The phrase “I will update you” is one of the most common ways to communicate that someone will be kept informed about a situation, development, or piece of information. Whether you’re discussing work tasks, personal matters, or business updates, using this phrase helps clarify that you will follow up with additional details. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, uses, alternatives, and best practices for using this phrase effectively.
What Does “I Will Update You” Mean?
“I will update you” is a simple phrase used to assure someone that you will provide them with new information or progress about something they are concerned with. The phrase emphasizes that there will be follow-up communication, often to clarify details, provide news, or confirm changes.
In most cases, this phrase is used in professional or casual contexts where you want to keep someone informed, such as in workplace communication, emails, or casual chats. It lets the person know that they can expect more information soon, without necessarily specifying when or what it will be.
When to Use “I Will Update You”
Formal vs Informal Situations
- Formal Contexts: In a professional environment, saying “I will update you” is a way to assure someone that you will follow up with the necessary information. It’s often used in business meetings, emails, or presentations.
- Informal Contexts: In casual conversations, you might say “I will update you” to let someone know you’ll provide more information later, such as keeping a friend posted on plans or changes.
Professional and Casual Contexts
- Workplace Example: If you’re managing a project and need to keep a client or colleague informed, saying “I will update you by the end of the day” shows professionalism and clarity.
- Personal Example: If you’re coordinating with a friend on plans or events, saying “I’ll update you later” feels just as natural.
Benefits of Using “I Will Update You”
Using “I will update you” helps in setting clear expectations. This is particularly useful in both personal and professional communication. It assures the listener or reader that more information will follow, which can ease anxieties or prevent misunderstandings.
- Clarity in Communication: It avoids ambiguity by explicitly letting the person know they will receive further details.
- Setting Expectations for Follow-ups: It’s a way to indicate a follow-up will happen, creating transparency and accountability.
- Professional Tone: In emails or work-related discussions, this phrase communicates a responsible and organized approach, showing you’re keeping track of developments.
How to Use “I Will Update You” in Sentences
The phrase “I will update you” can be used in both formal and informal sentences. Here are some simple examples:
Simple Sentence Examples
- Formal: “I will update you on the progress of the report by tomorrow.”
- Informal: “I’ll update you once I’ve finished my tasks for the day.
Variations in Tone
- Formal Tone: “I will keep you informed regarding the status of your request.”
- Casual Tone: “I’ll let you know if there’s any news.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing the phrase: If you say “I will update you” too often, it may come across as vague or non-committal. Instead, be specific about the time frame.
- Misusing the phrase: Don’t use “I will update you” when immediate action or communication is required. If the situation is urgent, use phrases like “I will notify you immediately.”
Common Mistakes with “I Will Update You”
While “I will update you” is a common phrase, it’s often misused or overused in inappropriate contexts. Here are some of the mistakes to avoid:
- Overuse in casual situations: If used too frequently in informal contexts, the phrase may seem robotic or insincere. Opt for alternatives when you want a more relaxed tone.
- Using it in urgent scenarios: If someone requires urgent action or response, avoid using this phrase. Instead, use more immediate phrases like “I’ll get back to you right away” or “I will notify you as soon as possible.”
- Vagueness: Saying “I will update you” without a time frame may leave the other person confused. Instead, specify when you will follow up, such as “I will update you by the end of the day.”
Solutions for Proper Usage:
- Provide a timeframe for the update.
- Choose alternatives for different levels of urgency.
- Tailor your phrasing based on the formality of the situation.
Better Alternatives to Say “I Will Update You”
If you find yourself overusing “I will update you” or need variety, here’s a list of 30 alternative phrases, each with their meaning and best use.
1. I will keep you posted
- Meaning: To continuously inform someone.
- Use: “I’ll keep you posted on the progress of the project.”
- Tone: Informal
2. I will let you know
- Meaning: A simple way to promise to provide information.
- Use: “I’ll let you know if there are any changes to the schedule.”
- Tone: Neutral
3. I will inform you
- Meaning: More formal than “I will let you know.”
- Use: “I will inform you of any updates regarding the contract.”
- Tone: Formal
4. I will keep you in the loop
- Meaning: To include someone in ongoing discussions or decisions.
- Use: “I’ll keep you in the loop as we finalize the details.”
- Tone: Informal
5. I will notify you
- Meaning: A more formal way to promise to send information.
- Use: “I will notify you once the document is ready.”
- Tone: Formal
6. I will fill you in
- Meaning: To share missing details or information.
- Use: “I’ll fill you in on what happened during the meeting.”
- Tone: Informal
7. I will update you shortly
- Meaning: Suggests that an update will come soon.
- Use: “I’ll update you shortly after I finish my analysis.”
- Tone: Neutral
8. I will keep you informed
- Meaning: To provide ongoing information or updates.
- Use: “I will keep you informed about the status of your order.”
- Ton: Formal
9. I will give you an update
- Meaning: A straightforward way to offer new information.
- Use: “I will give you an update once the project is complete.”
- Tone: Neutral
10. I will bring you up to speed
- Meaning: To catch someone up on recent developments.
- Use: “I’ll bring you up to speed when we meet tomorrow.”
- Tone: Informal
11. I will keep you apprised
- Meaning: To keep someone informed with detailed information as things progress.
- Use: “I’ll keep you apprised of any changes to the schedule.”
- Tone: Formal
12. I will keep you aware
- Meaning: To ensure someone stays informed and up-to-date.
- Use: “I will keep you aware of any developments regarding the project.”
- Tone: Neutral
13. I will brief you
- Meaning: To provide a summary of important points or updates.
- Use: “I will brief you on the latest updates after the meeting.”
- Tone: Formal
14. I will report back to you
- Meaning: To return with information or progress after gathering it.
- Use: “I will report back to you once I’ve completed the research.”
- Tone: Formal
15. I will share the latest with you
- Meaning: To provide the most recent information or news.
- Use: “I’ll share the latest findings with you by the end of the day.”
- Tone: Neutral
16. I will provide you with the information
- Meaning: A formal way of saying you’ll give the necessary details.
- Use: “I will provide you with the information as soon as I receive it.”
- Tone: Formal
17. I will let you in on the details
- Meaning: To share important or exclusive information.
- Use: “I’ll let you in on the details once everything is finalized.”
- Tone: Informal
18. I will get back to you
- Meaning: To respond or provide an update after some time.
- Use: “I will get back to you after I’ve spoken to the team.”
- Tone: Neutral
19. I will keep you posted on developments
- Meaning: To update someone regularly as things unfold.
- Use: “I’ll keep you posted on any developments regarding the contract.”
- Tone: Neutral
20. I will pass along the information
- Meaning: To share or deliver information to someone.
- Use: “I will pass along the information as soon as I have it.”
- Tone: Formal
21. I will keep you updated
- Meaning: To provide ongoing updates or information.
- Use: “I will keep you updated on the status of the project.”
- Tone: Neutral
22. I will send you an update
- Meaning: To send information or news at a later time.
- Use: “I will send you an update once I have the final numbers.”
- Tone: Netral
23. I will inform you of any changes
- Meaning: To notify someone of any modifications or adjustments.
- Use: “I will inform you of any changes to the schedule as soon as possible.”
- Tone: Formal
24. I will give you a progress report
- Meaning: To offer an update on the current status of a task or project.
- Use: “I’ll give you a progress report on the task by tomorrow.”
- Tone: Formal
25. I will check in with you
- Meaning: To touch base or get in contact to provide an update.
- Use: “I’ll check in with you later to provide an update on my findings.”
- Tone: Informal
26. I will reach out with the details
- Meaning: To contact someone with the necessary information.
- Use: “I’ll reach out with the details as soon as I get them.”
- Tone: Neutral
27. I will keep you up to date
- Meaning: To ensure someone stays informed of the latest information.
- Use: “I’ll keep you up to date on the changes to the schedule.”
- Tone: Neutral
28. I will let you know what’s going on
- Meaning: To provide someone with information about ongoing events.
- Use: “I’ll let you know what’s going on once I get more information.”
- Tone: Casual
29. I will update you with any new information
- Meaning: To provide new details as soon as they become available.
- Use: “I will update you with any new information about the project.”
- Tone: Neutral
30. I will fill you in on the progress
- Meaning: To provide an update on the current status of something.
- Use: “I’ll fill you in on the progress when we talk next.”
- Tone: Informal
How to Respond When Someone Says “I Will Update You”
When someone tells you, “I will update you,” the best way to respond is to acknowledge their intention and let them know you appreciate the follow-up. Here are a few options:
- Polite Acknowledgment: “Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you.”
- Reassurance: “Great, I appreciate the update.”
- Request for Clarity: “Can you let me know when to expect the update?”
By responding positively, you reinforce open communication and create a space for further dialogue.
Why “I Will Update You” is Important for Effective Communication
“I will update you” is essential for fostering transparency, trust, and clear communication. Whether in professional or personal settings, it ensures that others know they can rely on you for relevant information, thus preventing confusion or misunderstandings. Regular updates create a sense of accountability and help manage expectations.
In business, keeping colleagues or clients updated can improve relationships, show reliability, and demonstrate professionalism. For personal interactions, updates ensure that everyone stays informed, making cooperation easier and less stressful.
