Better Way to Say ‘revert back’ in English
If you have ever written “Please revert back to me” in an email, you have used a phrase that is widely considered redundant. The word “revert” already means to return to a previous state or to go back. Adding “back” repeats that meaning. The better way to say “revert back” is simply “revert” when you mean return to a topic, or to use a clearer verb like “reply,” “respond,” “get back,” or “follow up” depending on your context. This guide will help you choose the right word every time.
Quick Answer: What to Use Instead of “revert back”
If you are in a professional or formal setting, use “revert” alone or “reply.” In casual conversation, “get back to you” sounds natural. Here is a quick reference:
- Formal email: “I will revert to you by Friday.” (correct) or “I will reply to you by Friday.” (more common)
- Business email: “Please respond at your earliest convenience.”
- Casual conversation: “I’ll get back to you later.”
- After a meeting: “I will follow up with the details.”
Avoid “revert back” entirely. It is a common mistake that can make your English sound unnatural or unpolished.
Why “revert back” is a Mistake
The word “revert” comes from Latin and means “to turn back.” In English, it is used in two main ways:
- To return to a previous state or condition: “After the update, the software reverted to its original settings.”
- To return to a previous topic or person (formal): “I will revert to you with an answer.”
Because “revert” already contains the idea of going back, adding “back” creates a redundancy similar to saying “return back” or “repeat again.” Native speakers and careful writers avoid this.
Comparison Table: “revert back” vs. Better Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| revert back | Incorrect / Redundant | Avoid in all contexts | “Please revert back to me.” (wrong) |
| revert (alone) | Formal | Legal, technical, or very formal emails | “I will revert to you shortly.” |
| reply | Neutral to formal | Most email and written communication | “Please reply to my email.” |
| respond | Formal | Business, customer service, official letters | “Kindly respond by Monday.” |
| get back to | Informal to neutral | Conversation, casual emails, team chats | “I’ll get back to you after lunch.” |
| follow up | Neutral | After a meeting, call, or initial contact | “I will follow up with the report.” |
| come back to | Informal | Spoken English, friendly messages | “Let me come back to you on that.” |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how native speakers naturally express the idea of returning to someone or something:
Email Context
- Correct: “I will revert to you once I have the data.” (formal, acceptable)
- More natural: “I will reply to you once I have the data.”
- Common: “I’ll get back to you as soon as I hear from the team.”
- Polite: “Please respond at your earliest convenience.”
Conversation Context
- Casual: “Can I get back to you on that? I need to check.”
- Friendly: “I’ll come back to you after I talk to Sarah.”
- Meeting follow-up: “Let me follow up with the details in an email.”
Technical or Legal Context
- Formal: “The system will revert to its default configuration.” (correct, no “back”)
- Legal: “We will revert to the original terms.” (correct)
Common Mistakes
Learners often make these errors. Avoid them:
- “Please revert back to me.” → Use “Please revert to me” or “Please reply to me.”
- “I will revert back to you later.” → Use “I will get back to you later.”
- “Revert back to the previous version.” → Use “Revert to the previous version.”
- “He reverted back to his old habits.” → Use “He reverted to his old habits.”
Note: In some varieties of English, especially Indian English, “revert back” is common in business writing. However, for international or standard English, it is better to drop “back.”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
1. “Revert” (alone)
When to use it: In very formal writing, legal documents, or technical manuals. It is correct but can sound stiff in everyday email.
Example: “The committee will revert to the original proposal.”
2. “Reply”
When to use it: Most emails and written messages. It is clear and professional.
Example: “Please reply to this email with your availability.”
3. “Respond”
When to use it: Formal requests, customer service, or official communication.
Example: “We kindly ask you to respond within 48 hours.”
4. “Get back to”
When to use it: Casual or neutral conversation, team chats, and informal emails. Very natural.
Example: “I need to check with my manager. I’ll get back to you.”
5. “Follow up”
When to use it: After an initial contact, meeting, or when you need to provide additional information.
Example: “I will follow up with the invoice details tomorrow.”
6. “Come back to”
When to use it: Spoken English, friendly conversations, or when you want to sound approachable.
Example: “Let me come back to you on that question.”
Mini Practice: Choose the Best Word
Fill in the blank with the best word or phrase from the list: reply, get back to, follow up, revert, respond. Do not use “revert back.”
- “I will ______ to you after I finish the report.” (casual email)
- “Please ______ to the original settings.” (technical manual)
- “She promised to ______ with the meeting notes.” (after a meeting)
- “Kindly ______ to this invitation by Friday.” (formal event)
Answers:
- get back to (or reply)
- revert
- follow up
- respond (or reply)
FAQ: Common Questions About “revert back”
1. Is “revert back” ever correct?
No, it is always redundant. The word “revert” already means to go back. Adding “back” is unnecessary. In standard English, avoid it.
2. Can I use “revert” in everyday conversation?
It is possible but sounds very formal. In casual conversation, “get back to” or “come back to” is much more natural. For example, say “I’ll get back to you” instead of “I will revert to you.”
3. What is the difference between “revert” and “reply”?
“Revert” often means to return to a previous state or topic, while “reply” means to answer a message. In business emails, “reply” is more common and clearer. Use “revert” only when you mean returning to a previous point or condition.
4. Is “revert back” common in some countries?
Yes, it is used in Indian English and some other varieties. However, for international communication, especially in writing for a global audience, it is better to use “reply,” “respond,” or “get back to.” This makes your English clearer and more widely accepted.
Final Tip
When you are about to write “revert back,” stop and choose a better word. If you mean answer an email, use “reply” or “respond.” If you mean return to a topic later, use “get back to” or “follow up.” If you mean return to a previous state, use “revert” alone. This small change will make your English sound more natural and professional.
For more help with common English corrections, visit our Better English Corrections section. You can also check our FAQ for quick answers to other questions. If you have a specific phrase you want us to explain, feel free to contact us.
