The phrase “I will look into it” is a common and polite way to indicate that you will investigate a request or problem. However, relying solely on this phrase can make your communication sound repetitive and lack nuance.
Mastering alternative expressions not only enriches your vocabulary but also allows you to convey different levels of commitment, urgency, and specific actions you plan to take. This article explores a wide range of alternatives, providing definitions, examples, and practice exercises to help you confidently use them in various professional and personal contexts.
Whether you’re an English language learner or a native speaker seeking to enhance your communication skills, this guide offers valuable insights and practical tools.
By understanding these alternatives, you will be able to communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and demonstrate a greater command of the English language. From formal business settings to informal conversations, the ability to choose the right phrase can make a significant difference in how your message is received.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, professionals seeking to improve their communication skills, and anyone interested in expanding their vocabulary and understanding the nuances of English expressions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “I Will Look Into It” and Its Alternatives
- Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Examples of Alternatives
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “I Will Look Into It” and Its Alternatives
The phrase “I will look into it” is a common idiom used to express that one intends to investigate a matter, problem, or request. It typically implies a promise to gather information, conduct research, or take some action to understand the situation better.
The level of commitment can vary depending on the context and the speaker’s tone. It can range from a casual acknowledgment to a firm promise of action.
Alternatives to “I will look into it” serve the same basic function but can convey different nuances of meaning. These alternatives can indicate a stronger commitment, specify the type of action to be taken, or provide a timeframe for the investigation.
Choosing the right alternative depends on the specific context, your relationship with the person making the request, and the level of certainty you have about being able to resolve the issue.
Understanding the subtle differences between these phrases is crucial for effective communication. By using a variety of expressions, you can avoid sounding repetitive and better convey your intentions and level of commitment.
Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
Many alternatives to “I will look into it” follow similar grammatical structures. These phrases often include a subject (usually “I”), a verb indicating future action (e.g., “will,” “shall,” “am going to”), and an object or prepositional phrase that specifies the area of investigation.
Understanding these structural elements allows you to create your own variations and adapt existing phrases to suit different situations.
Here’s a breakdown of common structural elements:
- Subject: Usually “I” or “We” (if speaking on behalf of a group).
- Auxiliary Verb: “Will,” “shall,” “am going to,” “can,” “could,” “would.” These verbs indicate future action, possibility, or politeness.
- Main Verb: This verb describes the action you will take, such as “investigate,” “examine,” “check,” “review,” “explore,” “address,” “handle,” “see about,” “take care of,” “get to the bottom of.”
- Object/Prepositional Phrase: This specifies the topic or problem you will investigate. Examples include “the matter,” “the issue,” “the complaint,” “this,” “it,” “into this,” “regarding this,” “about this.”
- Optional Time Phrase: Indicates when you will take action. Examples include “as soon as possible,” “by tomorrow,” “within the week,” “shortly,” “immediately.”
Example: “I will investigate the matter thoroughly.”
- Subject: I
- Auxiliary Verb: will
- Main Verb: investigate
- Object: the matter
- Adverb: thoroughly
By understanding these components, you can construct a wide range of alternative phrases that accurately reflect your intentions.
Types and Categories of Alternatives
Alternatives to “I will look into it” can be categorized based on their level of formality, the type of action they emphasize, the degree of commitment they convey, and the timeframe they suggest.
Formal Alternatives
These phrases are suitable for professional settings, communication with superiors, or when addressing sensitive issues. They often convey a high level of seriousness and commitment.
Examples include:
- “I will investigate the matter.”
- “I will examine the issue thoroughly.”
- “I will review the details carefully.”
- “I will address this concern promptly.”
- “I will take the necessary steps to resolve this.”
Informal Alternatives
These phrases are appropriate for casual conversations with colleagues, friends, or family members. They often sound more relaxed and less official.
Examples include:
- “I’ll check it out.”
- “I’ll see what I can do.”
- “I’ll get right on it.”
- “I’ll take a look.”
- “I’ll sort it out.”
Action-Oriented Alternatives
These phrases emphasize the specific actions you will take to address the issue. They provide more detail and clarity about your intentions.
Examples include:
- “I will gather the necessary information.”
- “I will consult with the relevant parties.”
- “I will analyze the data.”
- “I will conduct a thorough assessment.”
- “I will develop a plan of action.”
Commitment-Oriented Alternatives
These phrases convey a strong promise to resolve the issue and demonstrate a high level of responsibility.
Examples include:
- “I will ensure this is resolved.”
- “I will take full responsibility for this.”
- “I will personally see to it.”
- “I will make sure this gets taken care of.”
- “I am committed to finding a solution.”
Time-Oriented Alternatives
These phrases specify a timeframe for when you will take action, providing a clear expectation for the person making the request.
Examples include:
- “I will look into it as soon as possible.”
- “I will get back to you by tomorrow.”
- “I will have an answer for you within the week.”
- “I will address this immediately.”
- “I will prioritize this task.”
Examples of Alternatives
The following tables provide extensive examples of alternatives to “I will look into it,” categorized by the types discussed above. Each table includes a range of phrases with varying levels of formality and commitment.
Formal Examples
This table provides formal alternatives that are suitable for professional settings and communication with superiors.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I will investigate the matter thoroughly. | When a detailed investigation is required. |
| I will examine the issue in detail. | When a careful examination is necessary. |
| I will review the documents and get back to you. | When documents need to be reviewed. |
| I will address this concern as a priority. | When the concern requires immediate attention. |
| I will take the necessary steps to resolve this situation. | When a series of actions are needed to resolve the issue. |
| Please allow me to explore this further. | When you need permission to investigate. |
| I will conduct a comprehensive analysis. | When a detailed analysis is required. |
| This matter will be given my full attention. | When you want to emphasize your commitment. |
| I will personally oversee this process. | When you are taking direct responsibility. |
| I will ensure that this is handled appropriately. | When you want to assure proper handling. |
| The appropriate department will be notified immediately. | When the issue needs to be escalated. |
| I will escalate this to the relevant authorities. | When higher-level intervention is required. |
| We will initiate a formal inquiry. | When a formal investigation is necessary. |
| I will prepare a detailed report on this matter. | When a written report is required. |
| I will present my findings to the board. | When the results need to be presented to a higher authority. |
| I will liaise with the appropriate teams to find a solution. | When collaboration with other teams is necessary. |
| I will delve into this matter with utmost diligence. | When you are promising a very thorough investigation. |
| I will ascertain the root cause of this problem. | When identifying the cause is crucial. |
| Rest assured, I will manage this issue effectively. | When offering reassurance and competence. |
| I will take ownership of this task and see it through. | When emphasizing your responsibility and commitment. |
| I will compile all relevant data for a thorough evaluation. | When data collection and evaluation are required. |
| I will engage with the stakeholders to gather their perspectives. | When stakeholder input is important for resolution. |
| I will facilitate a meeting to discuss potential solutions. | When a meeting is needed to find solutions. |
| I will draft a proposal outlining the recommended course of action. | When a written proposal is needed. |
| I will coordinate with the technical team to resolve the technical aspects. | When technical expertise is required to solve the issue. |
Informal Examples
This table provides informal alternatives suitable for casual conversations with colleagues, friends, and family.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I’ll check it out. | A casual way to say you’ll investigate. |
| I’ll see what I can do. | When you’re unsure of the outcome. |
| I’ll get right on it. | When you plan to start immediately. |
| I’ll take a look. | A simple way to offer help. |
| I’ll sort it out. | When you’re confident you can resolve the issue. |
| I’ll have a gander. | (British English) A casual way to say you’ll take a look. |
| Leave it with me. | When you’re taking responsibility. |
| I’m on it. | When you’ve already started working on it. |
| No problem, I’ll handle it. | When you’re confident in your ability to solve the issue. |
| I got this. | A very informal way to say you’ll take care of it. |
| I’ll give it a whirl. | When you’re willing to try something. |
| I’ll poke around and see what I can find. | When you’re going to do some informal investigation. |
| I’ll figure it out. | When you’re confident you can find a solution. |
| I’ll suss it out. | (British English) A casual way to say you’ll investigate. |
| I’ll run with it. | When you’re going to take the lead on the issue. |
| I’ll bat it around. | When you’re going to consider different options. |
| I’ll chew on it. | When you need time to think about the problem. |
| I’ll wrangle it. | When you’re going to manage a difficult situation. |
| I’ll crack it. | When you’re confident you can solve the problem. |
| I’ll nail it. | When you’re confident you can succeed. |
| I’ll take care of it, no sweat. | Reassuring and confident. |
| Consider it done. | Confident and reassuring. |
| I’ll get to the bottom of this. | Promising to find the root cause. |
| I’ll dig into it. | Promising a thorough investigation. |
| I’ll give you a shout when I know more. | Promising to update when you have information. |
Action-Oriented Examples
This table provides alternatives that emphasize the specific actions you will take to address the issue.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I will gather the necessary information. | When you need to collect data. |
| I will consult with the relevant parties. | When you need to speak to others involved. |
| I will analyze the data and provide a report. | When data analysis is required. |
| I will conduct a thorough assessment of the situation. | When an assessment is needed. |
| I will develop a plan of action to address this. | When a plan is needed to solve the issue. |
| I will run some tests to determine the cause. | When testing is required to find the cause. |
| I will troubleshoot the system to identify the problem. | When technical troubleshooting is needed. |
| I will research the best solution for this issue. | When research is required to find the best solution. |
| I will contact the vendor for support. | When external support is needed. |
| I will review the logs to identify any errors. | When log review is required. |
| I will schedule a meeting to discuss this further. | When a meeting is needed to discuss the issue. |
| I will create a task force to address this issue. | When a dedicated team is needed. |
| I will implement the necessary changes to prevent this from happening again. | When changes are needed to prevent recurrence. |
| I will monitor the situation closely. | When ongoing monitoring is required. |
| I will update the documentation to reflect these changes. | When documentation updates are needed. |
| I will train the team on the new procedures. | When training is required. |
| I will audit the process to ensure compliance. | When auditing is needed for compliance. |
| I will benchmark the performance against industry standards. | When benchmarking is required. |
| I will simulate different scenarios to test the solution. | When simulation testing is needed. |
| I will validate the results with the stakeholders. | When stakeholder validation is required. |
| I will conduct a follow-up to ensure satisfaction. | When follow-up is needed to ensure satisfaction. |
| I will document all findings and recommendations. | When documentation of findings is required. |
| I will prioritize the tasks based on urgency. | When prioritization is needed. |
| I will allocate resources to address the problem. | When resource allocation is required. |
| I will assemble a team to tackle this challenge. | When a collaborative effort is needed. |
Commitment-Oriented Examples
This table provides alternatives that convey a strong promise to resolve the issue and demonstrate a high level of responsibility.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I will ensure this is resolved to your satisfaction. | When customer satisfaction is a priority. |
| I will take full responsibility for resolving this issue. | When taking ownership of the problem. |
| I will personally see to it that this is taken care of. | When offering personal assurance. |
| I will make sure this gets resolved as quickly as possible. | When speed is important. |
| I am committed to finding a solution that works for everyone. | When collaboration is needed. |
| You can count on me to resolve this. | When offering strong assurance. |
| I guarantee that this will be resolved. | When offering a strong guarantee. |
| I give you my word that this will be addressed. | When offering a personal promise. |
| This is my top priority, and I will resolve it. | When emphasizing importance. |
| I will not rest until this is resolved. | When emphasizing determination. |
| I will go above and beyond to resolve this. | When offering exceptional effort. |
| I will spare no effort to find a solution. | When emphasizing dedication. |
| I will dedicate my full attention to this matter. | When emphasizing focus. |
| I will champion this cause until it is resolved. | When advocating for a resolution. |
| I will advocate for a fair resolution to this issue. | When advocating for fairness. |
| I will stand by you until this is resolved. | When offering support. |
| I will work tirelessly to resolve this. | When emphasizing hard work. |
| I am fully invested in resolving this issue. | When emphasizing personal investment. |
| Consider this my personal commitment. | When offering a personal pledge. |
| This is my solemn promise to you. | When offering a serious promise. |
| I will ensure that all resources are utilized to solve this. | When emphasizing resourcefulness. |
| I will leave no stone unturned in finding a solution. | When emphasizing thoroughness. |
| I will personally oversee every aspect of this resolution. | When emphasizing personal oversight. |
| I will ensure that all parties are satisfied with the outcome. | When emphasizing stakeholder satisfaction. |
| I will personally guarantee a satisfactory resolution. | When offering a personal guarantee. |
Time-Oriented Examples
This table provides alternatives that specify a timeframe for when you will take action.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| I will look into it as soon as possible. | When you plan to address it quickly. |
| I will get back to you by tomorrow with an update. | When you can provide an update by the next day. |
| I will have an answer for you within the week. | When you need a few days to investigate. |
| I will address this immediately. | When you plan to start right away. |
| I will prioritize this task and get back to you shortly. | When you will make it a priority. |
| I will respond to you within 24 hours. | When you can provide a response within a day. |
| I will provide an initial assessment by the end of the day. | When you can provide a preliminary assessment. |
| I will have a solution for you by next week. | When you can provide a solution within a week. |
| I will dedicate the next hour to resolving this. | When you will focus on it for a specific time. |
| I will schedule time this afternoon to address this issue. | When you will schedule time to work on it. |
| I will allocate resources to this project by the end of the month. | When resource allocation is planned. |
| I will begin working on this first thing in the morning. | When you plan to start early. |
| I will have a progress report for you by Friday. | When you can provide a progress report. |
| I will update you on the status on a daily basis. | When you will provide daily updates. |
| I will keep you informed of any developments as they occur. | When you will provide updates as they happen. |
| I will provide a timeline for resolution within 48 hours. | When you can provide a timeline. |
| I will ensure this is resolved within the established service level agreement (SLA). | When adhering to an SLA. |
| I will expedite the process to resolve this as quickly as possible. | When speeding up the process. |
| I will streamline the workflow to ensure a timely resolution. | When improving workflow. |
| I will coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure a prompt resolution. | When coordinating with stakeholders. |
| I will dedicate extra resources to ensure this is resolved before the deadline. | When adding resources for a deadline. |
| I will work extended hours to ensure this is resolved promptly. | When working extra hours. |
| I will personally oversee this to ensure it is resolved within the timeframe. | When providing personal oversight. |
| I will monitor the progress closely to ensure timely completion. | When monitoring progress. |
| I will implement a fast-track process to resolve this quickly. | When implementing a fast-track. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When choosing an alternative to “I will look into it,” consider the following:
- Formality: Select a phrase that matches the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to.
- Specificity: Choose a phrase that accurately reflects the actions you plan to take.
- Commitment: Convey the appropriate level of commitment based on your ability to resolve the issue.
- Timeframe: Provide a timeframe if you can, to set clear expectations.
- Clarity: Ensure your phrase is clear and easy to understand.
- Honesty: Only promise what you can deliver.
For example, in a formal business setting, “I will investigate the matter thoroughly and provide a report by the end of the week” is more appropriate than “I’ll check it out.” In a casual conversation with a colleague, “I’ll see what I can do” might be perfectly acceptable.
Always be mindful of your tone and body language, as these can also influence how your message is received. A sincere and helpful tone can make even a less formal phrase sound more reassuring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “I will look into it”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I’ll look into it someday.” | “I will look into it tomorrow.” | “Someday” is too vague and doesn’t provide a clear timeframe. |
| “I’ll maybe check it out.” | “I’ll check it out.” | “Maybe” weakens your commitment and sounds uncertain. |
| “I’ll handle it, I guess.” | “I’ll handle it.” | “I guess” suggests a lack of confidence. |
| “I’ll look into it when I have time.” | “I will prioritize this and get back to you by [date].” | Vague and non-committal. Providing a date is more professional. |
| “I’ll try to look into it.” | “I will look into it.” or “I’ll see what I can do.” | “Try” suggests a lack of confidence or commitment. |
| “I’ll get around to it eventually.” | “I will address this issue next week.” | Too vague and doesn’t provide a clear timeframe. |
| “I’ll look into it if I remember.” | “I will set a reminder to look into this tomorrow.” | Unprofessional and unreliable. |
| “I’ll see about it later.” | “I will look into it this afternoon.” | “Later” is too vague. |
| “I’ll maybe do something about it.” | “I will take action on this immediately.” | Too uncertain and lacks commitment. |
| “I’ll try to get around to it.” | “I will schedule time to address this tomorrow.” | Lacks commitment and a clear timeframe. |
Avoid using phrases that are vague, non-committal, or suggest a lack of confidence. Always strive to be clear, specific, and honest in your communication.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the alternatives to “I will look into it” with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the best alternative.
For each scenario, select the most appropriate alternative to “I will look into it” from the options provided.
| Scenario | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| A customer complains about a billing error. | a) I’ll check it out. b) I will investigate the billing error and provide a corrected invoice within 24 hours. c) I’ll see what I can do. | b |
| Your manager asks you to review a new marketing proposal. | a) I’ll take a look. b) I will review the proposal and provide my feedback by Friday. c) I’m on it. | b |
| A colleague asks for help with a technical issue. | a) I’ll sort it out. b) I will troubleshoot the system and identify the problem as soon as possible. c) Leave it with me. | b |
| A client reports a problem with a software update. | a) I’ll see what’s up. b) I will escalate this to our technical support team immediately. c) I got this. | b |
| A team member needs help with a project deadline. | a) I’ll help you out. b) I will assist you with the project to ensure we meet the deadline. c) I’m on it. | b |
| A customer is unhappy with the service they received. | a) I’ll see what I can do to smooth things over. b) I will personally ensure that your concerns are addressed and resolved to your satisfaction. c) I’ll handle it. | b |
| A vendor needs clarification on a contract. | a) I’ll check it out later. b) I will review the contract and provide clarification within 48 hours. c) I’ll get around to it eventually. | b |
| A colleague is having trouble with a presentation. | a) I’ll help you out if I have time. b) I will assist you with the presentation and provide feedback by tomorrow. c) I’ll see what I can do when I’m free. | b |
| A customer is requesting a refund. | a) I’ll see if I can get that sorted. b) I will review your refund request and process it within 7 business days if it meets our policy requirements. c) I’ll try to look into it. | b |
| Your supervisor asks you to investigate a potential security breach. | a) I’ll check things out. b) I will conduct a thorough investigation of the potential security breach and report my findings immediately. c) I’ll get around to it when I can. | b |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences.
Rewrite the following sentences using a more specific and professional alternative to “I will look into it.”
- I will look into it and get back to you later.
- I will look into it and see what I can do.
- I will look into it when I have time.
- I will look into it and try to find a solution.
- I will look into it and let you know what I find.
- I will look into it and handle the situation.
- I will look into it and fix the problem.
- I will look into it and address your concerns.
- I will look into it and ensure it’s resolved.
- I will look into it and provide an update.
Answers:
- I will investigate this matter and provide an update by the end of the day.
- I will assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
- I will prioritize this task and address it first thing tomorrow morning.
- I will research potential solutions and present my findings to you.
- I will examine the
issue and provide you with a detailed report within 48 hours.
- I will take the necessary steps to resolve this situation promptly.
- I will troubleshoot the problem and implement a fix as soon as possible.
- I will address your concerns by conducting a thorough review and providing a detailed response.
- I will ensure this is resolved to your satisfaction by implementing a comprehensive solution.
- I will provide you with a comprehensive update on the progress by the end of the week.
Advanced Topics
For those looking to further refine their communication skills, consider these advanced topics:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware that different cultures may have different expectations regarding directness and formality. Adapt your language accordingly.
- Nonverbal Communication: Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice, as these can greatly influence how your message is received.
- Active Listening: Before responding, make sure you fully understand the other person’s concerns. This will help you choose the most appropriate alternative and demonstrate empathy.
- Conflict Resolution: Use these alternatives to de-escalate tense situations and build consensus.
- Negotiation Skills: Employ these phrases to negotiate timelines and resources effectively.
By mastering these advanced topics, you can become a more effective communicator and build stronger relationships in both your professional and personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is it appropriate to use “I will look into it”?
The phrase “I will look into it” is appropriate when you need to acknowledge a request or problem and indicate that you will investigate it further. However, it’s often better to use a more specific alternative to convey a stronger commitment and provide a clearer expectation.
What if I can’t resolve the issue?
If you are unable to resolve the issue, be honest and transparent with the person who made the request. Explain why you were unable to resolve it and offer alternative solutions or resources if possible.
How can I avoid sounding insincere?
To avoid sounding insincere, be genuine in your response and follow through on your promise to investigate the issue. Provide regular updates and be transparent about your progress.
What if I don’t have enough information to provide a timeframe?
If you don’t have enough information to provide a timeframe, be honest and explain that you need to gather more information before you can provide an estimate. Offer to provide an update as soon as you have more information.
How can I use these alternatives to build trust?
By using specific and commitment-oriented alternatives, you can build trust by demonstrating your willingness to take responsibility and resolve the issue. Always follow through on your promises and be transparent in your communication.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “I will look into it” is a valuable skill that can enhance your communication, build stronger relationships, and demonstrate a greater command of the English language. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and tailoring your response to the specific context, you can communicate more effectively and achieve better outcomes.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve your communication skills, the knowledge and practice provided in this article will serve you well.
Remember to consider the formality of the situation, the specificity of the action you plan to take, the level of commitment you want to convey, and the timeframe you can provide. By following these guidelines and practicing the exercises, you can confidently use a wide range of alternatives and become a more effective communicator in all areas of your life.