It’s not surprising that “I would be happy to” is one of the best ways to start an email politely. It shows positive intentions, and it would help to learn more about it.
However, is it the only formal phrase that’s applicable in positive situations?
This article will explore some alternatives to “I would be happy to” to keep things interesting.
Is It Formal to Say “I Would Be Happy To”?
It is formal to say “I would be happy to.” It works really well in most cases to show that you’re excited or enthusiastic about doing something.
It’s a very professional phrase, but it also works well conversationally. So, you can’t really go wrong with it if you’re looking for something that works in every situation.
This example will also help you understand it:
I would be happy to meet with you on Friday. Thank you so much for reaching out.
Pros
- It’s very versatile, so it applies to any written situation.
- It works well in formal emails.
Cons
- It’s overused.
- Sometimes, there are more appropriate professional phrases (i.e., if you’ve never met the recipient).
“I would be happy to” is a great phrase to use professionally. Although, it’s always wise to have a few options ready to help you mix things up.
Keep reading to find out how to say “I would be happy to” professionally. You can also review the examples provided to learn more.
What to Say Instead of “I Would Be Happy To”
- I would like to
- I would appreciate the chance to
- I will happily
- I can
- I will
- I want to
- I’d love to
- It would be my pleasure to
- I’d be happy to
- I’d very much like to
1. I Would Like To
One of the best replacements for “I would be happy to” in formal instances is “I would like to.” It works well to start a sentence that shows positive intentions.
For instance, you can write “I would like to” when arranging a meeting with a client. It’s a great way to remain positive about the meeting plans and show that you’re keen to see them.
Phrases like “I would like to” always show that you value the recipient. They’re great to include in formal emails because it makes the recipient feel appreciated, which sets up good working practices for your company emails.
Also, review the following example:
Dear Kyleigh,
I would like to meet with you on Monday to discuss this further. Do you have any plans that would prevent that?
All the best,
Stacey Style
2. I Would Appreciate the Chance To
If you’re looking for a more professional feel than “I would be happy to,” you can try “I would appreciate the chance to.”
It works really well in most cases as it shows you’re willing to do something with someone.
Generally, this works best when emailing a superior. So, you can use it when messaging your boss and showing that you’re happy for them to let you do something.
Here’s a sample email to show you how to use it:
Dear Mr. Harris,
I would appreciate the chance to attend this event with one of my coworkers. Is this possible to arrange?
Kind regards,
Dan Evans
3. I Will Happily
Using “happily” as a modifier in emails often gives off a more conversational tone. That’s why “I will happily” is a good choice when emailing coworkers in a more friendly situation.
Of course, this phrase still works well in formal emails. However, you’re better off using it when you know the recipient well and can get away with slightly more informal language choices.
You shouldn’t use something like this when emailing your boss (unless you’re close to your boss). You should reserve it for more informal situations like with coworkers or customers.
Check out this example as well:
Dear Hughie,
I will happily contribute to your cause. It seems like you are fighting for a good reason here, and I hope you come out on top.
All the best,
Hayden Hazard
4. I Can
It might look quite simple at first glance, but “I can” is a great replacement for “I would be happy to.”
We highly recommend it to sound confident and direct about a task that you’re willing to take part in.
It works well at the start of an email to get your point across immediately.
Try using it when emailing coworkers you’re willing to help. It shows that you owe them a lot and want to return a favor to them.
Here’s a great email sample if you’re still unsure:
Dear Greta,
I can help you because you’ve done so much for me in the past. Let me know what you need me to do.
All the best,
Chris Stansfield
5. I Will
Another simple yet confident alternative to “I would be happy to” is “I will.” It shows that you will absolutely help someone or complete a task for someone when they ask you to do so.
It’s a great way to show that you did not hesitate about your decision. “I will” is very confident and implies that you have no issues with stepping up to lend a hand.
We also recommend reviewing this example:
Dear Mr. Stevenson,
I will assist you however you need me to. I’m certain that we can work through this together to find a solution.
Best regards,
John Mitchell
6. I Want To
“I would be happy to” generally implies helpfulness and enthusiasm to help someone. Luckily, “I want to” offers the same tone when used as a synonym.
We recommend using “I want to” when emailing a client. It shows your intentions and lets them know what you expect to happen (or want to happen) next.
You should try using it when creating a more friendly conversation between yourself and the client. After all, if you want them to stick with your company, being friendly will undoubtedly help.
Here’s an email example to show you how it works:
Dear Mr. Smith,
I want to hear from you as soon as possible regarding these changes. I hope it doesn’t create any problems between us.
Yours,
Kyle Storm
7. I’d Love To
Perhaps you’d prefer to go for a particularly enthusiastic phrase. Instead of “I would be happy to,” you can write “I’d love to.”
Using “love” is a powerful way to show someone how keen you are to complete a task for them.
It’s a great phrase to include when emailing customers. After all, “love” works best in more conversational settings and shows that you value your customers and would like to do something to help them.
This email example will also help you with it:
Dear Margaret,
I’d love to have a call with you over the weekend to discuss what to do next week. These are exciting times.
Yours,
Rebecca Alford
8. It Would Be My Pleasure To
Feel free to use “it would be my pleasure to” instead of “I would be happy to.” It’s a great variation that helps you to mix up your language choices in formal emails.
You should use it when emailing your boss. If they’ve asked you to complete a task for them, you should let them know that you’ll take “pleasure” in doing the task without putting up a fight.
It’s a great way to show your boss you’re dependable and can do what they ask. After all, if you show that you’re a reliable employee, your boss will likely return to you when they need help again.
You can also review the following sample email:
Dear Mr. Magpie,
It would be my pleasure to interview the new candidates. Thank you so much for thinking of me for this role.
All the best,
Maria Whitehead
9. I’d Be Happy To
It’s always good to share positive emotions with friends or coworkers in emails. That’s where “I’d be happy to” comes in.
It’s a great phrase to use when emailing coworkers. It shows that you’re more than willing to take on a task for them or help them complete a project.
You may also emphasize how happy you are to help someone with one of the following variations:
- I’d be very happy to
- I’d be more than happy to
Whatever modifier you use, it’s a great way to show enthusiasm and politeness when agreeing to complete a task.
Perhaps this sample email will also help you:
Dear Sara,
I’d be happy to meet with them during the event. I hope they have some interesting ideas to share.
Best wishes,
Summer Mole
10. I’d Very Much Like To
You can also write “I’d very much like to” instead of “I would be happy to.” It’s a great way to show positivity in an email.
We recommend using it when emailing colleagues. It’s a more friendly alternative that shows you’re more than happy to do something with them.
For instance, if a coworker arranges a date and time to meet with you, you should use this.
This email sample will also help you with it:
Dear Harold,
I’d very much like to hear your thoughts about this! I think you’ll have a good insight.
All the best,
Duncan Anthony