When communicating, especially in professional settings, expressing yourself with warmth, respect, and clarity is essential. Phrases like “at your convenience” can soften requests and show consideration, but there are many other ways to convey the same message.
Whether you’re trying to sound more casual, formal, or urgent, the alternatives listed below will help you find the perfect phrase for any situation.
What Does “At Your Convenience” Mean?
“At your convenience” is a polite way of saying, “whenever it works best for you,” or “when you have the time.” It’s often used in requests where there is no urgency, giving the recipient flexibility in how and when they respond. It is a courteous way to show respect for someone’s schedule and time.
When to Use “At Your Convenience”
This phrase is most often used when you don’t want to impose a strict deadline on someone. It’s great for making requests that can be done at any time, like asking for feedback or requesting an action that doesn’t need to be performed immediately. It’s appropriate in formal, professional, and sometimes casual contexts.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “At Your Convenience”?
Yes, “at your convenience” is both polite and professional. It communicates respect for the other person’s time. However, in some cases, it might sound overly passive or vague, especially if urgency is involved. For time-sensitive situations, a more direct phrase may be more effective.
Pros and Cons of “At Your Convenience”
Pros:
- Shows respect for the other person’s time.
- Keeps requests flexible.
- Can soften a request that might seem demanding.
Cons:
- Can seem too passive or vague for urgent matters.
- Might sound less proactive in fast-paced environments.
At Your Convenience Synonyms:
- “When You Have a Moment”
- “Whenever You’re Free”
- “At Your Leisure”
- “When It’s Convenient for You”
- “Whenever You Get the Chance”
- At Your Discretion”
- “Whenever You Have a Free Moment”
- “When You Have Time”
- “At Your Earliest Convenience”
- “As Soon as You’re Able”
- “When It Works for You”
- “At a Time That’s Convenient for You”
- “Whenever You’re Available”
- “At a Time of Your Choosing”
- “Whenever You Find the Time”
- “At a Time That Works for You”
- “Whenever It’s Most Convenient”
- “When You Have a Spare Moment”
- “When You Have the Opportunity”
- “At Your Earliest Convenience”
- “When You Get a Chance”
- “When It’s Most Suitable for You”
- “As and When You Have Time”
- “When You Feel It’s Appropriate”
- “Whenever You’re Ready”
- “At a Time That’s Best for You”
- “Whenever It’s Feasible”
- “When You Have a Window of Time”
- “When You Have a Window of Time”
- “Whenever You Can Spare a Moment”
- “When You Have the Time”
- “When It’s Most Convenient for You”
- “When You’re Able to”
- “At Your Discretion”
- “At a Time That Works Best for You”
“When You Have a Moment”
Meaning:
A polite way of asking someone to do something when they have the time, without pressure.
Explanation:
This phrase implies that the task can wait until the other person is free.
Example:
“Could you review this report when you have a moment?”
Best Use:
For non-urgent requests, especially in informal settings.
Worst Use:
When immediate action is required.
Tone:
Casual, polite.
“Whenever You’re Free”
Meaning:
A request that allows the person to choose when to act based on their schedule.
Explanation:
This expression is similar to “at your convenience,” emphasizing flexibility.
Example:
“Please send me the file whenever you’re free.”
Best Use:
In casual or semi-formal communication where flexibility is important.
Worst Use:
When the request is urgent.
Tone:
Casual, flexible.
“At Your Leisure”
Meaning:
This is another polite way to ask someone to do something when it suits them.
Explanation:
It suggests that the recipient can take their time and do the task at their convenience.
Example:
“Please review the proposal at your leisure.”
Best Use:
In a relaxed or professional setting where timing is flexible.
Worst Use:
In urgent or pressing matters.
Tone: Polite, relaxed.
“When It’s Convenient for You”
Meaning:
A direct but polite way to say that the action can be taken when it suits the other person.
Explanation:
This phrase is more straightforward but still conveys respect for the recipient’s time.
Example:
“Please send the details when it’s convenient for you.”
Best Use:
In formal or semi-formal communication.
Worst Use:
When an immediate response is necessary.
Tone:
Professional, polite.
“Whenever You Get the Chance”
Meaning:
A casual way to say that someone can act when they have a moment to spare.
Explanation:
This phrase is informal and suggests no urgency.
Example:
“Could you update me whenever you get the chance?”
Best Use:
When requesting something that is not time-sensitive.
Worst Use:
For urgent matters that require immediate attention.
Tone:
Casual, informal.
“At Your Discretion”
Meaning:
This is a more formal way of saying that the recipient can choose when to act.
Explanation:
This expression conveys respect for the other person’s judgment or timing.
Example:
“You can forward the document at your discretion.”
Best Use:
In formal or professional communications where you trust the recipient’s judgment.
Worst Use:
In situations where the timing is crucial.
Tone:
Formal, respectful.
“Whenever You Have a Free Moment”
Meaning:
A casual but polite request that indicates flexibility.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests the action can be done at a moment when the person is not busy.
Example:
“Could you please call me whenever you have a free moment?”
Best Use:
When you need a response, the timing can be flexible.
Worst Use:
In urgent matters or time-sensitive requests.
Tone:
Casual, polite.
“When You Have Time”
Meaning:
A direct and simple request that can be done when the person is free.
Explanation:
It is a straightforward and flexible way to ask for something without imposing a strict timeline.
Example:
“Please review this when you have time.”
Best Use:
For non-urgent requests in both formal and informal communication.
Worst Use:
When there’s a need for prompt action.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
“At Your Earliest Convenience”
Meaning:
A more polite version of “when you have time,” but with a slight suggestion of urgency.
Explanation:
This phrase still respects the recipient’s schedule but implies that the task should be done soon, though not immediately.
Example:
“Could you respond to the email at your earliest convenience?”
Best Use:
When you want to show respect for someone’s time but need a reply within a reasonable timeframe.
Worst Use:
For urgent requests.
Tone:
Polite, respectful.
“As Soon as You’re Able”
Meaning:
A polite way of requesting something with a slight sense of urgency.
Explanation:
This suggests flexibility while also indicating that the action should be taken when the person can do so.
Example:
“Please send me the updated files as soon as you’re able.”
Best Use:
When you need something soon understand the recipient may be busy.
Worst Use:
For extremely time-sensitive requests.
Tone:
Professional, polite.
. “When It Works for You”
Meaning:
A flexible way to say that the timing of the task can be adjusted to the other person’s schedule.
Explanation:
This phrase indicates respect for the person’s schedule, allowing them to act when it’s easiest for them.
Example:
“Let me know when it works for you to discuss the project.”
Best Use:
In professional settings or informal contexts where timing isn’t an issue.
Worst Use:
For urgent matters that need immediate attention.
Tone:
Flexible, polite.
“At a Time That’s Convenient for You”
Meaning:
A polite and respectful request to take action when the person has the time.
Explanation:
It conveys flexibility while still respecting the recipient’s time constraints.
Example:
“Please get back to me at a time that’s convenient for you.”
Best Use:
In formal or professional communication where timing flexibility is necessary.
Worst Use:
When urgency is required.
Tone:
Professional, polite.
“Whenever You’re Available”
Meaning:
A straightforward and polite way to ask for something when the other person is available.
Explanation:
It’s an effective phrase to use when you want to be respectful but also acknowledge the other person’s schedule.
Example:
“Can we talk whenever you’re available?”
Best Use:
When scheduling a meeting or requesting something without urgency.
Worst Use:
When the task is urgent.
Tone:
Polite, respectful.
“At a Time of Your Choosing”
Meaning:
A formal way of requesting that someone take action at a time they prefer.
Explanation:
This phrasing puts the decision entirely in the hands of the recipient, making it a respectful and flexible request.
Example:
“Please let me know your thoughts at a time of your choosing.”
Best Use:
In formal or professional settings when flexibility is important.
Worst Use:
When immediate action is needed.
Tone:
Formal, respectful.
“Whenever You Find the Time”
Meaning:
A respectful way to suggest that the person can act when they can manage to do so.
Explanation:
This phrase conveys the understanding that the person might be busy, so there’s no rush.
Example:
“Could you let me know your thoughts whenever you find the time?”
Best Use:
For non-urgent requests where timing is flexible.
Worst Use:
When you need an immediate response.
Tone:
Polite, considerate.
“At a Time That Works for You”
Meaning:
A polite way to indicate that the other person can choose the timing that suits them best.
Explanation:
This is a flexible and considerate request that puts the responsibility for timing in the hands of the recipient.
Example:
“Feel free to respond at a time that works for you.”
Best Use:
When requesting a professional or casual setting without urgency.
Worst Use:
For requests that need immediate attention or a specific deadline.
Tone:
Polite, flexible.
“Whenever It’s Most Convenient”
Meaning:
Another way to ask for something without pressuring the recipient implies they can choose when they want to act.
Explanation:
This phrase shows that timing is entirely up to the recipient, with no urgency attached.
Example:
“Let me know your availability whenever it’s most convenient for you.”
Best Use:
When you’re in no rush for the task to be completed.
Worst Use:
For tasks that need to be done in a short time frame.
Tone:
Respectful, polite.
“When You Have a Spare Moment”
Meaning:
A casual way to express that the recipient can respond when they have some free time.
Explanation:
This suggests that the task can wait until the recipient is no longer busy.
Example:
“Please review the document when you have a spare moment.”
Best Use:
In informal or semi-formal settings, where the task is not urgent.
Worst Use:
In time-sensitive situations where the task must be completed quickly.
Tone:
Casual, respectful.
“When You Have the Opportunity”
Meaning:
A way to indicate that the task can be done whenever the recipient finds the time to do it.
Explanation:
This phrase highlights that there is no rush and that the person can act whenever they have a chance.
Example:
“Please let me know your thoughts when you have the opportunity.”
Best Use:
When there is no immediate need for action.
Worst Use:
In situations requiring prompt attention.
Tone:
Polite, considerate.
“At Your Earliest Convenience”
Meaning:
A slightly more urgent version of “at your convenience,” suggests that while there’s no rush, a quicker response would be appreciated.
Explanation:
This adds a layer of politeness while still encouraging prompt action.
Example:
“Could you provide the update at your earliest convenience?”
Best Use:
When you need a response soon but without pushing for an immediate reply.
Worst Use:
For highly urgent requests that need immediate action.
Tone:
Professional, polite.
“When You Get a Chance”
Meaning:
A casual, polite way of saying that the recipient can act when they have the time.
Explanation:
This phrase implies no urgency but still asks for the task to be done when the person has a free moment.
Example:
“Let me know when you get a chance to go over the draft.”
Best Use:
In informal communication where timing is flexible.
Worst Use:
For time-sensitive requests.
Tone:
Casual, polite.
“When It’s Most Suitable for You”
Meaning:
A slightly more formal way to ask for action when it fits best into the recipient’s schedule.
Explanation:
This phrase is more polished and is suitable for professional or formal settings.
Example:
“Please reply to this email when it’s most suitable for you.”
Best Use:
In professional contexts where you want to sound polite but still flexible.
Worst Use:
For casual requests or when urgent action is needed.
Tone:
Formal, respectful.
“As and When You Have Time”
Meaning:
A phrase that suggests flexibility and the understanding that the person can act whenever they are free.
Explanation:
This indicates no rush but also conveys a certain level of patience.
Example:
“Please review this as and when you have time.”
Best Use:
For non-urgent requests, especially in a professional environment.
Worst Use:
For urgent matters.
Tone:
Polite, respectful.
“When You Feel It’s Appropriate”
Meaning:
A more formal request indicating that the recipient can take action when they believe it’s the right time.
Explanation:
This phrase gives the person the flexibility to decide the timing based on their judgment.
Example:
“You can forward this message when you feel it’s appropriate.”
Best Use:
In formal, professional, or sensitive situations where timing depends on the recipient’s discretion.
Worst Use:
For casual, time-sensitive requests.
Tone:
Formal, respectful.
“Whenever You’re Ready”
Meaning:
A polite way to say that someone can act when they are prepared or have the time.
Explanation:
This phrase conveys that there’s no rush, allowing the recipient to choose when they are ready to proceed.
Example:
“Let me know whenever you’re ready to discuss the details.”
Best Use:
In informal or professional contexts when flexibility is important.
Worst Use:
For urgent matters or when a deadline is involved.
Tone:
Casual, flexible.
“At a Time That’s Best for You”
Meaning:
A respectful way of asking for action to be taken when it suits the recipient.
Explanation:
This gives the person the power to choose when to complete the task, showing flexibility.
Example:
“Please get back to me at a time that’s best for you.”
Best Use:
When there’s no time constraint, and you want to show respect for someone’s schedule.
Worst Use:
In situations where time is of the essence.
Tone:
Polite, respectful.
“Whenever It’s Feasible”
Meaning:
A formal and respectful way to suggest that the recipient can act when it’s practical for them.
Explanation:
This phrase indicates that the action can be delayed until it fits into the person’s schedule.
Example:
“Kindly send me the files whenever it’s feasible for you.”
Best Use:
In formal communication, particularly when requesting something non-urgent.
Worst Use:
For tasks that require immediate action.
Tone:
Formal, respectful.
“When You Have a Window of Time”
Meaning:
A polite way of asking someone to act when they have a small window of availability.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests flexibility but also acknowledges that the person’s time is valuable.
Example:
“Please send the updates when you have a window of time.”
Best Use:
For tasks that are not urgent but require action when the person has a brief moment to spare.
Worst Use:
For highly urgent or time-sensitive tasks.
Tone:
Polite, considerate.
“When You Have a Window of Time”
Meaning:
A more formal request to act at the recipient’s convenience.
Explanation:
This phrase implies respect for the person’s time while still making the request.
Example:
“Please let me know when you find it convenient to meet.”
Best Use:
In formal business communication.
Worst Use:
For urgent requests or time-sensitive situations.
Tone:
Formal, respectful.
“Whenever You Can Spare a Moment”
Meaning:
A casual, friendly request asking someone to take action when they have the time.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests flexibility while remaining considerate of the recipient’s schedule.
Example:
“Could you look over this document whenever you can spare a moment?”
Best Use:
In informal situations or when the task isn’t urgent.
Worst Use:
When immediate action is required.
Tone:
Casual, polite.
“When You Have the Time”
Meaning:
A flexible way to ask for action to be taken when the recipient has the available time.
Explanation:
This phrase conveys no rush, suggesting that the task can be done when the person is free.
Example:
“Please let me know when you have the time to discuss this further.”
Best Use:
When there’s no urgent timeline, the task can be postponed.
Worst Use:
When you need something completed quickly.
Tone:
Casual, polite.
“When It’s Most Convenient for You”
Meaning:
A polite and flexible request to act when the recipient finds it easiest to do so.
Explanation:
This phrase conveys respect for the recipient’s schedule and time.
Example:
“Please send the revised version when it’s most convenient for you.”
Best Use:
In situations where flexibility is appreciated, such as professional emails.
Worst Use:
For urgent requests that require a quicker response.
Tone:
Polite, respectful.
“When You’re Able to”
Meaning:
A casual, considerate phrase indicating that the recipient can act when they are in a position to do so.
Explanation:
This is a flexible and non-pressuring way to make a request.
Example:
“Feel free to send me the report when you’re able to.”
Best Use:
For requests that aren’t urgent but require action at the person’s convenience.
Worst Use:
In situations where the task is time-sensitive or must be completed soon.
Tone:
Casual, respectful.
“At Your Discretion”
Meaning:
A formal phrase gives the recipient complete freedom to choose when they respond or act.
Explanation:
This conveys full respect for the recipient’s judgment and timing.
Example:
“Please respond at your discretion when you have a chance.”
Best Use:
In formal professional settings where you want to leave the decision entirely to the recipient.
Worst Use:
When you need the task to be done immediately or in a specific time frame.
Tone:
Formal, respectful.
“At a Time That Works Best for You”
Meaning:
A respectful way of requesting that someone take action when it suits them.
Explanation:
This phrase shows that the task can be done according to the other person’s schedule.
Example:
“Let me know your thoughts at a time that works best for you.”
Best Use:
When you want to remain polite and flexible in both professional and casual settings.
Worst Use:
In cases where prompt action is needed.
Tone:
Polite, flexible.
Conclusion
By using the right phrases in the right contexts, you not only convey your requests effectively but also show respect for the other person’s time. Choose your words carefully, and your communication will come across as considerate and professional.
As you can see, there are many thoughtful and polite ways to express “at your convenience” while still being clear about your needs. Whether you prefer casual, formal, or slightly more urgent phrasing, the options listed above give you flexibility in tone and timing.
