10 Professional Ways to Say “Either Way Is Fine”
This article explores various ways to say “Either way is fine” in a work setting, making sure you’re understood as cooperative and open-minded. Each option is analyzed for its level of formality, setting, and the message it conveys to ensure you can express your flexibility appropriately.
Is It Professional to Say “Either Way Is Fine”?
The phrase “either way is fine” walks the fine line between being informal and polite. It is widely accepted in professional settings, particularly when the decision at hand is not of critical importance and you wish to express flexibility or a willingness to accommodate others’ preferences.
This phrase can especially come in handy during interactions with peers, colleagues, or even in some client communications, depending on the nature of the relationship and context. It’s most appropriate in emails, internal messaging systems, or during in-person or virtual meetings.
Here is an example:
Dear Alex,
Thank you for offering the dates for our next project meeting. I checked my schedule, and either way is fine with me. Please choose the date that works best for the rest of the team.
Looking forward to our discussion.
Best regards,
Sam
Pros:
- Shows flexibility.
- Conveys a willingness to collaborate.
- Promotes a positive, accommodating workspace culture.
Cons:
- May be perceived as indecisive in situations where a clear preference is needed.
- Can seem too casual for very formal or traditional business environments.
While “either way is fine” is a useful phrase, seeking a synonym or a different phrase can be helpful when you desire to sound more decisive, when the context requires a more formal tone, or when you want to express your neutrality without seeming uninterested.
10 Other Ways to Say “Either Way Is Fine”
Finding the right way to show flexibility in a professional setting is important. Here are 10 professional alternatives to “Either Way Is Fine” that strike the perfect balance of being polite and not too formal.
- I’m okay with both options.
- Both options work for me.
- I’m flexible; whatever works for others.
- Whichever you prefer, I’m onboard.
- Any option is acceptable to me.
- I’ll let you decide, I’m easy.
- Feel free to choose what’s best, I’m all in.
- Both are equally good for me.
- I have no strong preference.
- Either option suits me.
1. I’m okay with both options.
This alternative to “Either way is fine” is similarly polite and shows a level of flexibility that’s appreciated in most professional environments. It’s slightly more informal but still very professional, making it a good fit for workplace emails, team meetings, or discussions where decisions are being made collaboratively.
This phrase is particularly well-suited for communications with colleagues or in situations where you want to give the other party the freedom to choose without expressing a strong personal preference. It’s a great choice for emails, instant messages, or in-person discussions.
Example:
Dear Mark, Thanks for laying out the options for the project timelines. I'm okay with both options, so let's align with what the team thinks is best. Warm regards, Elena
2. Both options work for me.
Using “Both options work for me” is another professional, yet slightly informal way to convey your flexibility. It directly communicates that you have no preference between the options provided and that you’re willing to go with the flow. This phrase is excellent for maintaining a polite yet approachable tone in your communication.
It’s ideal for emails to colleagues or superiors where decisions need to be made, but the outcome doesn’t significantly impact your work. It maintains the collaborative spirit and is best used in professional emails or meetings.
Example:
Hello Team, Regarding the upcoming event dates, both options work for me. Please let me know which date we are settling on. Best, Sara
3. I’m flexible; whatever works for others.
This phrase takes politeness and flexibility a step further by explicitly stating your willingness to adapt to others’ preferences. It’s informal but still professional and polite, making it perfect for use in a collaborative team environment where you want to emphasize team consensus over personal preference.
This variation is best used in team emails or discussions, especially in situations where group harmony and collaboration are prioritized. It’s ideal for internal communications, less formal client interactions, or team meetings.
Example:
Hi Team, Considering the scheduling options for our weekly check-in, I'm flexible; whatever works for others is fine by me. Cheers, Jordan
4. Whichever you prefer, I’m onboard.
This alternative is as professional and polite as “Either way is fine” but adds a layer of support by indicating you’re onboard with the decision, whatever it may be. It is perfect for when you’re delegating decision-making but want to show your agreement and support actively.
This phrase is great in emails or messages to superiors or colleagues when you wish to defer to their judgment without coming across as indifferent. It shows respect for the other person’s opinion and is suitable for both formal and informal communication channels.
Example:
Dear Lisa, Regarding the proposed changes to the marketing plan, whichever you prefer, I'm onboard. Just let me know how to proceed. Kind regards, Tom
5. Any option is acceptable to me.
This phrase is a bit more formal compared to “Either way is fine”, making it a strong professional alternative. It’s perfectly polite and conveys flexibility while slightly emphasizing your deference to the decision-making process of others.
It’s particularly suitable for formal emails, especially when communicating with clients or senior management. The phrase effectively balances respect and adaptability, ensuring the recipient knows your priority is the overall decision rather than personal preference.
Example:
Dear Project Team, After reviewing the timelines presented, any option is acceptable to me. Please finalize according to what best aligns with our project goals. Thank you, Diana
6. I’ll let you decide, I’m easy.
While maintaining a professional demeanor, this phrase also adds a personal touch by using the word “easy”, suggesting not only your flexibility but your confidence in the other person’s judgment. It’s slightly more informal and very polite, creating a friendly atmosphere in your communications.
This phrase is fantastic for one-on-one emails or messages, especially with colleagues you have a good working relationship with. It’s fitting for more relaxed professional settings or when discussing choices that have a minor impact on you personally.
Example:
Hey Jamie, Concerning the location for our next team outing, I'll let you decide, I'm easy. Excited to see what you choose! Best wishes, Alex
7. Feel free to choose what’s best, I’m all in.
This alternative expresses a high degree of trust in the recipient’s decision-making ability while also showing your unwavering support. It’s both informal and professional, suitable for a workspace environment that values autonomy and individual decision-making.
This choice fits well in corporate emails to team members or collaborators, particularly in creative projects or when the choice directly impacts the other person more than it does you. It’s ideal for instilling confidence in your team or colleagues.
Example:
Hi Carla, For the graphic design options, feel free to choose what's best, I'm all in. Your expert opinion is what matters here. Regards, Kevin
8. Both are equally good for me.
This phrase is a straightforward, professional, and polite way to express your indifference without appearing uninterested. It’s a bit more formal but maintains the essence of flexibility and willingness to adapt to others’ decisions.
Use this in emails or communications where you want to reassure the recipient that you trust their judgment and are happy to proceed with any of the given options. It’s perfect for professional settings where decisions need to be agreed upon by multiple parties.
Example:
Dear Committee Members, Regarding the venue options for the annual conference, both are equally good for me. I trust your judgment in selecting the most suitable one. Kindly, Rita
9. I have no strong preference.
This phrase is slightly more formal and very professional, serving as a polite way to indicate that you’re open to any outcome. It’s useful in discussions where you want to emphasize your openness and willingness to support the group’s decision.
It’s great for communications with both superiors and colleagues in a more formal context, such as written reports, formal email exchanges, or during important meetings where delicate decisions are being made.
Example:
Dear Board Members, As we discuss the potential relocation options, I'd like to note that I have no strong preference and will support any decision made. Sincerely, George
10. Either option suits me.
This one rounds off our list by being both straightforward and professional, with a tone that’s incredibly polite and adaptable. It conveys your flexibility in a clear, concise manner, making it perfect for most professional conversations.
This phrase is ideal for email communications with colleagues or management, especially when the decision isn’t crucial to your role or when you genuinely have no preference. It ensures the conversation remains focused on decision-making rather than personal preferences.
Example:
Hello Team, When deciding between the two campaign strategies, either option suits me. I look forward to moving ahead with the team's consensus. Regards, Nina
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right words to express flexibility while still appearing engaged is key in a professional environment. The 10 alternatives to “Either way is fine” provided here allow for clear, polite, and adaptable communication. Each option offers a different level of formality and can fit a variety of business situations. Making the right choice can help foster a collaborative atmosphere, showing respect for others’ decisions and demonstrating your willingness to work together.