10 Professional Synonyms for “Did You Get a Chance”

In the workplace, communication is key. But sometimes, it’s hard to know the right words to use, especially when following up on something.

This article lists 10 professional alternatives to “Did you get a chance,” a common but sometimes too casual phrase. Learn how to maintain a polite and professional tone in your emails with these suggestions.

Is It Professional to Say “Did You Get a Chance”?

Asking someone “Did you get a chance” is generally seen as informal and polite. It’s a casual way to inquire if someone has had the time to do something. This phrase fits best in less formal settings or when you have a friendly relationship with the person you are communicating with. However, it can still be used in professional contexts, especially in emails or messages where a gentler tone is preferred.

This phrase is suitable for situations where you want to remind someone about a task without sounding too demanding. It’s often used with colleagues or clients you have a somewhat informal or friendly relationship with.

Email example:

Hi Emily,

I just wanted to follow up on the documents I sent last Friday. Did you get a chance to review them? 

Please let me know if you have any questions or need further details.

Best regards,
Alex

Let’s look at the pros and cons of using this phrase:

Pros:

• It’s friendly and puts less pressure on the recipient.
• Makes communication seem more personal.
• Helps maintain a polite tone in your message.

Cons:

• Might be too casual for some professional or formal situations.
• Could be perceived as lacking urgency or importance.
• Some may find it too indirect or passive.

Sometimes, you might want to choose a synonym or an alternative phrase, especially in more formal settings or when you need a response urgently. Using alternatives can help ensure your message matches the level of formality of your relationship with the recipient or the seriousness of the task at hand. Picking the right words can also help convey the right level of urgency and importance, something synonyms and alternatives can provide.

10 Other Ways to Say “Did You Get a Chance”

Here are 10 professional alternatives to the phrase “Did You Get a Chance” that you can use in workplace emails.

1. Have you had the opportunity to…

This alternative is slightly more formal than “Did you get a chance” and sounds more professional in email communication. It suggests that you respect the other person’s time and workload. This choice of words is polite and suggests a sense of understanding that the recipient might have other priorities.

This synonym is well-suited for professional settings, especially when addressing someone superior or a client. It works best in emails or formal messages where you wish to maintain a polite yet professional tone.

Here’s a sample:

Dear Mark,

I hope you’re well. Have you had the opportunity to review the proposal I sent over last Thursday?

Kind regards,
Susan

2. Were you able to review…

This alternative adds a touch of politeness and empathy, acknowledging that the recipient may have been too busy to address your request. It is direct but still maintains a gentle tone.

It’s an excellent choice for communicating with colleagues or clients where there is a mutual respect for each other’s time. This phrase is best used in emails when you want a quick update without being pushy.

Here’s an example:

Hello Brian,

Just checking in to see if you were able to review the document I shared.

Best,
Emma

3. Did you have time to look over…

This synonym is polite and implies understanding of the recipient’s potentially busy schedule. It’s a bit more informal than the first two options but still very much appropriate for most professional settings.

It’s particularly useful in a less formal corporate culture or when communicating with a colleague you have a friendly relationship with. This phrase fits well in emails or instant messages where prompt feedback is needed.

Here’s a sample message:

Hi Jordan,

I was wondering if you had time to look over the project brief yet.

Thanks,
Tyler

4. Have you managed to check out…

This question is informal and implies a friendly relationship with the recipient. It assumes that the recipient has been busy and lightly suggests if they could prioritize your request.

It’s well-suited for internal team communications or with long-standing clients where there’s an established rapport. This alternative works great in less formal emails or direct messages.

Here’s an example email:

Hey Alex,

Hope you're doing well! Have you managed to check out the updates on the dashboard?

Cheers,
Jamie

5. Could you take a moment to…

This alternative conveys a polite request for the recipient’s time and attention. It’s formal enough for professional use but still has a soft tone that prevents it from sounding too demanding.

This synonym is appropriate when you’re asking for a favor or need a quick task completed. It’s great for emails or messages to both superiors and colleagues, balancing respectfulness with the urgency of your request.

Example:

Dear Lisa,

When you have a moment, could you take a moment to provide feedback on the report?

Warm regards,
Nathan

6. Did you find time to…

This phrase is informal, creating a comfortable and understanding atmosphere in the communication. It acknowledges the busy schedules without making the request seem trivial.

This alternative is suitable for use with colleagues or in environments where the culture emphasizes work-life balance. It fits well in emails and direct messages, particularly when the task isn’t urgent.

Example email:

Hello Sara,

Quick question, did you find time to look at the presentation slides?

Thanks!
Ben

7. Have you reviewed…

This option is more direct while still remaining polite. It suggests efficiency and straightforwardness, which could be ideal in a busy work environment.

This synonym works well for follow-ups on previously discussed tasks or documents. It’s perfect for use with colleagues, team leaders, and clients, especially in formal email exchanges.

See this sample email:

Hi Keith,

I hope this message finds you well. Have you reviewed the contract amendments we sent?

Best,
Adrienne

8. Could you review…

This phrase is a direct request but framed politely. It’s suitable in a professional context where you are asking someone to take an action rather than asking if they already have.

This alternative works great in any situation where clarity and directness are valued, but it’s essential not to come off as too commanding. It’s most appropriate in emails to colleagues or subordinates.

Here’s an example message:

Dear Jeremy,

For our upcoming meeting, could you review the current project status?

Regards,
Monica

9. May I know if you’ve looked at…

This version is formal and reflective of high regard for the recipient’s time and workload. It’s less about reminding and more about gently inquiring.

This polite synonym is best reserved for communication with senior staff, important clients, or new colleagues. It fits well in emails where you aim to establish rapport or maintain a respectful distance.

Example:

Dear Mr. Wells,

I hope you’re doing well today. May I know if you’ve looked at the project outline I forwarded last week?

Sincerely,
Tina

10. Are you in a position to discuss…

This phrase leans towards being both formal and polite, focusing on the recipient’s availability and willingness to engage in dialogue.

This synonym is particularly effective for setting up meetings or calls rather than document reviews. It’s especially useful in communications with busy colleagues or senior team members when initiating a conversation that requires their input.

Example:

Hello Dr. Moreno,

Given your expertise, are you in a position to discuss the recent findings?

Thank you,
Elena

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words can make a big difference in how your message is received in a professional setting. By using alternatives to “Did you get a chance,” you show respect for the recipient’s time, attention, and priorities. Each alternative provided caters to different situations and relationships at work. Practicing these will not only improve your email etiquette but also strengthen your workplace communication skills.