We’ve all been there. You ask someone a question, or maybe you’re waiting to hear about a decision, and they say, “I’ll get back to you.”
These simple words might leave you feeling uncertain. What does it really mean? Why can’t they give you an answer right away?
How long should you wait? Don’t worry, this article is here to help you understand what’s going on.
Basically, “I’ll get back to you” gives the idea that the person needs more time. Maybe they don’t have all the information they need right now.
Maybe they need to think about it a bit more, or perhaps they need to discuss with someone else. It’s not always a bad thing, but it can feel a little unnerving if you need an answer desperately.
In this article, you’re going to learn what it means when someone says “I’ll get back to you.” We’ll explore why people use it and importantly, how to respond when someone says it to you.
Here are five things it means when someone says they’ll get back to you.
1. They Need Time to Think or Gather Information
When someone says, “I’ll get back to you,” they often need some time to think things over or to gather more information before making a decision.
Imagine you’re at work, and a colleague approaches you with a proposal. While it sounds promising, you might want to review the details before giving an answer.
In our everyday interactions, making informed decisions is crucial, and sometimes, it’s better to pause and reflect than to rush and regret.
It’s also possible that the person doesn’t have all the facts at their fingertips. They might need to consult someone else, double-check details, or simply ponder the proposal a bit more.
[Related: 15 Things to To Say When Someone Says “Thank You”]
2. They’re Avoiding Immediate Commitment
Let’s be honest, sometimes “I’ll get back to you” is a polite way of avoiding an immediate commitment.
Not everyone finds it easy to say no outright, especially if they’re unsure about their decision. For some, it’s a way to buy time, either hoping the situation will change or that they’ll find a gentler way to decline later on.
It’s also a method to prevent confrontational or awkward situations. Instead of directly refusing or expressing disagreement, postponing the decision gives both parties a breathing space.
The person who says they’ll get back can weigh the pros and cons without feeling pressured, and you also get a sense of hope that there’s still a possibility for a positive outcome.
3. They’re Juggling Priorities
Life is busy, and everyone’s juggling multiple tasks, responsibilities, and commitments.
Hence, sometimes when someone says, “I’ll get back to you,” they might be subtly hinting at their current bandwidth or priorities.
They could have a lot on their plate, and while they’re genuinely interested in addressing your request or proposal, they need to slot it into their schedule.
It’s not necessarily a reflection of the importance they assign to your proposal but more about managing their time and tasks effectively.
Everyone’s been in situations where they have to prioritize one task over another due to deadlines, personal commitments, or unexpected events.
[Read: What It Means When Someone Says ‘The Feeling Is Mutual’]
4. They’re Not Interested But Want to Be Polite
Sometimes, “I’ll get back to you” is a gentler way of expressing disinterest. Instead of an outright “no,” the person opts for this phrase to soften the blow.
It’s a delicate balance between being honest and not wanting to hurt someone’s feelings or appear rude.
For instance, if someone offers a business proposition or an invitation, and the recipient isn’t interested or doesn’t see it fitting into their plans, they might use this phrase as a cushion.
Why? They aim to be diplomatic, avoiding any immediate negative reactions or confrontations.
5. They’re Genuinely Interested But Unsure
The phrase can also be a sign of genuine interest but with a sprinkle of uncertainty.
Maybe they’re intrigued by what you’ve proposed but need to check its feasibility. This response is an in-between, neither a yes nor a no, but a maybe. It’s a placeholder until they can make a firm decision.
Consider someone proposing a weekend trip. The idea sounds fun, but before committing, you might need to check your schedule, budget, or other commitments, right?
What to Say When Someone Says “I’ll Get Back to You”
1. “Sure, Take Your Time.”
A classic and polite response, “Sure, take your time,” indicates understanding and patience.
You’re acknowledging that they might have reasons for not committing immediately. This phrase subtly communicates that you respect their need for time and space to think or gather more details.
Additionally, such a reply sets a comfortable atmosphere for future interactions. It shows you value the quality of their decision over the speed of their reply, which can foster trust and openness in the communication.
2. “Is There Any Additional Information You Need from Me?”
Offering assistance or clarifying any potential doubts is proactive. When you ask if they need more information, you’re demonstrating eagerness and commitment to the subject at hand.
It shows your proactive attitude and willingness to facilitate their decision-making process.
Moreover, this response can expedite their feedback. By ensuring they have all the necessary details, you’re essentially removing potential barriers that might delay their response.
3. “Thank You for Considering. I Appreciate It.”
Gratitude goes a long way in communication. By expressing appreciation, you acknowledge their willingness to engage and consider whatever you’ve proposed.
It highlights your maturity and understanding of the value of their time and effort.
Furthermore, such a response also casts a positive light on you. It demonstrates humility, respect, and patience, traits that are often admired and appreciated in personal and professional interactions.
[Related: What Does It Mean If Someone Says They’re Obsessed With You?]
4. “Alright. When Can I Expect to Hear from You?”
Setting a timeframe is both practical and beneficial. Asking when you can expect a response creates clarity around expectations.
This response ensures you’re not left in a constant state of anticipation, wondering when they might revert.
While the question seeks a specific timeframe, it’s posed politely and non-intrusively. It gives them the opportunity to set a timeline that works for them, while also providing you with a clearer picture of the waiting period.
5. “Let Me Know If You Have Any Questions.”
This response is a subtle nudge, reminding them that you’re available for any further discussions or clarifications. It emphasizes your openness to dialogue and ensures that any ambiguities or doubts they might have can be quickly addressed.
Being available for questions also reassures the other party that they’re not navigating the decision-making process alone. They have your support, and any required clarifications or discussions are just a conversation away.
6. “I Understand. Do Take the Time You Need.”
Expressing understanding resonates with the other party, making them feel heard and validated. It’s a gentle reminder that you recognize their need for reflection or further considerations.
Such a response can also ease any potential pressure they might be feeling. Decisions, big or small, often carry weight, and knowing that the other party is supportive can make the process smoother and less stressful.
[Read: When Someone Says They Need Space, How Long Should You Wait?]
More Ways To Respond To “I’ll Get Back To You”
- “No worries, I’m here when you’re ready.”
- “Sounds good, I’ll await your response.”
- “Alright, let’s touch base soon.”
- “I appreciate your diligence. Chat soon!”
- “That’s fine. Reach out when you have clarity.”
- “Got it. Looking forward to hearing from you.”
- “Okay, I’ll be on standby.”
- “Take the time you need, and we’ll reconnect after.”
- “No rush, whenever you’re set.”
- “Sure thing. Just keep me posted.”
How long should you wait when someone says they’ll get back to you?
The appropriate wait time can vary based on the context and the nature of the relationship.
For professional scenarios, giving someone at least a few business days to a week is generally a good rule of thumb. If it’s a more casual or personal matter, a couple of days to a week might be reasonable.
However, if the topic is urgent or has a defined timeline, waiting might not be as feasible. It’s always a good practice to set clear expectations or ask directly when you can anticipate a response.
How do you know someone means it when they say they’ll get back to you?
It’s challenging to discern someone’s sincerity solely from their words, but a few cues can help.
Tone of voice, body language (if the conversation is in person), and the context in which they say it can provide clues.
A genuine commitment often comes with specificity; for instance, they might give a tentative timeline or ask for additional details to aid their response.
Past behavior is also a strong indicator. If someone has a history of following up on their commitments, they’re more likely to be sincere. However, it’s also okay to seek clarity by asking them directly if they will indeed follow through.
- All photos from freepik.com