Is It Correct to Say ‘Please Revert’?
No, it is not correct to use the phrase “please revert” in standard English when you mean “please reply” or “please get back to me.” The verb revert means to return to a previous state, condition, or subject. Using it as a synonym for “reply” is a common error, especially in business emails influenced by Indian English. While the phrase is widely understood in certain regions, it is considered incorrect in global professional and academic English. This guide explains the proper meaning of “revert,” why the substitution is a mistake, and what to say instead.
Quick Answer
Do not use “please revert” to mean “please reply.” Instead, use one of these clear alternatives:
- Please reply.
- Please get back to me.
- Please respond.
- Please let me know.
Use “revert” only when you mean “return to a previous state” (e.g., “The software will revert to its default settings”).
What Does “Revert” Actually Mean?
In standard English, the verb revert has two main meanings:
- To return to a previous state or condition. Example: “After the update failed, the system reverted to its original version.”
- To go back to a previous subject in conversation or writing. Example: “Let me revert to your earlier question about the budget.”
Neither meaning involves replying to an email or message. The confusion arises because in some varieties of English, particularly in India, “revert” has been adopted as a business jargon term meaning “to reply.” However, this usage is not accepted in standard English and can confuse readers outside those regions.
Why “Please Revert” Is a Mistake
The phrase “please revert” creates ambiguity. When a native speaker reads “please revert,” they may wonder what you want them to return to. For example:
- Incorrect: “Please revert with your feedback.” (The reader may think: “Revert to what?”)
- Correct: “Please reply with your feedback.” (Clear and direct.)
Using “revert” for “reply” can make you sound less professional in international settings. It is a fossilized error that persists in some workplaces, but careful English users avoid it.
Formal vs. Informal Context
Even if you work in an office where “revert” is commonly used for “reply,” it is still not standard English. In formal writing—such as cover letters, academic emails, or client communications—using “revert” incorrectly can harm your credibility. In informal conversation, it is also better to use clear language like “get back to me” or “let me know.”
Comparison Table: “Revert” vs. Correct Alternatives
| Phrase | Meaning | Correct? | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please revert | Return to a previous state (or incorrectly: reply) | No (for “reply”) | Only for returning to a state |
| Please reply | Respond to a message | Yes | Any email or message |
| Please get back to me | Respond later | Yes | Informal or semi-formal |
| Please respond | Give a response | Yes | Formal or neutral |
| Please let me know | Inform me | Yes | Polite requests |
Natural Examples
Here are examples showing correct and incorrect usage in real contexts.
Email Context
- Incorrect: “Please revert with your availability for the meeting.”
- Correct: “Please reply with your availability for the meeting.”
- Correct: “Please let me know your availability for the meeting.”
Conversation Context
- Incorrect: “I’ll revert to you after I check the schedule.”
- Correct: “I’ll get back to you after I check the schedule.”
- Correct: “I’ll reply to you after I check the schedule.”
Formal Writing
- Incorrect: “Kindly revert at your earliest convenience.”
- Correct: “Please respond at your earliest convenience.”
- Correct: “I look forward to your reply.”
Using “Revert” Correctly
- Correct: “If the payment fails, the account will revert to the free plan.”
- Correct: “Let me revert to the main point of our discussion.”
Common Mistakes
Here are frequent errors learners make with “revert” and how to fix them.
- Mistake: “Please revert back to me.”
Fix: “Please get back to me.” (Note: “revert back” is redundant because “revert” already means “go back.”) - Mistake: “I will revert to you on this matter.”
Fix: “I will reply to you on this matter.” - Mistake: “Kindly revert with the documents.”
Fix: “Please send the documents.” or “Please reply with the documents.” - Mistake: “Revert me when you are free.”
Fix: “Let me know when you are free.”
Better Alternatives to “Please Revert”
When you want someone to respond, choose from these clear phrases. Each has a slightly different tone.
- Please reply – Direct and neutral. Best for most emails.
- Please respond – Slightly more formal. Good for official requests.
- Please get back to me – Friendly and informal. Works in conversation and casual emails.
- Please let me know – Polite and open-ended. Use when you want information or an opinion.
- I look forward to your reply – Formal and courteous. Use in closing a professional email.
When to Use “Revert” Correctly
Use “revert” only in these situations:
- When something returns to an earlier state: “The software will revert to the previous version.”
- When you return to a topic: “Let me revert to the question of deadlines.”
- In legal or technical contexts: “The property will revert to the original owner.”
Never use “revert” to mean “reply.” If you hear colleagues using it this way, you can politely use the correct alternatives yourself.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- Please _____ with your comments on the report.
a) revert
b) reply - The system will _____ to its default settings after the reset.
a) revert
b) reply - I will _____ to you after I speak with the manager.
a) revert
b) get back - Kindly _____ at your earliest convenience.
a) revert
b) respond
Answers
- b) reply – “Please reply with your comments” is correct.
- a) revert – “Revert” is correct here because it means returning to a previous state.
- b) get back – “Get back to you” is the natural phrase. “Revert to you” is incorrect.
- b) respond – “Kindly respond” is formal and correct. “Kindly revert” is not standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “please revert” ever correct?
Yes, but only if you mean “return to a previous state.” For example: “Please revert to the original settings.” It is never correct when you mean “please reply.”
2. Why do some people use “revert” to mean “reply”?
This usage is common in Indian English and some other regional varieties. It likely started as a business jargon term and became widespread in certain offices. However, it is not accepted in standard English and can cause confusion.
3. What should I say instead of “please revert” in a professional email?
Use “please reply,” “please respond,” or “I look forward to your response.” These phrases are clear and professional in any context.
4. Can I use “revert back”?
No. “Revert” already means “go back,” so “revert back” is redundant. Use “revert” alone when you mean “return to a previous state,” or use “get back” when you mean “reply.”
Final Tip
If you are unsure whether to use “revert,” ask yourself: “Am I asking someone to return to an earlier state or topic?” If yes, “revert” is fine. If you want a response, choose “reply,” “respond,” or “get back to me.” This simple check will keep your English clear and correct in any situation.
For more guidance on common English errors, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have questions about email phrasing, visit our Email Phrase Corrections category. You can also read our FAQ for quick answers. For more about how we write, see our Editorial Policy.
