“Please Revert” Meaning in Email (Singapore Guide + Better Alternatives)

“Please revert” is commonly used in Singapore to mean “please reply”, but in standard English “revert” means “go back to a previous state.”

If you work in Singapore, you see "Please revert ASAP" everywhere. It's a staple of corporate emails here. But did you know it actually confuses Western clients and colleagues?

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Please revert meaning (in emails)

In standard English, "revert" means "to return to a previous state."

For example: "After the update failed, the system reverted to the default settings."

It does NOT mean "Reply". When you write "Please revert," a British or American reader might wonder, "Revert to what?" It sounds strange and incorrect to them.

Why Singaporeans say “please revert”

Here's when it works and when it backfires in day-to-day emailing:

It's a regional habit common in Singapore and India, often influenced by direct translations or localized business jargon. While locals understand it, it helps to use globally standard English for professional clarity.

Should you use it?

• Internal Singapore emails: OK (local shorthand)
• External clients / global teams: Avoid (clarity + professionalism)

It saves time internally, but it can slow deals when non-Singaporean readers pause to interpret it.

For external audiences, say "reply" or "get back to me" to stay clear and professional.

5 alternatives to “please revert” (copy-paste)

Here are clearer, more professional ways to ask for a reply:

• "Please reply when you have a moment." - Simple and direct.
• "Could you get back to me by [Time]?" - Good for setting deadlines.
• "Please confirm receipt and advise next steps." - Formal and clear.
• "I'd appreciate your response on [Topic]." - Polite but firm.
• "I look forward to your reply." - A classic closing.

What about “revert back”?

"Revert" already implies going back, so "revert back" is redundant and sounds unpolished.

• Use "reply" when you want a quick response.
• Use "respond" for formal threads with clients.
• Use "get back to me" when you want an update by a certain time.

These options read clearly to US/UK readers while keeping your intent intact.

Before vs after email example

Bonus: "Noted with Thanks"

Another common phrase is "Noted with Thanks". While not grammatically wrong, it can sound a bit robotic.

Try these instead: "Received, thank you." or "Understood, I'll proceed with this."

The "Revert" Trap: A Real-life Scenario

FAQ: “please revert” in business emails

Solution

Worried you might be using other "Singlish" habits in your business emails?

Use Email Improver to check your emails before hitting send. It detects tone issues and regional logic errors instantly. View pricing if you need a premium plan for your team.

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• “Please Revert” Meaning: The Complete Singapore Guide
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• How to Apologize Professionally in Email