Mastering Responses: A Guide to ‘I’ll Keep That in Mind’
Understanding how to respond appropriately to the phrase “I’ll keep that in mind” is crucial for effective communication. This seemingly simple statement can carry various nuances, from genuine consideration to polite dismissal.
Knowing how to interpret and react to it allows you to navigate conversations more smoothly, build stronger relationships, and avoid misunderstandings. This article provides a comprehensive guide for English language learners and native speakers alike, covering different contexts, suitable responses, and potential pitfalls.
Mastering this skill enhances your overall communication competence and ensures you convey the intended message in various social and professional settings.
Table of Contents
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Responses
- Examples of Responses
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition and Context
The phrase “I’ll keep that in mind” is a common expression used to acknowledge a suggestion, advice, or piece of information provided by someone else. It indicates that the speaker has heard and registered the information and will consider it in the future.
However, the phrase’s meaning can be somewhat ambiguous, as it doesn’t definitively commit the speaker to any specific action. The actual intent behind the phrase can vary greatly depending on the context, tone of voice, and relationship between the speakers.
Classification: This phrase is generally classified as an idiomatic expression, a polite response, or a noncommittal acknowledgment. Its function is primarily to maintain social harmony and avoid direct disagreement or commitment.
Function: The primary function of “I’ll keep that in mind” is to acknowledge the other person’s input without necessarily agreeing with it or promising to act on it. It allows the speaker to gracefully exit the conversation or postpone a decision.
Contexts: This phrase is used in a wide variety of contexts, including:
- Professional Settings: During meetings, presentations, or performance reviews.
- Personal Relationships: When receiving advice from friends or family.
- Customer Service: When responding to customer complaints or suggestions.
- Negotiations: When considering different proposals or offers.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “I’ll keep that in mind” follows a simple grammatical structure:
- I’ll: Contraction of “I will,” indicating a future action.
- Keep: Main verb, meaning to retain or hold onto something.
- That: Demonstrative pronoun, referring to the information or suggestion that was just provided.
- In mind: Prepositional phrase, indicating the location where the information will be stored (i.e., in the speaker’s thoughts).
The phrase is typically used as a standalone response or as part of a longer sentence. For example:
- “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the suggestion.”
- “That’s an interesting idea. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”
Variations of the phrase include:
- “I’ll bear that in mind.”
- “I’ll take that into consideration.”
- “I’ll think about that.”
Types of Responses
Responses to “I’ll keep that in mind” can be categorized based on the speaker’s intent and the context of the conversation. Here are some common categories:
Affirmative Responses
These responses indicate agreement or support for the speaker’s intention to consider the information.
Neutral Responses
These responses simply acknowledge the speaker’s statement without expressing any particular opinion or emotion.
Inquiring Responses
These responses seek clarification or further information about the speaker’s intentions.
Encouraging Responses
These responses encourage the speaker to take action or provide further input.
Assertive Responses
These responses are used when you want to ensure that your suggestion is taken seriously or to hold the speaker accountable.
Examples of Responses
Here are some specific examples of how to respond to “I’ll keep that in mind” in different situations:
Affirmative Responses
These responses show that you understand and appreciate their consideration. They are best used when you trust the other person’s judgment and want to maintain a positive relationship.
| Scenario | Response | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Giving a colleague advice on a project. | “Great, let me know if you have any questions.” | Offers further assistance and shows willingness to help. |
| Suggesting a new strategy to your manager. | “I appreciate you considering it. I’m confident it will be beneficial.” | Expresses confidence in the suggestion and reinforces its value. |
| Sharing feedback with a friend. | “Okay, I just wanted to share my perspective.” | Indicates that you’ve made your point and are not pushing further. |
| Providing input during a brainstorming session. | “Sounds good. Hopefully, it sparks some new ideas.” | Expresses optimism and encourages further creativity. |
| Offering a solution to a problem. | “Alright. I hope it helps!” | Simple and friendly, conveying a positive attitude. |
| Giving a suggestion on how to improve a process. | “Perfect, I’m here if you need anything else.” | Offers continued support. |
| Suggesting a better way to manage time. | “Wonderful, I thought it might be helpful.” | Shows you had good intentions. |
| Recommending a certain book. | “Fantastic, I hope you enjoy it if you give it a read.” | Expresses hope for a positive outcome. |
| Suggesting a more efficient tool. | “Cool, I’m happy to help you set it up.” | Offers practical assistance. |
| Advising a friend regarding their relationship. | “I understand, take care!” | Shows empathy and support. |
| Providing feedback on a presentation. | “Understood, let me know if you want to discuss it further.” | Opens the door for more in-depth conversation. |
| Suggesting a new marketing angle. | “Excellent, please let me know if I can help you test it!” | Offers help with implementation. |
| Recommending a course to a colleague. | “Great, I think you would enjoy the subject matter.” | Reiterates the value of the suggestion. |
| Giving advice on a coding problem. | “Okay, I’m sure you’ll figure it out!” | Shows confidence in their abilities. |
| Offering a different perspective on a conflict. | “Alright, I hope things work out for you!” | Expresses hope for a positive resolution. |
| Suggesting a change in project management. | “Perfect, I am happy to assist with the transition.” | Offers practical support during the change. |
| Offering a suggestion about interior design. | “Cool, I hope it inspires you!” | Expresses the hope that the suggestion inspires creativity. |
| Advising a friend about their fitness routine. | “Great, I can send you some resources.” | Offers further resources to help them. |
| Suggesting a different investment strategy. | “Understood, I have some articles on this topic I can send you.” | Offers further reading material. |
| Giving advice on cooking a dish. | “Perfect, let me know if you need the recipe!” | Offers to share the recipe. |
Neutral Responses
These responses are appropriate when you want to acknowledge the speaker’s statement without committing to any particular course of action. They are useful in situations where you need more information or want to avoid expressing an opinion.
| Scenario | Response | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving feedback on your performance. | “Understood.” | Simple and direct acknowledgment. |
| Hearing a suggestion from a coworker. | “Okay.” | Neutral and noncommittal. |
| Listening to a customer complaint. | “Noted.” | Indicates that the complaint has been recorded. |
| Being given instructions by your boss. | “Acknowledged.” | Formal and professional acknowledgment. |
| Hearing a new idea during a meeting. | “Right.” | Simple and neutral. |
| Getting advice from a family member. | “I hear you.” | Shows you are listening without agreeing or disagreeing. |
| Listening to a friend’s problem. | “I understand.” | Shows you are empathetic. |
| Receiving input on a presentation. | “Got it.” | Informal but clear acknowledgment. |
| Being told about a new policy. | “Alright.” | Casual but acceptable. |
| Listening to a colleague’s opinion. | “That’s interesting.” | Acknowledges without expressing agreement. |
| Receiving a suggestion from a subordinate. | “I appreciate the input.” | Acknowledges their contribution. |
| Hearing a different point of view. | “I see.” | Shows you are considering their perspective. |
| Being informed of a change in plans. | “Copy that.” | Military or formal acknowledgment. |
| Listening to a new proposal. | “Duly noted.” | Formal and respectful. |
| Receiving criticism from a peer. | “Thanks for letting me know.” | Acknowledges the feedback without defensiveness. |
| Hearing a suggestion for a new project. | “Understood, I’ll take that into account.” | More formal and acknowledges the suggestion. |
| Listening to a friend’s advice. | “I appreciate your perspective.” | Acknowledges their viewpoint. |
| Receiving an update on a situation. | “Thank you for the update.” | Expresses gratitude for the information. |
| Hearing feedback on your work. | “I value your feedback.” | Shows that you appreciate their input. |
| Being given a suggestion on how to improve. | “Thank you for the suggestion.” | Expresses thanks for the advice. |
Inquiring Responses
These responses invite the speaker to elaborate on their intentions or provide more information. They are useful when you want to ensure that your suggestion is being taken seriously or to understand how the speaker plans to use the information.
| Scenario | Response | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Suggesting a new marketing campaign. | “What aspects are you considering?” | Asks for specific details. |
| Giving advice on a personal matter. | “How do you plan to use this information?” | Seeks clarification on their intentions. |
| Proposing a new strategy to your team. | “What are your initial thoughts on implementation?” | Focuses on the practical aspects. |
| Offering a solution to a technical problem. | “Do you foresee any challenges in applying this?” | Addresses potential obstacles. |
| Sharing feedback on a project proposal. | “What steps will you take next?” | Asks about their immediate plans. |
| Suggesting a new customer service approach. | “How do you see this fitting into our current model?” | Relates to the existing framework. |
| Advising on a financial investment. | “When are you planning to reassess the situation?” | Asks about their timeline. |
| Recommending a software tool. | “What kind of timeframe are you looking at for implementation?” | Focuses on the implementation schedule. |
| Offering a different perspective on a conflict. | “What are some potential roadblocks to this approach?” | Addresses possible difficulties. |
| Suggesting a change in project management style. | “How would you measure the success of this?” | Asks about metrics and evaluation. |
| Advising on a new business partnership. | “What are the key benefits you are considering?” | Seeks the speaker’s rationale. |
| Offering advice on a writing project. | “How do you plan to revise the draft?” | Focuses on the revision phase. |
| Suggesting a new fitness routine. | “What is your timeline for seeing results?” | Asks about their goals and schedule. |
| Proposing a new training program. | “What resources would you need to get started?” | Focuses on the resources needed. |
| Offering a different approach to teaching. | “How would you evaluate the effectiveness of this method?” | Asks about evaluation methods. |
| Suggesting a new marketing strategy. | “What metrics will you use to determine success?” | Focuses on the metrics for measuring success. |
| Giving advice on a career move. | “What are your next steps?” | Asks about their immediate plans. |
| Recommending a new software solution. | “How long do you think it would take to implement?” | Focuses on the implementation timeline. |
| Offering a different perspective on a negotiation. | “What are the key factors you are weighing?” | Asks about the factors they are considering. |
| Suggesting a change in company policy. | “What are the potential challenges you anticipate?” | Addresses potential challenges. |
Encouraging Responses
These responses encourage the speaker to take action or provide further input. They are useful when you want to motivate the speaker to follow through on your suggestion or to ensure that your voice is heard.
| Scenario | Response | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Suggesting a new sales technique. | “I think you’ll find it very effective.” | Reinforces the value of the suggestion. |
| Giving advice on a difficult situation. | “I hope it helps you find a resolution.” | Expresses hope for a positive outcome. |
| Proposing a new project idea. | “I’m excited to see what you do with it.” | Shows enthusiasm and support. |
| Offering a solution to a customer problem. | “Let me know if you need any further assistance.” | Offers continued support. |
| Sharing feedback on a presentation draft. | “I’m confident you’ll deliver a great presentation.” | Boosts their confidence. |
| Suggesting a new approach to problem-solving. | “I believe this strategy can lead to significant improvements.” | Highlights potential benefits. |
| Advising on a career change. | “I’m here to support you if you need any guidance.” | Offers support and guidance. |
| Recommending a new software tool. | “I think it could significantly streamline your workflow.” | Highlights potential efficiency gains. |
| Offering a different perspective on a conflict. | “I hope this helps you reach a better understanding.” | Expresses hope for a resolution. |
| Suggesting a change in organizational structure. | “I believe this could improve communication and collaboration.” | Highlights potential benefits. |
| Advising on a new marketing campaign. | “I think this campaign has the potential to reach a wider audience.” | Highlights potential reach. |
| Offering advice on a writing project. | “I’m excited to see the final result.” | Shows enthusiasm and anticipation. |
| Suggesting a new fitness regimen. | “I’m confident you’ll feel the benefits soon.” | Boosts their confidence. |
| Proposing a new training program. | “I think this program will significantly enhance your skills.” | Highlights potential skill gains. |
| Offering a different approach to teaching. | “I believe this method can make learning more engaging.” | Highlights potential engagement. |
| Suggesting a new sales strategy. | “This strategy has proven effective in similar situations.” | Reinforces the effectiveness of the strategy. |
| Giving advice on a personal matter. | “I hope this advice helps you find peace of mind.” | Expresses hope for a positive outcome. |
| Recommending a new software solution. | “I think this solution could greatly improve your efficiency.” | Highlights potential efficiency gains. |
| Offering a different perspective on a negotiation. | “I hope this helps you achieve a favorable outcome.” | Expresses hope for a positive outcome. |
| Suggesting a change in company culture. | “I believe this change could create a more positive work environment.” | Highlights potential benefits to the work environment. |
Usage Rules
While the phrase “I’ll keep that in mind” appears straightforward, there are nuances to its proper use.
- Tone: The tone of voice can significantly alter the perceived meaning. A sincere tone suggests genuine consideration, while a dismissive tone can imply the opposite.
- Context: The context of the conversation is crucial. In formal settings, the phrase may be used as a polite way to avoid commitment. In informal settings, it may indicate genuine interest.
- Relationship: The relationship between the speakers also plays a role. If you have a close relationship with the speaker, you can be more direct in your response. If you have a formal relationship, you may need to be more cautious.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when responding to “I’ll keep that in mind”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “No, you won’t.” | “I hope you do.” | Avoid being confrontational. |
| Silence. | “Okay, thanks for considering it.” | Acknowledge the statement. |
| “Are you sure?” | “What are your initial thoughts?” | Avoid implying doubt. |
| “You always say that.” | “Let me know if you have any questions.” | Avoid bringing up past behavior. |
| Ignoring the statement. | “Understood. I am happy to elaborate on that suggestion if needed.” | Acknowledge the statement and offer further support. |
| “That’s what you said last time.” | “I’m confident this could be helpful.” | Avoid negative comparisons and focus on the positive. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Identifying Appropriate Responses
Choose the most appropriate response for each scenario:
| Scenario | Possible Responses | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Your colleague says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a new project management tool. | a) “You never listen to my ideas.” b) “Great, let me know if you want help setting it up.” c) Silence. | b) “Great, let me know if you want help setting it up.” |
| Your manager says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you propose a new marketing strategy. | a) “Are you serious?” b) “What aspects are you considering?” c) “That’s what you always say.” | b) “What aspects are you considering?” |
| Your friend says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you give them advice on their relationship. | a) “No, you won’t.” b) “I hope it helps you find a resolution.” c) “You always ignore my advice.” | b) “I hope it helps you find a resolution.” |
| Your boss says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a new way to improve workflow. | a) “Understood. I am happy to elaborate on that suggestion if needed.” b) “You are just saying that.” c) Silence. | a) “Understood. I am happy to elaborate on that suggestion if needed.” |
| Your coworker says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a new way to handle a client. | a) “You’re probably not even listening.” b) “I am confident this could be helpful.” c) Silence. | b) “I’m confident this could be helpful.” |
| Your client says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a specific feature for their product. | a) “I think you should do it.” b) “I am excited to see what you do with it.” c) “You never take my suggestions seriously.” | b) “I’m excited to see what you do with it.” |
| Your family member says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a healthier lifestyle change. | a) “You always say that but never do it.” b) “I’m here to support you if you need any guidance.” c) Silence. | b) “I’m here to support you if you need any guidance.” |
| Your teacher says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a new teaching method. | a) “That’s what you said last time.” b) “I believe this method can make learning more engaging.” c) Silence. | b) “I believe this method can make learning more engaging.” |
| Your mentor says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a new career path. | a) “Are you sure?” b) “I’m here to support you if you need any guidance.” c) “You always dismiss my ideas.” | b) “I’m here to support you if you need any guidance.” |
| Your friend says, “I’ll keep that in mind” after you suggest a book for their reading list. | a) “I hope it helps you find a resolution.” b) “That’s what you said last time.” c) “I think you’ll find it very effective.” | c) “I think you’ll find it very effective.” |
Exercise 2: Rewriting Inappropriate Responses
Rewrite the following inappropriate responses to be more appropriate:
| Inappropriate Response | Appropriate Response |
|---|---|
| “You’re just saying that to get rid of me.” | “Okay, let me know if you have any questions or need more information.” |
| “I bet you won’t.” | “I hope it’s something you find useful.” |
| “Why do you even ask for my opinion?” | “I appreciate you considering my perspective.” |
| “You never listen anyway.” | “I hope you’ll give it some thought.” |
| “That’s a lie.” | “I appreciate the feedback.” |
| “I don’t believe you.” | “Thank you for considering my suggestion.” |
| “You’re so full of it.” | “I understand, thanks for your time.” |
| “Whatever.” | “Okay, I respect your decision.” |
| “You’re hopeless.” | “I’m here if you need any more help.” |
| “That’s ridiculous.” | “I appreciate your consideration.” |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider the following:
- Cultural Differences: The interpretation of “I’ll keep that in mind” can vary across cultures. In some cultures, it may be considered a polite way to dismiss an idea, while in others, it may be taken more seriously. Research the communication norms of different cultures to avoid misunderstandings.
- Nonverbal Communication: Pay attention to nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, to better understand the speaker’s true intentions. A genuine smile and open posture can indicate sincerity, while a frown and closed posture can suggest skepticism.
- Strategic Use: Use the phrase strategically to buy time, avoid conflict, or postpone a decision. However, be mindful of the potential consequences of using the phrase insincerely, as it can damage trust and credibility.
FAQ
- What does “I’ll keep that in mind” really mean?
The phrase is a polite way of acknowledging a suggestion or piece of information. It doesn’t necessarily mean the speaker will act on it, but rather that they have heard and registered it.
- How can I tell if someone is being sincere when they say “I’ll keep that in mind”?
Look for nonverbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language. A genuine smile and open posture can indicate sincerity, while a dismissive tone or averted gaze may suggest otherwise.
- Is it rude to ask someone what they mean when they say “I’ll keep that in mind”?
It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. In a formal setting, it may be best to avoid direct questioning. In an informal setting, you can politely ask for clarification.
- What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of “I’ll keep that in mind”?
Some alternatives include: “I’ll take that into consideration,” “That’s an interesting idea,” “I appreciate your input,” or “I’ll give that some thought.”
- How should I respond if I suspect someone is using “I’ll keep that in mind” to dismiss my suggestion?
You can gently reiterate the value of your suggestion or ask for specific feedback. For example, you could say, “I understand, but I believe this approach could significantly improve efficiency. What are your thoughts on that?”
- Is it appropriate to use “I’ll keep that in mind” in a business setting?
Yes, it is generally appropriate in a business setting as a polite way to acknowledge a suggestion or idea. However, be mindful of your tone and ensure that you are not using the phrase to dismiss someone’s input.
- What if I genuinely don’t plan to use the suggestion?
Even if you don’t plan to use the suggestion, it’s still polite to acknowledge it. You can say “I’ll keep that in mind” to show that you’ve heard the person’s suggestion, even if you have no intention of acting on it. You could also add something like, “Thank you for the suggestion. We are going in a different direction, but I appreciate your input.”
- When should I *not* use “I’ll keep that in mind”?
Avoid using it if you are already committed to a different course of action and don’t want to mislead the other person. In such cases, it’s better to be direct and explain your reasons for not pursuing their suggestion.
- How can I ensure that my suggestions are taken seriously when I hear “I’ll keep that in mind”?
Back up your suggestions with data, evidence, and a clear explanation of the potential benefits. Be prepared to answer questions and address any concerns the other person may have.
- Can the phrase “I’ll keep that in mind” be used sarcastically?
Yes, the phrase can be used sarcastically, especially if the tone of voice is dismissive or the nonverbal cues suggest insincerity. Pay attention to the context and the speaker’s demeanor to determine their true intentions.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of responding to “I’ll keep that in mind” involves understanding the nuances of communication, considering the context, and being mindful of your tone. By learning to interpret the speaker’s intent and choosing appropriate responses, you can navigate conversations more effectively and build stronger relationships.
Remember to be respectful, considerate, and clear in your communication to avoid misunderstandings. This skill is invaluable for both personal and professional interactions, contributing to your overall communication competence.
Always consider the relationship dynamics and situation to ensure that your response is well-received and contributes positively to the conversation.