"Please Check and Revert" Meaning: Is It Professional or Rude?

You’ve likely seen it in hundreds of emails if you work in Singapore, Malaysia, or India: "Please check and revert."

It seems like a standard, polite way to ask someone to review a document and get back to you. But if you send this to a client in the US, UK, or Australia, you might be met with confusion—or silence.

Why? Because while "revert" is standard business lingo here in Southeast Asia, it means something completely different to the rest of the English-speaking world.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what "please check and revert" means, why it causes misunderstandings, and give you 10 copy-paste alternatives that get faster results without the confusion.

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"Please Check and Revert" Meaning in Email

In the context of Singapore and Southeast Asian business English, "please check and revert" simply means "please review this and reply to me."

It is a direct request for two actions:

1. Check the information or attachment provided.
2. Reply with an answer, confirmation, or feedback.

Why Is It So Common in Singapore?

The usage of "revert" as a synonym for "reply" is a hallmark of post-colonial English varieties (like Singlish and Indian English). It likely stems from a desire to sound formal and bureaucratic. In local government or corporate settings, "revert" feels weightier and more "official" than a simple "reply" or "get back to me."

Over decades, it has become the default phrase for closing an email, regardless of the recipient.

The Problem: Why It Confuses US/UK Readers

Here is where the trouble starts. In Standard English (US, UK, Australia, Canada), the word revert does not mean "reply."

Standard Definition of Revert: To return to a previous state, condition, or practice.

Examples of Standard Usage:

• "If you don't save the file, the document will revert to the original version."
• "After the holiday, we will revert to our standard operating hours."
• "The property ownership will revert to the state."

The Misunderstanding

When you write "Please check and revert," a client in London or New York might literally interpret it as: "Please check this and go back to how you were before."

At best, it sounds like odd, archaic legal jargon. At worst, it sounds demanding or nonsensical. They usually figure out what you mean from context, but it marks your writing as non-standard, which can subtly impact your professional credibility.

For a deeper dive on this specific word, check out our article on stop saying "please revert" in Singapore.

When Is It OK to Use?

Is it strictly "wrong"? Language evolves, and in Singapore, it is effectively standard usage. However, context is key.

Context	Verdict	Why?
Internal Team (SG/SEA)	✅ Acceptable	Everyone understands it; it’s efficient shorthand.
Local Vendors/Govt	✅ Acceptable	It is the expected norm in many local administrative bodies.
International Clients	❌ Avoid	It causes confusion and sounds "off" to native speakers.
New Prospects	❌ Avoid	First impressions matter. Use standard English to sound global.
Urgent Requests	⚠️ Risky	"Revert" is passive. Specific calls to action work better.

For more on the nuances of local usage, read our guide on please revert meaning in Singapore.

10 Better Alternatives to "Please Check and Revert"

Instead of using a phrase that might confuse people, use action-oriented language. Here are 10 alternatives categorized by tone.

Group 1: Polite & Standard (Safe for Everyone)

Use these for clients, managers, or external partners.

1. "Please review and let me know if you have any questions." Why it works: It’s clear, friendly, and covers all bases.

2. "Could you take a look and share your thoughts?" Why it works: "Take a look" softens the request, making it feel less like a chore.

3. "Please check the attached and get back to me when you can." Why it works: "Get back to me" is the most natural phrasal verb for "reply" in global English.

4. "I’d appreciate your feedback on this draft." Why it works: It focuses on the value (feedback) rather than the action (checking).

Group 2: Firm & Direct (For Deadlines)

Use these when you need a specific answer by a specific time.

5. "Please review and confirm by [Date/Time]." Why it works: It sets a clear deadline. There is no ambiguity.

6. "Kindly sign off on this by Friday so we can proceed." Why it works: It explains why the deadline exists ("so we can proceed").

7. "Please check the data and reply with your approval." Why it works: It tells them exactly what to reply with (approval), saving back-and-forth.

Group 3: Urgent (When You Need Speed)

Use these sparingly for high-priority items.

8. "Please review this ASAP and let me know if we are good to go." Why it works: "Good to go" implies a quick yes/no check is all that's needed.

9. "Please take a quick look—we need to finalize this by noon." Why it works: "Quick look" suggests it won't take much time, encouraging them to do it now.

10. "Can you verify these figures immediately? We are holding the print run." Why it works: It provides the urgent context (holding the print run).

Before vs. After: Email Makeovers

Here is how swapping out "please check and revert" improves clarity in real scenarios.

Scenario 1: Sending a Quotation to a Client

Before:

Dear John, Attached is the revised quotation. Please check and revert meaning you agree with the terms. Regards, Sarah

After:

Dear John, Attached is the revised quotation. Please review the terms and let us know if you are ready to proceed. Regards, Sarah

Scenario 2: Asking a Manager for Approval

Before:

Hi Dave, I have updated the slide deck. Please check and revert soonest. Thanks, Ali

After:

Hi Dave, I have updated the slide deck. Could you review the changes and approve them by 3 PM? Thanks, Ali

Scenario 3: Clarifying Data with a Colleague

Before:

Hi Team, The Q3 figures look odd. Please check and revert.

After:

Hi Team, The Q3 figures look odd. Can you verify the source data and get back to me with the correct numbers?

Conclusion

While "please check and revert" is perfectly acceptable in a local Singaporean context ("kopitiam talk" or local office admin), it doesn't travel well. To be a truly global professional, aim for clarity.

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Related reads

• Is "Noted with Thanks" Rude?
• How to Fix Singlish in Business Emails
• "Please Find Attached": 7 Professional Alternatives

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