Is It Correct to Say ‘revert back’?
No, it is not correct to say “revert back” in standard English. The word “revert” already contains the meaning of “back,” so adding “back” creates a redundancy. The correct phrase is simply “revert.” This is a common mistake that many English learners make, and understanding why it is wrong will help you sound more natural and precise.
Quick Answer
Do not use “revert back.” Use “revert” alone. For example, instead of saying “Please revert back to me,” say “Please revert to me.” The word “revert” means to return to a previous state or to go back, so “back” is unnecessary.
Why “Revert Back” Is Redundant
The issue with “revert back” is a matter of logic and word meaning. The verb “revert” comes from Latin roots: “re-” meaning “again” or “back” and “vertere” meaning “to turn.” So, “revert” literally means “to turn back.” When you add “back,” you are essentially saying “to turn back back,” which is repetitive. In English, we avoid such redundancies to keep our language clear and efficient.
This is similar to other common redundancies like “return back” (just say “return”) or “repeat again” (just say “repeat”). Once you recognize the pattern, it becomes easier to spot and correct.
Formal vs. Informal Context
The phrase “revert back” is considered non-standard in both formal and informal English. However, you might hear it in some informal conversations or in certain professional settings where it has become a habitual error. In formal writing, such as business emails, academic papers, or official reports, you should always use “revert” alone. In informal speech, while some people might use “revert back,” it is still better to avoid it to maintain clarity and correctness.
In email communication, especially in business contexts, using “revert” correctly shows attention to detail and professionalism. For example, in a formal email, you might write: “I will revert to you with the updated figures by Friday.” In a more casual conversation, you could say: “Let me revert to you on that later.” Both are correct and natural.
Comparison Table: “Revert” vs. “Revert Back”
| Phrase | Correctness | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revert | Correct | Formal and informal | “Please revert to me with your decision.” |
| Revert back | Incorrect | Avoid in all contexts | “Please revert back to me.” (redundant) |
| Return | Correct | Formal and informal | “I will return to you with an answer.” |
| Get back | Correct | Informal | “I will get back to you soon.” |
Natural Examples
Here are some natural examples of how to use “revert” correctly in different situations:
- Business Email: “Thank you for your inquiry. I will revert to you with the pricing details within 24 hours.”
- Conversation: “Let me check the schedule and revert to you later today.”
- Technical Context: “The software will revert to its default settings after the update.”
- Legal Document: “The property will revert to the original owner after the lease expires.”
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes related to “revert back” and how to fix them:
- Mistake: “Please revert back to me as soon as possible.”
Correction: “Please revert to me as soon as possible.” - Mistake: “I will revert back to you on this matter.”
Correction: “I will revert to you on this matter.” - Mistake: “The system will revert back to the previous version.”
Correction: “The system will revert to the previous version.” - Mistake: “Can you revert back with your feedback?”
Correction: “Can you revert with your feedback?”
Better Alternatives
If you are unsure about using “revert,” there are several clear alternatives you can use depending on the context:
- Get back to: Informal and common in conversations. Example: “I will get back to you after the meeting.”
- Return to: Formal and neutral. Example: “I will return to you with an update.”
- Respond to: Direct and professional. Example: “I will respond to your email by tomorrow.”
- Reply to: Simple and widely used. Example: “Please reply to my message.”
When to Use “Revert”
Use “revert” when you mean to return to a previous state, condition, or topic. It is common in business English, especially in emails, to mean “to reply” or “to get back to someone.” However, be aware that in some regions, “revert” is used more frequently in this way than in others. In American English, “get back to” is more common, while in British and Indian English, “revert” is often used in professional correspondence.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- Which sentence is correct?
a) Please revert back to me with your answer.
b) Please revert to me with your answer. - Fill in the blank: “I will __________ to you after I check the details.”
a) revert back
b) revert - Which alternative is best for a formal email?
a) I will get back to you.
b) I will revert to you. - True or False: “Revert back” is acceptable in informal conversation.
Answers
- b) “Please revert to me with your answer.” is correct.
- b) “I will revert to you after I check the details.” is correct.
- b) “I will revert to you.” is more formal and appropriate for a formal email.
- False. “Revert back” is not acceptable in any context because it is redundant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “revert back” ever correct?
No, “revert back” is never correct in standard English. The word “revert” already means “to go back,” so adding “back” is redundant. Always use “revert” alone.
2. Can I use “revert” in an email?
Yes, “revert” is commonly used in business emails, especially in British and Indian English. For example, “I will revert to you with the details.” In American English, “get back to” is more common, but “revert” is still understood.
3. What is a good alternative to “revert back”?
Good alternatives include “get back to,” “return to,” “respond to,” or “reply to.” Choose based on the formality of the situation. For example, “I will get back to you” is informal, while “I will respond to you” is formal.
4. Why do people say “revert back”?
People say “revert back” because they are unaware of the redundancy. It is a common error that has become habitual in some regions or workplaces. Once you know the rule, it is easy to avoid.
For more help with common grammar mistakes, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have questions about email phrases, check out our Email Phrase Corrections guides. For speaking tips, see our Speaking Mistake Fixes. And for general improvements, explore Better English Corrections. You can also read our FAQ for more answers.
