English Reference

Phrasal verb

get back to

Definition

phrasal verb. to contact someone again later to give them information or an answer.

phrasal verb. to reply to a person or query at a later time, often after a period of investigation or consideration; functions as a transitive phrasal verb requiring an indirect object.

Examples

“I'll check the schedule and get back to you.”

“The manager promised to get back to the client once the final figures were confirmed.”

“Although the department head was initially unavailable, she ensured her assistant would get back to the committee regarding the budget proposal.”

Examples

simple

“I'll check the schedule and get back to you.”

contextual

“The manager promised to get back to the client once the final figures were confirmed.”

complex

“Although the department head was initially unavailable, she ensured her assistant would get back to the committee regarding the budget proposal.”

Usage

usually followed by a person or a group as the object.

Teaching tip

useful for business English contexts; contrast with 'reply' or 'respond' which are more formal and don't always imply a delay for information gathering.

Pitfall

I will get back you tomorrow.

I will get back to you tomorrow.

the preposition 'to' is essential to connect the action to the person being contacted.

Phrasal verb

Particles

back to

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

get + back + to + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/get-back-to

English Reference