Lin SaysYour English-speaking buddy
EN
Start free
Spoken English phrase

What does “I'll text you” mean?

"I'll text you" means "I will send you a text message." In conversation, it also works like a small promise: I will contact you later, send details, or give you an update.

When people say it

  • To promise details later: "I'll text you the address."
  • To give an update when something is ready: "I'll text you when it's ready."
  • To let someone know you got home safely: "I'll text you when I get home."
  • To give someone your number by messaging first: "I'll text you so you have mine."

Tone: It is casual, friendly, and very normal in both US and UK English. It is a little more everyday than "I'll send you a message."

Careful: A common mistake is "I'll text to you." Say "I'll text you" because "text" can take a person directly. You can also say "I'll send you a text."

In 8 of Lin's scenes

Real lines from the scenes. Open one to watch it and say it yourself.

Shadow

Line by line

Lin
Sure! I'll text you when it's ready.
Lin
Deal. I'll text you when I get home?
Lin
Great. I'll text you so you have mine.

Other ways to say it

I'll message you.

A little broader. It can mean a text, WhatsApp message, DM, and more.

I'll send you a text.

Almost the same meaning, but more explicit about texting.

I'll ping you.

More informal. It often means a quick message, especially on chat apps or at work.

Quick answers

Does "I'll text you" mean SMS only?

Not always. Many people use it for a phone text, but some also use it more loosely for messaging on apps. If you want to be exact, say "I'll message you on WhatsApp."

Is "I'll text you when I get home" correct?

Yes. It is very natural. "Get home" is the usual everyday phrase, though "arrive home" is also possible.

More phrases