10 Synonyms for “Please” in an Email

Writing professional emails often involves asking for things in a polite way. Saying “please” is common, but sometimes we need other ways to express our requests to keep our messages fresh and respectful.

This article lists 10 alternatives to “please” that you can use in your emails. Each one will help you communicate your needs effectively while maintaining a professional tone.

10 Other Ways to Say “Please” in an Email

Here are 10 common alternatives to “please” that you can use in a professional email environment to maintain politeness without being overly formal.

1. Could you

This alternative is simpler and more direct than “please” but still polite. It makes the email sound friendly and approachable, without being too casual.

This phrase is particularly well-suited for emails to colleagues or people you have an ongoing professional relationship with. It’s best used when making a request that is not too burdensome for the recipient. The tone is informal yet professional.

Example:

Dear Emily,

Could you send me the report by tomorrow?

Thanks,
Mark

2. I would appreciate it if you could

This synonym adds a level of formality and emphasizes your gratitude in advance. It’s more formal than “please” but still maintains a polite tone.

It fits best in situations where the request might require a significant effort on the part of the recipient, making it suitable for formal professional emails. This phrase conveys respect and consideration, making it ideal for communicating with senior staff or external partners.

Example:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I would appreciate it if you could review the attached document at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,
Lisa

3. Would you mind

“Would you mind” turns the request into a question, making it sound more polite and less demanding. It gently asks for a favor.

This alternative is perfect for more personal requests or when you are soliciting a favor that goes slightly beyond the usual professional duties. It is informal but polite, appropriate for messages to colleagues or managers with whom you have a good relationship.

Example:

Hi Tom,

Would you mind double-checking the figures in the last column?

Thanks,
Jenna

4. It would be great if you could

This phrase suggests rather than demands, creating a softer approach to asking for something. It’s courteous and implies that the action requested would be beneficial.

Useful for professional environments where you want to sound hopeful without imposing. This phrase works well for emails to team members or inter-departmental requests, embodying a polite yet informal aspect.

Example:

Hello Alex,

It would be great if you could share your feedback on the presentation.

Many thanks,
Sara

5. Kindly

“Kindly” is a succinct way to soften a directive, making it sound more like a polite request than an order. It’s traditional but effective.

This word is versatile and fits well in both formal and informal emails. It is favored in professional contexts, particularly when addressing clients, senior management, or someone you have not communicated with previously.

Example:

Dear Vendor,

Kindly confirm your attendance at the meeting scheduled for next week.

Regards,
Philip

6. Would it be possible

This question format is even more tentative, suggesting a high level of politeness and consideration for the recipient’s ability or willingness to comply.

Suitable for formal correspondence or when making requests that may be inconvenient to the recipient. It shows a high degree of respect, making it appropriate for professional messages to superiors or external partners.

Example:

Dear Committee Members,

Would it be possible to postpone our meeting to the following week?

Thank you,
Nina

7. I’d be grateful if you could

This phrase expresses gratitude and willingness to appreciate the effort of the recipient. It’s considerate and emphasizes the favor being asked.

It’s most suited for occasions where you’re asking for something that requires extra effort or a quick turnaround. This phrase is formal and professional, ideal for communications with those not in your immediate work circle or in more traditional sectors.

Example:

Hello Dr. Lawson,

I'd be grateful if you could provide your input on this research question.

Best,
Oliver

8. Can you

A straightforward and direct request. It removes the softness of “please” but can still be seen as polite in the right context.

This alternative is best for internal communication with peers or subordinates where there is already an established level of comfort and informality. The tone is informal but assumes a level of familiarity and is typically professional.

Example:

Hey Jordan,

Can you check on the status of the shipment?

Thanks,
Ava

9. You’re invited to

More of an invitation than a request, this phrase extends an opportunity rather than asking for a favor. It’s welcoming and polite.

This is particularly effective for emails aimed at encouraging participation or attendance. It’s suitable in both informal and formal contexts, depending on the event or action being promoted. Great for professional messages that intend to engage colleagues or stakeholders in seminars, webinars, or meetings.

Example:

Dear Team,

You're invited to join the brainstorming session on Thursday.

Best,
Hannah

10. If you could, please

This phrase reverses the standard “please” placement, adding emphasis to the request. It’s a polite way to ask for something, highlighting the favor being asked.

When emphasizing the importance of the request or when you’re seeking cooperation in a gentle manner, this format works well. It is suited for professional correspondence with both peers and higher-ups, blending formality with a polite request.

Example:

Dear Finance Department,

If you could, please expedite the processing of invoice #456.

Thank you,
Megan

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words in an email can make a big difference in how your message is received. The various synonyms for “please” we’ve discussed offer flexibility to fit different contexts and relationships. Whether you’re writing to a colleague, a superior, or a potential client, using these alternatives can help your emails sound more polite and professional.