intends to email + the details + tomorrow.
Understanding this structural pattern allows you to create a wide range of alternative phrases that are both clear and specific, tailored to the particular situation.
Other Ways to Say I Will Be in Touch
The alternatives to “I will be in touch” can be broadly categorized based on the level of specificity, formality, and the intended action. Here are five key categories:
Phrases Indicating Specific Follow-Up Actions
These phrases clearly state what action will be taken. They are ideal when you have a concrete task or piece of information to share.
Phrases with Time-Bound Commitments
These phrases include a specific timeframe for the follow-up, adding a layer of accountability and clarity.
Phrases Suggesting Proactive Communication
These phrases emphasize your initiative in maintaining communication and keeping the other person informed.
Formal Alternatives
These are suitable for professional settings and interactions with individuals you don’t know well.
Informal Alternatives
These are appropriate for casual conversations with friends, family, or close colleagues.
Examples of Alternative Phrases
To illustrate the different categories, here are examples of phrases you can use instead of “I will be in touch.”
Specific Follow-Up Actions Examples
These examples specify the exact action you will take to follow up. Being specific eliminates ambiguity and demonstrates your commitment to the conversation.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I will send you the document tomorrow. | Following a meeting where a document was discussed. |
| I will email you the details by the end of the week. | Providing information about an upcoming event. |
| I will forward you the contact information. | After promising to connect someone with another person. |
| I will share the presentation slides with you. | Following a presentation. |
| I will pass along your message to John. | Acting as an intermediary. |
| I’ll send over the finalized contract shortly. | Concluding negotiations. |
| I will submit the application on your behalf. | Offering assistance with an application process. |
| I will provide feedback on your proposal. | Offering constructive criticism. |
| I will prepare a summary of our discussion. | Ensuring everyone is on the same page after a meeting. |
| I will draft a proposal based on our conversation. | Taking the next step after an initial consultation. |
| I will create a schedule for the project. | Initiating project planning. |
| I will book a follow-up meeting for next week. | Scheduling the next step in a process. |
| I will register you for the webinar. | Offering to handle the registration process. |
| I will update the project timeline accordingly. | Reflecting changes in project management. |
| I will order the necessary supplies. | Taking responsibility for procurement. |
| I will review the data and provide insights. | Offering analysis and interpretation. |
| I will conduct further research on the topic. | Promising to gather more information. |
| I will implement the suggested changes. | Acting on feedback received. |
| I will process your request immediately. | Assuring quick action on a request. |
| I will ship the product to you by tomorrow. | Confirming shipment details. |
| I’ll send an invoice over to you shortly. | Following up on payment details. |
| I will upload the files to the shared drive. | Ensuring document accessibility. |
| I will integrate your suggestions into the final version. | Incorporating feedback into a final product. |
| I will distribute the minutes of the meeting. | Ensuring record-keeping and transparency. |
| I will coordinate with the team to get this done. | Taking on a coordination role to complete a task. |
Time-Bound Commitments Examples
Adding a specific timeframe makes your promise more credible. These examples let the other person know when they can expect to hear from you.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I will call you back tomorrow morning. | Responding to a missed call. |
| I’ll email you the report by Friday afternoon. | Promising a report within a specific timeframe. |
| I will get back to you within 24 hours. | Ensuring a quick response. |
| I’ll reach out next week to schedule a follow-up. | Planning a future meeting. |
| I will touch base with you early next month. | Setting a timeframe for a catch-up conversation. |
| I’ll send you an update by the end of the day. | Providing a progress report within a specific timeframe. |
| I will connect with you again in two weeks. | Setting a follow-up date. |
| I will update you on the progress by Monday. | Providing a progress report by a certain date. |
| I’ll schedule a call with you within the next few days. | Promising to arrange a call promptly. |
| I will confirm the details with you by noon tomorrow. | Confirming information by a specific time. |
| I will have the results for you by the end of this week. | Promising results within a week’s timeframe. |
| I’ll get the proposal to you before the deadline. | Assuring timely delivery of a proposal. |
| I will send a reminder a week before the event. | Setting a reminder timeframe. |
| I’ll provide a detailed plan within the next 7 days. | Promising a plan within a week. |
| I will ensure to contact you as soon as possible. | Expressing urgency in getting in touch. |
| I’ll make sure to notify you within the hour. | Guaranteeing a rapid response. |
| I will revert back to you by close of business today. | Assuring a response before the end of the workday. |
| I’ll circle back to you after the meeting tomorrow. | Following up after a scheduled meeting. |
| I will check in with you at the end of the quarter. | Scheduling a check-in for a specific period. |
| I’ll follow up with you after the conference next month. | Following up after a major event. |
| I will get in touch with you within the next few days. | Offering a general timeframe for contact. |
| I’ll make certain to send you the data by Tuesday. | Ensuring data delivery by a specific day. |
| I will aim to provide an update before the weekend. | Targeting an update before the weekend. |
| I’ll endeavor to respond to your query by tomorrow. | Striving to answer a query promptly. |
| I will ensure to drop you a line by next Thursday. | Promising to contact by a specific date. |
Proactive Communication Examples
These phrases show that you will take the initiative to keep the other person informed, even if there are no specific updates yet.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I’ll keep you posted on the progress. | Providing updates on a project. |
| I’ll keep you informed of any changes. | Ensuring the other person is aware of updates. |
| I will update you as soon as I have more information. | Promising to provide updates promptly. |
| I’ll reach out with any updates. | Offering to provide updates proactively. |
| I will keep you in the loop. | Ensuring someone is informed about developments. |
| I’ll proactively share updates with you. | Highlighting your initiative. |
| I will reach out if anything changes. | Offering updates based on potential changes. |
| I’ll make sure you are the first to know. | Ensuring someone receives information promptly. |
| I will be sure to let you know of any news. | Promising to share news proactively. |
| I’ll be in touch as soon as I have an update. | Guaranteeing prompt updates. |
| I will keep you abreast of the situation. | Ensuring someone is up-to-date on developments. |
| I’ll continue to keep you updated on my progress. | Highlighting ongoing updates. |
| I will make certain to notify you of any developments. | Guaranteeing notification of developments. |
| I’ll provide regular updates on the project’s status. | Offering regular progress reports. |
| I will be sure to keep you well-informed. | Ensuring comprehensive updates. |
| I’ll proactively keep you in the loop. | Highlighting your proactive approach to updates. |
| I will make certain that you are kept up-to-date. | Guaranteeing consistent updates. |
| I’ll provide updates at regular intervals. | Setting a regular update schedule. |
| I will make sure to share any relevant information with you. | Ensuring relevant information is shared. |
| I’ll proactively reach out with new insights. | Offering proactive insights and updates. |
| I will keep you updated on the evolving landscape. | Providing updates on a changing situation. |
| I’ll make certain to advise you of any alterations. | Guaranteeing notification of alterations. |
| I will continue to share updates as they unfold. | Highlighting ongoing, real-time updates. |
| I’ll proactively notify you of any opportunities. | Offering proactive updates on opportunities. |
| I will keep you informed of any pertinent details. | Ensuring updates on relevant details. |
Formal Alternatives Examples
These alternatives are suitable for professional communication, particularly with superiors or clients. They emphasize respect and professionalism.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I will follow up with you shortly. | Concluding a business meeting. |
| I shall be in contact with you soon. | Writing a formal email. |
| Please expect to hear from me within the week. | Setting expectations for a reply. |
| I will ensure we are in touch regarding this matter. | Reassuring someone about continued communication. |
| I will revert to you at my earliest convenience. | Promising a response as soon as possible. |
| I will provide an update on the situation presently. | Offering an immediate update on a situation. |
| I shall endeavor to contact you forthwith. | Promising immediate contact. |
| I will ensure to correspond with you promptly. | Guaranteeing a prompt response. |
| I will keep you apprised of any developments. | Ensuring updates on any developments. |
| I shall be reaching out to you at the soonest opportunity. | Promising contact at the next available opportunity. |
| I will assure you of my continuous communication. | Reassuring of ongoing communication. |
| I shall maintain regular contact with you. | Promising consistent communication. |
| I will guarantee consistent correspondence. | Guaranteeing consistent written communication. |
| I shall provide you with timely updates. | Offering timely updates. |
| I will ensure that you are well-informed. | Guaranteeing comprehensive information. |
| I shall endeavor to keep you in the loop. | Striving to keep someone informed. |
| I will make certain to provide you with updates. | Guaranteeing updates are provided. |
| I shall keep you abreast of the situation. | Ensuring someone is kept up-to-date. |
| I will make certain to correspond with you regularly. | Guaranteeing regular written communication. |
| I shall provide you with routine updates. | Offering routine updates. |
| I will ensure that you are kept regularly informed. | Guaranteeing regular information updates. |
| I shall endeavor to keep you well-informed. | Striving to keep someone well-informed. |
| I will make certain to provide you with regular updates. | Guaranteeing regular provision of updates. |
| I shall keep you routinely apprised of any developments. | Ensuring routine updates on developments. |
| I will make certain that you are consistently kept in the loop. | Guaranteeing consistent informational updates. |
Informal Alternatives Examples
Use these alternatives with friends, family, or close colleagues. They are more relaxed and conversational.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| Talk to you soon! | Ending a phone call with a friend. |
| I’ll be in touch. | Ending a casual conversation. |
| Catch you later! | Saying goodbye to a colleague. |
| I’ll hit you up later. | Planning to contact someone later. |
| See you around! | Ending a brief encounter. |
| I’ll give you a shout. | Promising to call someone. |
| I’ll buzz you. | Promising to call someone. |
| I’ll ping you. | Promising to message someone on a communication platform. |
| I’ll drop you a line. | Promising to send a quick message. |
| I’ll get back to you. | Promising to respond. |
| I’ll touch base. | Promising to have a brief communication. |
| Cheers, I’ll be in touch! | Ending an email or message with a friendly tone. |
| Cool, I’ll holler at you! | Promising to contact someone. |
| Alright, I’ll catch you on the flip side! | Ending a conversation with an upbeat tone. |
| Later, I’ll give you a ring! | Promising to call someone later. |
| Sweet, I’ll keep you posted! | Promising to provide updates. |
| Okay, I’ll give you a buzz sometime! | Promising to call casually. |
| Great, I’ll keep in touch! | Confirming the intention to stay connected. |
| Sure thing, I’ll drop you a message! | Promising to send a message. |
| No worries, I’ll ping you when I’m free! | Promising to message when available. |
| Awesome, I’ll chat to you soon! | Ending a conversation with an enthusiastic tone. |
| Perfect, I’ll touch base next week! | Planning a brief communication next week. |
| Sounds good, I’ll holler at you soon! | Ending a conversation with a promise to contact. |
| Laterz, I’ll send you a quick line! | Ending a conversation with a promise to send a short message. |
| Yep, I’ll keep you in the loop! | Promising to keep someone informed. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
The choice of which phrase to use depends on several factors:
- Formality: Choose formal phrases for professional settings and informal phrases for casual conversations.
- Specificity: Be as specific as possible about the action you will take and the timeframe.
- Relationship: Consider your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
- Context: The context of the conversation will influence the appropriate phrase.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles.
It’s also important to be mindful of your tone of voice and body language. Even the most specific phrase can sound insincere if delivered without genuine intent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “I will be in touch”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I’ll be in touch sometime. | I’ll email you the report by Friday. | “Sometime” is too vague. Provide a specific timeframe. |
| I’ll follow up. | I’ll call you next week to discuss the proposal. | “Follow up” is not specific enough. State the purpose of your follow-up. |
| I’ll revert. | I will respond to your email by tomorrow morning. | “Revert” is jargon and can be unclear. Use a more direct expression. |
| I will be in touch soon, maybe. | I will call you on Tuesday to schedule a meeting. | Avoid uncertainty. Make a firm commitment. |
| I will keep you posted, if I remember. | I will keep you posted on the progress of the project. | Avoid a lack of commitment. Show you’re reliable. |
| I’ll be in touch, or not. | I’ll send you the details as soon as I have them. | Avoid flippancy. Be consistent and responsible. |
| I’ll follow up with you when I get around to it. | I’ll email you the information by the end of the day. | Avoid procrastination. Provide a specific and timely commitment. |
| I’ll get back to you eventually. | I will call you back before the end of the week. | Avoid vagueness and indicate a time frame. |
| I’ll be in touch, maybe next month. | I’ll reach out to you next week to discuss further steps. | Avoid an indefinite time. Provide a clear and imminent time. |
| I’ll keep you in the loop, if anything interesting happens. | I’ll keep you in the loop on all relevant developments. | Avoid conditional commitment and ensure a serious approach. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Choose the best alternative to “I will be in touch” for each scenario.
Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Scenario | Possible Answers | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| You promised to send a client a project proposal. | a) I will be in touch. b) I’ll send you the proposal by Friday. c) Talk to you soon! | b) I’ll send you the proposal by Friday. |
| You are ending a casual conversation with a friend. | a) I will be in touch soon. b) I shall correspond with you forthwith. c) Catch you later! | c) Catch you later! |
| You need to update your manager on a project’s progress. | a) I will be in touch. b) I’ll keep you posted on the progress. c) I’ll be in touch sometime. | b) I’ll keep you posted on the progress. |
| You are responding to a customer’s inquiry via email. | a) I will be in touch. b) I will revert to you at my earliest convenience. c) I’ll hit you up later. | b) I will revert to you at my earliest convenience. |
| You are going to call a colleague back later in the day. | a) I will be in touch. b) I’ll give you a shout later. c) I’ll be in touch eventually. | b) I’ll give you a shout later. |
| You are confirming follow-up actions after a meeting. | a) I will be in touch. b) I’ll follow up. c) I’ll send over the finalized contract shortly. | c) I’ll send over the finalized contract shortly. |
| You are offering to help someone register for an event. | a) I will be in touch. b) I will register you for the webinar. c) Talk to you soon! | b) I will register you for the webinar. |
| You want to ensure someone is aware of any changes to a project. | a) I will be in touch. b) I’ll keep you informed of any changes. c) I’ll hit you up later. | b) I’ll keep you informed of any changes. |
| You need to follow up on a request by the end of the week. | a) I will be in touch. b) I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. c) I’ll get back to you eventually. | b) I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. |
| You are promising to provide regular updates on a project. | a) I will be in touch. b) I’ll provide regular updates on the project’s status. c) I will be in touch, maybe. | b) I’ll provide regular updates on the project’s status. |
Exercise 2: Rewriting with Specifics
Rewrite the following sentences, replacing “I will be in touch” with a more specific and appropriate alternative.
- “I will be in touch” after the interview.
- “I will be in touch” about the project.
- “I will be in touch” soon.
- “I will be in touch” regarding your application.
- “I will be in touch” with updates.
- “I will be in touch” to schedule a meeting.
- “I will be in touch” after I review the documents.
- “I will be in touch” if anything changes.
- “I will be in touch” before the deadline.
- “I will be in touch” to discuss the details.
Answer Key – Exercise 2: Rewriting with Specifics
- I will call you next week to discuss the interview results.
- I will email you the project proposal by Friday.
- I will call you tomorrow morning.
- I will send you an email with the application status by the end of the week.
- I will keep you posted on the progress of the project.
- I will email you next week to schedule a meeting.
- I will call you next week to schedule a meeting after I review the documents.
- I will reach out if anything changes with the schedule.
- I will send you the final report before the deadline.
- I will call you to discuss the details of the contract.
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Context
Mastering alternatives to “I will be in touch” involves understanding subtle nuances and adapting your communication style to different contexts. For example, in some cultures, directness is highly valued, while in others, indirectness is preferred.
Consider your audience and tailor your language accordingly. Furthermore, pay attention to non-verbal cues such as tone of voice and body language, as these can significantly impact the perceived sincerity of your message.
Also, be prepared to adjust your communication based on feedback. If someone seems confused or uncertain about your intentions, clarify your message with more specific details.
Another advanced aspect is understanding the implied meaning behind “I will be in touch.” Sometimes, it’s used as a polite way to end a conversation without making a firm commitment. In such cases, it’s important to recognize the underlying message and avoid misinterpreting it as a genuine promise of follow-up.
Contextual awareness and active listening are crucial skills for navigating these subtle communication dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is “I will be in touch” considered vague?
The phrase lacks specific details about when, how, and why you will communicate, leaving the recipient uncertain about your intentions.
When is it okay to use “I will be in touch”?
In casual conversations with friends or close colleagues, or when the context makes your intentions clear.
How can I make my follow-up promises more credible?
Include a specific timeframe and action in your statement, such as “I will email you the report by Friday.”
What if I’m not sure when I’ll be able to follow up?
Be honest about your uncertainty and provide a general timeframe, such as “I will get back to you within the next few days.”
Are there any cultural considerations when using these phrases?
Yes, be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and adjust your language accordingly.
How important is tone of voice when making follow-up promises?
Tone of voice is crucial. Even the most specific phrase can sound insincere if delivered without genuine intent.
What are some formal alternatives to “I will be in touch” for business communication?
Formal alternatives include “I will follow up with you shortly,” “I shall be in contact with you soon,” and “Please expect to hear from me within the week.”