The phrase “I will let you know” is a go-to way to promise an update, but using it too often can sound repetitive or vague. Depending on your tone and context, alternatives like “I’ll keep you posted,” “I’ll update you soon,” or “I’ll reach out when I have more details” can feel warmer, clearer, or more professional.
Whether you’re writing an email, sending a quick message, or speaking in a meeting, choosing the right words helps you communicate with confidence and courtesy. This guide explores natural and effective alternatives to “I will let you know” that work in both casual and professional settings.
Definition and Context
The phrase “I will let you know” is a standard expression used to indicate that you will provide someone with information or an answer at a future time. It is a polite and generally neutral way to postpone providing immediate details, often because you need more time to gather information, make a decision, or complete a task.
Understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives involves recognizing the context in which it is used and choosing a substitute that conveys the appropriate level of formality and specificity.
The function of “I will let you know” is primarily to manage expectations and assure the recipient that they will receive the information they are seeking. However, its vagueness can sometimes lead to uncertainty or impatience if the timeframe is not clearly defined.
Therefore, using more precise alternatives can often improve communication and build trust.
The phrase can be classified as a future tense statement indicating an intention to communicate. It typically implies a promise or commitment to follow up.
The appropriate alternative depends heavily on the situation, your relationship with the person you are speaking to, and the level of detail you want to provide upfront.
Structural Breakdown of Alternatives
Alternatives to “I will let you know” can be broken down into several structural categories, each with its own grammatical features and usage patterns. These categories include:
- Future Simple with “Will”: This is the most straightforward structure, similar to the original phrase. Examples include “I will inform you,” or “I will update you.”
- Future Continuous: This structure emphasizes the ongoing nature of the process leading to the communication. For example, “I will be checking on that and will let you know.”
- Present Simple with a Future Meaning: Used for scheduled events or arrangements. For instance, “I’ll contact you next week.”
- Present Continuous with a Future Meaning: Indicates a plan or arrangement. For example, “I’m meeting with them tomorrow, and I’ll give you an update afterward.”
- Modal Verbs (May, Might, Could, Should): These verbs add a degree of uncertainty or obligation. Examples include “I might let you know,” or “I should have an answer for you by Friday.”
- Phrasal Verbs: These verbs combine a verb with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning. For instance, “I’ll get back to you,” or “I’ll follow up with you.”
- Passive Voice: Useful when the focus is on the information being conveyed rather than the person conveying it. For example, “You will be notified.”
Understanding these structural elements allows you to construct a variety of alternative phrases that accurately reflect your intended meaning and the context of the conversation.
Other Ways To Say I Will Let You Know
The alternatives to “I will let you know” can be categorized based on their level of formality, specificity, and the context in which they are appropriate. Here are some key categories:
Formal Alternatives
These are suitable for professional settings, communication with superiors, or when a high degree of politeness is required.
Informal Alternatives
These are appropriate for casual conversations with friends, family, or close colleagues.
Specific Alternatives
These provide more detail about when and how you will communicate the information.
General Alternatives
These are similar to “I will let you know” in their vagueness but offer a slightly different tone.
Alternatives Emphasizing Certainty
These convey a strong sense of assurance that you will provide the information.
Alternatives Emphasizing Uncertainty
These indicate that you may not be able to provide the information or that the timing is uncertain.
Examples of Alternatives
Here are several examples of alternatives to “I will let you know,” categorized for clarity.
Formal Alternatives
These alternatives are appropriate for professional emails, formal meetings, and interactions with individuals in positions of authority.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| I will inform you. | “I will inform you of our decision by the end of the week.” | Formal business communication. |
| I will update you. | “I will update you on the project’s progress regularly.” | Project management, status reports. |
| I shall notify you. | “I shall notify you as soon as I have further information.” | Legal or official correspondence. |
| I will advise you. | “I will advise you on the best course of action.” | Providing professional guidance. |
| I will communicate the details to you. | “I will communicate the details to you once they are finalized.” | Corporate announcements, policy changes. |
| You will be apprised of the situation. | “You will be apprised of the situation as it unfolds.” | Crisis management, sensitive updates. |
| I will furnish you with the information. | “I will furnish you with the information you requested.” | Responding to formal inquiries. |
| I will keep you informed. | “I will keep you informed of any changes.” | Ongoing projects, continuous updates. |
| I will report back to you. | “I will report back to you after the meeting.” | After completing a task or attending an event. |
| I will provide you with an update. | “I will provide you with an update on the investigation.” | Investigations, long-term projects. |
| We will circulate the information. | “We will circulate the information to all stakeholders.” | Distributing information to a group. |
| I will ensure you receive the information. | “I will ensure you receive the information promptly.” | Guaranteeing delivery of information. |
| I will keep you in the loop. | “I will keep you in the loop regarding these developments.” | Keeping someone updated on ongoing events. |
| I will send you a formal notification. | “I will send you a formal notification of the changes.” | Official announcements. |
| I will correspond with you regarding this matter. | “I will correspond with you regarding this matter next week.” | Formal written communication. |
| I will brief you on the specifics. | “I will brief you on the specifics during our next meeting.” | Providing a concise overview. |
| I will disclose the details to you. | “I will disclose the details to you once they are verified.” | Sharing confidential information. |
| I will apprise you of any developments. | “I will apprise you of any developments as they occur.” | Keeping someone updated on changes. |
| I will furnish you with a detailed report. | “I will furnish you with a detailed report by Friday.” | Providing a comprehensive document. |
| I will communicate the outcome to you. | “I will communicate the outcome to you as soon as it’s decided.” | Sharing results or decisions. |
| I will forward the information to you directly. | “I will forward the information to you directly when I receive it.” | Ensuring personal delivery of information. |
| I will provide you with a comprehensive overview. | “I will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the project.” | Offering a complete summary. |
| I will keep you abreast of the situation. | “I will keep you abreast of the situation as it evolves.” | Keeping someone fully informed. |
| I will submit a report to you promptly. | “I will submit a report to you promptly following the assessment.” | Delivering a report quickly. |
| I will keep you updated on further proceedings. | “I will keep you updated on further proceedings in this case.” | Providing ongoing updates on a legal or formal matter. |
Informal Alternatives
These alternatives are suitable for casual conversations with friends, family, or close colleagues. They often use more relaxed language and may include slang or colloquialisms.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| I’ll get back to you. | “I’ll get back to you later today with the answer.” | Casual conversation, quick follow-up. |
| I’ll let you know ASAP. | “I’ll let you know ASAP when I find out.” | Expressing urgency. |
| I’ll hit you up. | “I’ll hit you up when I’m free.” | Very informal, often used among friends. |
| I’ll keep you posted. | “I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.” | Informal updates, ongoing situations. |
| I’ll give you a shout. | “I’ll give you a shout when I’m done.” | Informal, often used to signal completion of a task. |
| I’ll buzz you. | “I’ll buzz you when I’m ready.” | Informal, often used to indicate a quick notification. |
| I’ll ping you. | “I’ll ping you with the details tomorrow.” | Informal, often used in digital communication. |
| I’ll circle back. | “I’ll circle back to you on that.” | Informal business setting, meaning to revisit the topic. |
| I’ll holler at you. | “I’ll holler at you when I have the info.” | Very informal, similar to “hit you up.” |
| I’ll touch base with you. | “I’ll touch base with you next week.” | Informal business, meaning to reconnect. |
| I’ll fill you in. | “I’ll fill you in on all the gossip later.” | Sharing information, often informally. |
| I’ll give you the scoop. | “I’ll give you the scoop as soon as I hear anything.” | Sharing news or updates. |
| I’ll drop you a line. | “I’ll drop you a line when I have the details.” | Sending a quick message. |
| I’ll be in touch. | “I’ll be in touch soon.” | General promise to communicate. |
| I’ll keep you in the loop. | “I’ll keep you in the loop about the plans.” | Keeping someone updated on ongoing events. |
| I’ll get back to you shortly. | “I’ll get back to you shortly with an answer.” | Promising a quick response. |
| I’ll give you a ring. | “I’ll give you a ring later tonight.” | Calling someone on the phone. |
| I’ll text you. | “I’ll text you the details.” | Sending a text message. |
| I’ll shoot you an email. | “I’ll shoot you an email with the information.” | Sending an email. |
| I’ll send it over. | “I’ll send it over as soon as I can.” | Sending documents or information. |
| I’ll run it by you. | “I’ll run it by you before I make a decision.” | Seeking input or approval. |
| I’ll let you know how it shakes out. | “I’ll let you know how it shakes out after the meeting.” | Sharing the outcome of an event. |
| I’ll keep you clued in. | “I’ll keep you clued in on the developments.” | Keeping someone informed. |
| I’ll give you the lowdown. | “I’ll give you the lowdown later.” | Sharing important details. |
| I’ll keep you in the know. | “I’ll keep you in the know about the project.” | Keeping someone informed. |
Specific Alternatives
These alternatives provide more detail about when and how you will communicate the information. They help to manage expectations and avoid ambiguity.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| I’ll let you know by [date/time]. | “I’ll let you know by Friday afternoon.” | Setting a specific deadline. |
| I’ll call you tomorrow. | “I’ll call you tomorrow with the results.” | Specifying the method and time of communication. |
| I’ll email you the details. | “I’ll email you the details later today.” | Specifying the method of communication. |
| I’ll send you a message as soon as I know. | “I’ll send you a message as soon as I know the answer.” | Expressing immediacy. |
| I’ll get back to you within [timeframe]. | “I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.” | Setting a specific timeframe for response. |
| I’ll update you after the meeting. | “I’ll update you after the meeting on the decision.” | Connecting communication to a specific event. |
| I’ll confirm by [date]. | “I’ll confirm the booking by Monday.” | Confirming a specific arrangement. |
| I’ll send you a report on [date]. | “I’ll send you a report on Friday.” | Specifying the type of communication and the date. |
| I’ll schedule a call for [date]. | “I’ll schedule a call for next Tuesday.” | Arranging a specific time for communication. |
| I’ll follow up next week. | “I’ll follow up next week with more information.” | Indicating a specific time for follow-up. |
| I’ll send you the documents by end of day. | “I’ll send you the documents by end of day today.” | Providing a clear deadline for sending documents. |
| I’ll give you a call first thing in the morning. | “I’ll give you a call first thing in the morning to discuss it.” | Specifying a time for a phone call. |
| I’ll reach out to you before [event]. | “I’ll reach out to you before the conference.” | Connecting communication to a future event. |
| I’ll drop you an email by [time]. | “I’ll drop you an email by noon.” | Specifying a time for sending an email. |
| I’ll make sure to update you on [date]. | “I’ll make sure to update you on Friday about the budget.” | Promising an update on a specific date. |
| I’ll get back to you no later than [time]. | “I’ll get back to you no later than 5 PM.” | Setting a firm deadline for a response. |
| I’ll send you a reminder on [date]. | “I’ll send you a reminder on Monday.” | Promising a reminder on a specific date. |
| I’ll get in touch as soon as possible. | “I’ll get in touch as soon as possible after the review.” | Expressing urgency in providing information. |
| I’ll provide feedback by [date]. | “I’ll provide feedback by next Wednesday.” | Setting a deadline for providing feedback. |
| I’ll send you a detailed analysis by [date]. | “I’ll send you a detailed analysis by the end of the week.” | Providing a specific type of document by a set date. |
| I’ll schedule a follow-up for [date]. | “I’ll schedule a follow-up for next month to review progress.” | Planning a specific follow-up meeting. |
| I’ll send you the final draft by [date]. | “I’ll send you the final draft by the 15th of the month.” | Providing a document by a specific date. |
| I’ll provide you with concrete answers by [date]. | “I’ll provide you with concrete answers by the end of business hours.” | Promising specific answers within a defined timeframe. |
| I’ll brief you on the matter after I’ve spoken with [person]. | “I’ll brief you on the matter after I’ve spoken with the manager.” | Linking communication to a prior action. |
| I’ll forward you the necessary documents once they’re approved. | “I’ll forward you the necessary documents once they’re approved by the legal team.” | Linking communication to an approval process. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When choosing an alternative to “I will let you know,” consider the following usage rules and factors:
- Formality: Select a phrase that matches the formality of the situation. Avoid using informal language in professional settings.
- Specificity: Be as specific as possible about when and how you will communicate the information. This helps manage expectations and build trust.
- Context: Consider the context of the conversation. What information are you promising to provide? What is your relationship with the person you are speaking to?
- Clarity: Ensure that your chosen phrase is clear and unambiguous. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language.
- Tone: Pay attention to the tone of your voice and the overall message you are conveying. Choose a phrase that reflects the appropriate level of enthusiasm, concern, or neutrality.
- Audience: Tailor your language to your audience. What is their level of understanding? What are their expectations?
By considering these factors, you can choose the most appropriate and effective alternative to “I will let you know” in any given situation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “I will let you know”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I’ll inform you, dude.” | “I will inform you.” / “I’ll let you know.” | Using overly informal language in a formal setting. |
| “I’ll get back to you sometime.” | “I’ll get back to you by Friday.” | Being too vague about the timeframe. |
| “I’ll notify you, maybe.” | “I will try to notify you by Friday.” | Using uncertain language when certainty is expected. |
| “I’ll update you when I feel like it.” | “I’ll update you as soon as I have the information.” | Using inappropriate tone. |
| “I’ll revert.” | “I’ll get back to you.” | Using jargon that may not be understood by everyone. |
| “I’ll keep you in the circle.” | “I’ll keep you in the loop.” | Using incorrect idiom. |
| “I’ll advise you soonly.” | “I’ll advise you soon.” | Using incorrect adverb formation. |
| “I’ll communicate you.” | “I’ll communicate with you.” | Missing preposition. |
| “I’ll keep you knowing.” | “I’ll keep you informed.” | Incorrect verb form. |
| “I’ll update to you.” | “I’ll update you.” | Unnecessary preposition |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternatives to “I will let you know” with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the Best Alternative
Select the most appropriate alternative to “I will let you know” in each situation.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Your boss asks for an update on a project. | a) I’ll hit you up. b) I will update you. c) I’ll ping you. | b) I will update you. |
| A friend asks when you’ll be free to hang out. | a) I’ll inform you. b) I’ll get back to you. c) You will be notified. | b) I’ll get back to you. |
| A client needs confirmation of their booking. | a) I’ll holler at you. b) I’ll confirm by tomorrow. c) I’ll keep you posted. | b) I’ll confirm by tomorrow. |
| A colleague asks for information about a new policy. | a) I’ll text you. b) We will circulate the information. c) I’ll give you a shout. | b) We will circulate the information. |
| Your manager needs to know when he can expect the sales report. | a) I’ll get around to it. b) I’ll get it to you sometime. c) I’ll send it to you by Friday. | c) I’ll send it to you by Friday. |
| A customer wants to know when a product will be back in stock. | a) I’ll see what I can do. b) I’ll let you know when I find out anything. c) I’ll notify you as soon as it’s available. | c) I’ll notify you as soon as it’s available. |
| A teammate wants to know your decision on a proposal. | a) Maybe later. b) I’ll think about it. c) I’ll give you my decision by the end of the day. | c) I’ll give you my decision by the end of the day. |
| A family member asks when you’ll arrive at the party. | a) Eventually. b) I’ll be there when I get there. c) I’ll text you when I’m about to leave. | c) I’ll text you when I’m about to leave. |
| Your supervisor asks for an update on a complex legal issue. | a) I’ll keep you clued in. b) You will be apprised of the situation as it unfolds. c) I’ll give you the lowdown. | b) You will be apprised of the situation as it unfolds. |
| A close friend asks for your advice on a personal matter. | a) I’ll get back to you sometime. b) I’ll get back to you shortly. c) I’ll need some time to think about it, then I’ll give you a ring tonight. | c) I’ll need some time to think about it, then I’ll give you a ring tonight. |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using a more specific or formal alternative to “I will let you know.”
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| I will let you know when I have the answer. | I will provide you with the answer by tomorrow morning. |
| I will let you know if the meeting is rescheduled. | I will notify you immediately if the meeting is rescheduled. |
| I will let you know my decision. | I will communicate my decision to you by the end of the day. |
| I will let you know the results of the test. | I will send you the test results via email tomorrow. |
| I will let you know when I am available. | I will inform you of my availability by Friday. |
| I will let you know if the project is approved. | I will advise you as soon as the project is approved. |
| I will let you know the outcome of the discussion. | I will communicate the outcome of the discussion to you promptly. |
| I will let you know if I can attend the event. | I will confirm my attendance by next week. |
| I will let you know the details later. | I will furnish you with the details by the end of the day. |
| I will let you know if there are any changes. | I will keep you informed of any changes to the schedule. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of using alternatives to “I will let you know”:
- Subtleties of Tone: Explore how different phrases can convey different levels of enthusiasm, reluctance, or urgency.
- Cultural Differences: Understand how communication styles vary across cultures and how this affects the choice of phrases.
- Negotiation Skills: Learn how to use alternatives to “I will let you know” strategically in negotiations to manage expectations and build rapport.
- Deceptive Communication: Recognize how vague or ambiguous phrases can be used to avoid providing information or making commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about alternatives to “I will let you know”:
Is “I will let you know” always appropriate?
While generally polite, “I will let you know” can be vague and may not always be the best choice. It’s crucial to consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. In formal settings or when specificity is important, a more detailed alternative is often preferable. In very informal settings it is perfectly acceptable and common.
How can I be more specific when using an alternative?
Provide a timeframe (e.g., “I’ll let you know by Friday”), specify the method of communication (e.g., “I’ll email you”), or connect the communication to a specific event (e.g., “I’ll update you after the meeting”). The more detail you provide, the clearer your message will be.
What if I’m not sure when I’ll have the information?
Use phrases that convey uncertainty, such as “I’ll let you know as soon as possible,” “I’ll try to get back to you by [date],” or “I’m not sure when I’ll have the answer, but I’ll keep you updated.” Honesty and transparency are key.
Are there any alternatives that are considered rude?
Avoid phrases that are dismissive, sarcastic, or overly informal in inappropriate settings. For example, saying “I’ll get around to it” or “I’ll let you know sometime” can be perceived as rude or unhelpful.
How do I choose the right alternative for a professional email?
Opt for formal and specific language. Phrases like “I will inform you,” “I will update you,” or “I will provide you with an update by [date]” are generally suitable. Avoid slang or overly casual expressions.
What’s the difference between “I’ll get back to you” and “I’ll follow up”?
“I’ll get back to you” generally means you will respond with an answer or information you don’t currently have. “I’ll follow up” implies you will check in on a previous conversation or action to provide further updates or ensure completion.
Can I use “I’ll keep you posted” in a formal setting?
While “I’ll keep you posted” is generally acceptable, it’s more appropriate for informal or semi-formal communication. In a very formal setting, “I will keep you informed” is a better choice.
What’s a good alternative when I need to consult with someone else before providing an answer?
You could say, “I need to consult with [person] first. I’ll get back to you with an answer by [date].” This manages expectations and explains the delay.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “I will let you know” is a valuable skill for effective communication in English. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and their appropriate contexts, you can express yourself more clearly, confidently, and professionally.
Remember to consider the formality of the situation, the specificity of the information, and your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
Practice using these alternatives in your everyday conversations and writing to solidify your understanding. By expanding your vocabulary and honing your communication skills, you can enhance your interactions and build stronger relationships.
Keep exploring new ways to express yourself and continue to refine your understanding of English grammar and usage.