“I'll look into it”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“I'll look into it”
Since the word “look” in “I'll look into it” promises attention but no action and no deadline, the other person can't tell whether anything will happen. Stating that you heard the request, will check, and will report back by a set time usually works better.
Say this instead
- 01
I'm checking your order history now and will reply by 3pm tomorrow, even if it's just an update on where things stand.
Customer · Email
Customers raising a problem see that action has started and get a time, with no blame assigned.
- 02
Thanks for spotting this. I'll check the report after lunch and message you by 4pm with what I find.
Coworker · Chat
Thanking a colleague who flags a possible issue works well because it doesn't concede that a mistake was made.
- 03
Understood. I'll check the figures this afternoon and send you a short update before the end of the day.
Boss · Chat
Quick requests from your manager get confirmation that you heard them and a clear point when news will arrive.
- 04
Noted. I'll review your request for the revised timeline and get back to you by noon on Thursday.
Client · Email
Clients with a request you can't answer yet get a committed review and reply time, but not a promised yes.
- 05
I need to read through the role details before I can say whether it's a good fit. I'll reply by the end of the day on Friday.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Recruiters get a polite pause that gives you room to read the role details and doesn't read as disinterest.
- 06
Leave it with me. I'll check the rota and tell you by 2pm today what we can do.
Someone you manage · Chat
Team members who asked for something are reassured, and you promise an answer instead of a particular outcome.
- 07
Got your message about the invoice. Checking with finance now; I'll text you by 5pm.
Coworker · SMS
Colleagues waiting on a question know you've picked it up, which helps when you're away from your desk.
- 08
Saw your note about the booking. I'll check it tonight and text you the outcome by 9am tomorrow.
Boss · SMS
Out-of-hours messages from your manager get proof you've seen them plus a clear time for your answer.
Examples
Hi Marcus, I'm going through the delivery dates in your message now. I'll check with our warehouse team and reply by 11am on Wednesday with what I find. If I need anything else from you before then, I'll let you know. Best regards, Molly
Thanks for flagging this, Avery. I'll check the login logs this afternoon and update you here by 3pm.
What to avoid
- Leaving out a time is the most common slip, so say when you'll reply even if the reply is only an update.
- Going quiet after you've said it is risky, so send a short update if you're still checking at your deadline.
- Promising a result or a fix goes too far when all you can offer is to check and come back with an answer.
- Admitting fault before you know the facts can backfire, so stick to what you're doing and when.