10 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting”
Delays can happen for many reasons. When they do, it’s important to communicate effectively and politely. Saying “sorry to keep you waiting” is a common way to apologize, but sometimes you might want to say it differently.
This article provides ten alternative phrases you can use to apologize for a delay, making your communication varied and respectful.
Is It Professional to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting”?
Using the phrase “sorry to keep you waiting” is considered to be professional, formal or informal depending on the context, and it is always polite. It is suitable for use in a variety of professional settings, from customer service interactions to workplace emails, acknowledging that someone’s time is valuable and showing respect for that.
This phrase is most appropriate when you are directly interacting with clients, colleagues, or superiors and there has been an unexpected delay. It can be used in both verbal conversations and written communications like emails or messages.
Email example:
Greetings,
Sorry to keep you waiting. I've now reviewed your proposal and have some thoughts on how we might proceed.
Looking forward to discussing this further.
Best regards,
Alex
Pros and cons of this phrase can be considered as follows:
Pros:
- Shows mindfulness of others’ time.
- Builds goodwill by acknowledging a delay.
- Can soften the frustration caused by the wait.
Cons:
- May be seen as weak or overly apologetic in some cultures or contexts.
- Could be overused, making it seem less sincere.
Someone might want to use an alternative phrase if they feel “sorry to keep you waiting” doesn’t fit the tone of the message they wish to convey, or if they are seeking synonyms to diversify their language.
10 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting”
Looking for a more varied vocabulary to apologize for a delay? Here are ten common alternatives that convey the same courteous message in a workplace environment:
- Thank you for your patience.
- Apologies for the delay.
- Thanks for waiting.
- Sorry for the hold-up.
- I appreciate your understanding.
- Sorry to have kept you holding.
- Thank you for holding on.
- My apologies for the wait.
- Sorry for the inconvenience.
- Appreciate your time and patience.
1. Thank you for your patience.
This alternative is polite and conveys gratitude, making it a great synonym for the original phrase. It puts a positive spin on the situation by thanking someone instead of just apologizing. This makes it ideal for professional and customer service-oriented messages.
We recommend using this phrase when you want to acknowledge the wait someone has had to endure, but without directly highlighting any fault or error on your part. It’s very adaptable for use in emails to clients, in formal or informal settings, depending on the tone of the rest of your message.
Example:
Greetings, Thank you for reaching out. Thank you for your patience while we resolved the issue. Best, Samantha
2. Apologies for the delay.
This phrase is straightforward and sincerely communicates regret for any inconvenience caused. It’s professional enough for most workplace emails and maintains a level of formality without being overly stiff.
Use it in professional communications when you need to be direct about a delay, especially in emails to colleagues or clients. It’s suitable for situations where an apology is needed, and you want to acknowledge the wait directly.
Example:
Hello, I wanted to update you on your inquiry. Apologies for the delay in getting this information to you. Regards, Mike
3. Thanks for waiting.
This alternative is less formal but still very polite. It’s a casual way to express gratitude for someone’s patience. This makes it a good choice for less formal emails or when communicating with colleagues you know well.
We recommend this phrase for informal emails or messages within your team, especially when the delay has not been very long. It acknowledges the waiting period without making the situation seem too serious.
Here’s an example:
Hey there, Just got back to my desk. Thanks for waiting. Cheers, Jordan
4. Sorry for the hold-up.
This phrase strikes a balance between apologetic and casual, making it a versatile alternative. It’s appropriate for professional settings where a friendly tone is acceptable. This synonym is especially useful because it acknowledges the inconvenience directly.
This alternative is better suited to messages or emails within a team or to a colleague. It implies familiarity and is best used when you know the recipient well enough to adopt a slightly more relaxed tone.
Email sample:
Hi Team, We're still reviewing the figures. Sorry for the hold-up. Best, Liam
5. I appreciate your understanding.
This phrase emphasizes appreciation and is polite and professional. It implies that you are thankful for the recipient’s patience and flexibility, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications.
This phrase works well when you anticipate that the wait might cause frustration and want to preemptively thank the recipient for their patience. It’s particularly effective for communication with clients or senior management.
Example:
Hello, The project plan is being finalized. I appreciate your understanding as we ensure everything is perfect. Thank you, Andrea
6. Sorry to have kept you holding.
This variation directly acknowledges the act of making someone wait, offering a polite apology. It’s a good alternative for formal situations, carrying a tone of responsibility and respect for the recipient’s time.
It is especially useful in customer service situations or when communicating with clients about delays in deliverables. It shows that you are aware of and regret the inconvenience caused.
Here’s an example:
Dear Client, Sorry to have kept you holding on for the meeting link. Here it is [Link]. Regards, Emily
7. Thank you for holding on.
This phrase is both polite and encouraging, suggesting that the recipient’s patience is valued highly. It expresses gratitude in a way that reinforces the importance of the recipient’s time and loyalty.
It’s most suitable for situations where you expect the recipient to continue waiting or when a delay has been notably long. Ideal for customer service emails or when addressing delays with stakeholders.
Example:
Hello, We’re almost there. Thank you for holding on – your support is much appreciated. Kindly, Oliver
8. My apologies for the wait.
This statement is straightforward and expresses regret, making it suitable for formal apologies. It’s a professional alternative that directly addresses the situation with sincerity.
This alternative is better used in communications where you need to formally acknowledge a significant inconvenience or error on your part. It’s appropriate for emails to clients, management, or external partners.
Email sample:
Dear Partner, We have encountered some unforeseen challenges with the project. My apologies for the wait as we work to resolve them. Sincerely, Thomas
9. Sorry for the inconvenience.
This phrase is a polite, all-encompassing apology that acknowledges any trouble caused by the delay. It’s professional and creates room for empathy and understanding that the recipient’s experience may have been negatively impacted.
It is versatile and can be used in a wide range of scenarios, from emails to clients about delays in service to messages to colleagues apologizing for any disruptions. It communicates a thorough recognition of the impact of the wait.
Here’s an example:
Good morning, The documents you requested are taking longer to prepare than we anticipated. Sorry for the inconvenience. With respect, Hannah
10. Appreciate your time and patience.
This expression is both professional and polite, directly thanking the person for their patience and acknowledging their time as valuable. It puts a positive spin on the apology by emphasizing gratitude.
It’s particularly effective for follow-up emails or communications after a resolution has been reached, whether the situation was minor or more serious. This phrase is suitable for use with clients, colleagues, or senior management to demonstrate appreciation for their understanding.
Example:
Dear All, We are pleased to announce the issue has been resolved. Appreciate your time and patience throughout this process. Warm regards, Derek
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right way to apologize for a delay shows respect for someone else’s time and maintains a professional relationship. The ten alternatives provided offer a range of options to suit different situations and communication styles. By using these phrases, you can keep your language fresh and sincere.
