I'll be right back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'll be right back" is correct and usable in written English
You can use this phrase when you need to leave a conversation for a short period of time. For example, "I need to take this call, I'll be right back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sara: I'll be right back.

The New York Times

I'll be right back, sir".

The New Yorker

"Then he said: 'I'll be right back.

The New York Times

So sorry — I'll be right back.

The New Yorker

"O.K., I'll be right back," I say, spinning.

The New York Times

Mr. President, I'll be right back with you.

The Washington Post

I said, 'I'll be right back,' and I left.

The New York Times

Slager: "Alright, I'll be right back with you".

The Guardian

"Daddy loves you, and I'll be right back," she recalled him saying.

The New York Times

Karen, I said, I'll be right back, and I drove into town to the Bluebird.

The New Yorker

"I just walked off the desk, like, 'I'll be right back,' " Steve said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'll be right back" to signal a temporary departure, ensuring your audience understands you intend to return shortly. This sets clear expectations and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "I'll be right back" when you are unsure about the duration of your absence. If you anticipate a potentially lengthy delay, use a more appropriate phrase like "I'll get back to you later."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'll be right back" functions as an interjection or short statement of intent. It serves to inform the listener that the speaker is temporarily leaving but plans to return promptly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I'll be right back" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a temporary departure with the intention of returning soon. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase serves to reassure listeners of a quick return. When using "I'll be right back", it's crucial to ensure that the absence is indeed brief. Alternatives such as "I'll return shortly" or "Be right with you" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'll return shortly

Emphasizes the brevity of the absence, focusing on the swiftness of the return.

I'll be back in a moment

Highlights the minimal amount of time the speaker will be away.

I'll be back soon

Indicates a quick return, though slightly less specific than "shortly" or "in a moment".

Just a moment, I'll be back

Adds a polite introduction before announcing the temporary departure.

Excuse me, I'll be back presently

More formal and polite, "presently" suggests a return in the near future.

I'll step away for a second

Focuses on the action of leaving briefly, implying a quick return.

I'm just going to be a minute

Shifts the focus to the short duration of the absence.

I'm not gone for long

Assures the listener that the absence will be brief.

Be right with you

A more casual expression conveying the same meaning.

Hold that thought, I'll be back

Indicates a pause in the conversation and a promise to resume it shortly.

FAQs

How can I use "I'll be right back" in a sentence?

You can use "I'll be right back" when you need to excuse yourself briefly. For example, "Excuse me, I need to answer this call. "I'll be right back"".

What can I say instead of "I'll be right back"?

You can use alternatives like "I'll return shortly", "I'll be back in a moment", or "Be right with you" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I'll be right back"?

Yes, "I'll be right back" is grammatically correct. It is a common and widely accepted phrase used to indicate a brief absence and immediate return.

What's the difference between "I'll be right back" and "I'll be back later"?

""I'll be right back"" implies a very short absence, whereas "I'll be back later" suggests a longer or less specific timeframe for your return.