# get back to

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-back-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will get back you tomorrow." but "I will get back to you tomorrow." — the preposition 'to' is essential to connect the action to the person being contacted.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.