10 Polite Synonyms for “At Your Earliest Convenience”

It’s important to communicate with respect and consideration for others’ time. Saying “At Your Earliest Convenience” is one way to do this, but there are many alternatives that can also show politeness and flexibility.

This article lists ten different ways you can make requests politely in a work environment. Each alternative is explained, along with when and how to use it effectively.

Is It Polite to Say “At Your Earliest Convenience”?

Using the phrase “at your earliest convenience” can be considered polite, professional, and formal. It is a respectful way to request someone to do something as soon as they can, without pressuring them.

This phrase is suitable for various situations, especially in formal emails or when making requests to colleagues, clients, or superiors. It’s best used when the task you’re asking for isn’t urgent but you’d like it to be completed in a timely manner. Therefore, it fits well within professional emails, formal letters, or any communication medium where a level of respect and politeness is required.

Here’s a quick example:

Dear Ms. Thompson,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you could review the attached report at your earliest convenience. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Emily

Pros:

• Shows consideration for the recipient’s time.
• Keeps the tone of your message polite and respectful.
• Appropriate for professional and formal communication.

Cons:

• Can be perceived as too formal in casual settings.
• Some might find it outdated or impersonal.
• Potentially vague about the actual urgency or timeline.

Someone might want to use an alternative phrase to this one to possibly sound more casual or direct, especially if they are communicating with someone they know well.

10 Other Ways to Say “At Your Earliest Convenience”

Here are ten common polite alternatives to “At Your Earliest Convenience” that maintain professionalism in a workplace environment:

1. When you have a moment

This alternative is slightly less formal than “At Your Earliest Convenience” but still maintains a professional tone. It suggests that the task can be taken care of within a short amount of time when the receiver is available.

This phrase is well-suited for communication with colleagues or superiors where there is a friendly yet professional rapport. It’s appropriate for use in emails or messages and recommends a level of flexibility in completing the task.

Example:

Dear Marcus,

Could you please review the attached file when you have a moment? I value your feedback.

Best,
Olivia

2. As soon as you’re able

This alternative gently requests action without pressing urgency, maintaining a balance between formality and informality. It’s both polite and professional, suggesting you respect the recipient’s time.

Best for use with colleagues or external partners, especially when you want to convey flexibility but still communicate a need. This phrase fits email communications perfectly, ensuring the message is received cordially.

Email example:

Dear Helen,

Please send me the meeting notes as soon as you're able. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Warm regards,
John

3. At your next convenience

This synonym is close in meaning to the original, carrying a formal and respectful tone. It implies waiting for the next suitable time for the recipient without rushing them.

It’s ideal for communicating with bosses or clients where a certain level of respect is required. This alternative is appropriate for emails or formal messages, where you wish to be considerate of the other person’s schedule.

Here’s an example:

Dear Mr. Jackson,

I would appreciate it if you could approve the budget at your next convenience.

Sincerely,
Rachel

4. When it’s convenient for you

This alternative is slightly more informal while still being polite and professional. It pushes the timeframe to the recipient’s discretion completely, focusing on their convenience.

This option is great for internal communications or when the task’s urgency is low. It’s best used in emails or direct messages within a team or with familiar clients, showcasing flexibility and consideration.

Example:

Dear Alex,

Could we discuss the project timeline when it's convenient for you? I look forward to your suggestions.

Best wishes,
Emily

5. As your schedule allows

This alternative emphasizes flexibility and respect for the recipient’s existing commitments. It’s both professional and polite, useful in a workplace environment to suggest no rush on the requested action.

Suitable for interactions with both peers and higher-ups, especially in written communications like emails. It’s recommended when you want to show understanding of the other person’s workload or commitments.

Email sample:

Dear Carlos,

Please proceed with the client feedback as your schedule allows. Your thoroughness is much appreciated.

Regards,
Tina

6. At a time that works for you

This phrase is very flexible and considers the receiver’s convenience comprehensively. It implies a high level of respect and patience, fitting for a professional and polite workplace interaction.

It’s particularly effective for formal requests to supervisors or when coordinating with colleagues who have tight schedules. Best employed in emails or formal messages, this phrase implies trust in the recipient’s time management.

Example:

Dear Samantha,

Let's arrange a meeting at a time that works for you. Please let me know your available slots.

Kind regards,
Liam

7. When you find the time

This alternative leans towards informality but remains professional and polite. It’s a gentle nudge for action that doesn’t impose a deadline, fitting for a collaborative workplace environment.

This phrase is better suited for internal communications with team members or managers you have a close working relationship with. It’s perfect for emails or informal messages where you want to keep the tone friendly yet professional.

Email example:

Dear Jamie,

I’d appreciate your input on the report when you find the time. Your expertise would be very helpful.

Cheers,
Nathan

8. As soon as you have a chance

This alternative offers a professional, yet polite way of asking for something to be done without specifying a tight deadline. It’s respectful of the recipient’s other obligations and workload.

This phrase works well when communicating with colleagues or external partners, especially in situations where you wish to show understanding and flexibility. Suitable for use in professional emails or messages, it conveys a considerate request.

Here’s an example:

Dear Rebecca,

Could you review the proposal as soon as you have a chance? Your feedback would be invaluable.

Kindly,
George

9. When you’re ready

Less formal than the original phrase, this alternative is still polite and personal, making it great for friendly yet professional correspondences. It leaves the timing up to the recipient, showing you value their input at their convenience.

It’s a fantastic choice for less formal work environments or when emailing a colleague you have a good rapport with. Suitable for emails and messages alike, it communicates patience and respect for the recipient’s time and input.

Example:

Dear Zoe,

Please start the project when you're ready. I trust your judgement on the timing.

Many thanks,
Edward

10. At a convenient time for you

This synonym closely mirrors the original in its formal and respectful tone, making it an excellent choice for professional and polite requests. It explicitly puts the decision of when to act in the hands of the recipient.

This phrase is especially useful in formal communication with clients, superiors, or collaborators with whom you want to maintain a respectful distance. It is recommended for formal emails and official communications where timing flexibility is key.

Email sample:

Dear Valerie,

Could we discuss your feedback on the draft at a convenient time for you? Your perspective is crucial to our progress.

Best,
Derek

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words when making requests can set the tone for professional and respectful communication. The alternatives discussed offer flexibility and politeness, ensuring that your messages are well-received. Consider the context and your relationship with the person when selecting the most suitable phrase. By using these alternatives, you can maintain a professional environment that values everyone’s time and contributions.