So, you’d like to know what time works best to fit someone into your schedule.
It’s good to ask something like “what time suits you best?”
However, are you worried that the question is a bit informal or too friendly?
Fear not!
You have options, and this article will show you how to ask “what time suits you best?” formally.
Is It Formal to Say “What Time Suits You Best?”
It is informal to say “what time suits you best?” It isn’t a good phrase to use in most formal emails because it’s a bit too casual.
Don’t worry; it’s still friendly. It’s a great one to include when asking colleagues or friends when you can meet with them.
Here’s an example showing you how to use it:
Hi Adam,
So, I have a plan to get this project done with the team soon! What time suits you best so I can set this up?
Yours,
William Rogers
However, it’s not as suitable when emailing a client or your boss. It’s best to stick to one of the alternatives we provide in this article to keep things professional.
Pros
- It’s friendly and polite when setting up casual meetings.
- It’s a great way to work around someone else’s schedule rather than yours.
Cons
- It’s overly friendly, so it doesn’t work professionally.
- It doesn’t always allow you to select specific times for someone to choose.
Keep reading to learn how to ask “what time suits you best?” in an email.
You can also review all the examples under each heading to find out more about the synonyms.
What to Say Instead of “What Time Suits You Best?”
- Which time is most convenient for you?
- I would appreciate it if you could tell me what time works best
- What time should we arrange this?
- Is there a specific time that works for you?
- Do you have a time in mind?
- Could i request a time that works for your schedule?
- I would like to work this around your schedule
- Please let me know when you have a free slot
- Please tell me when you’re available
1. Which Time Is Most Convenient for You?
It’s easy to come up with a simple formal synonym for “what time suits you best?” when you know what to ask!
That’s where “what time is most convenient for you?” comes in.
Honestly, the questions are identical. The key difference is that saying “most convenient for you” is much more professional and respectful than “suits you best.”
Using “suits you best” at the end of the question is too friendly for most business emails.
So, sticking with “most convenient for you” allows you to find out more about someone’s schedule formally.
You can also review this email example:
Dear Mr. Thompkins,
Which time is more convenient for you? Let me know if there’s a specific date or time that fits into your schedule.
Best,
Suzie Dent
2. I Would Appreciate It if You Could Tell Me What Time Works Best
We also recommend using “I would appreciate it if you could tell me what time works best.”
It’s a great professional alternative to “what time suits you best?”
The biggest difference is that this synonym isn’t a question. Instead, it’s a statement that shows you’re interested in figuring out a meeting around someone’s schedule.
We highly recommend using it when emailing employees. If you don’t know their exact schedules, this is a great way to let them know you’re trying to move things around them.
If you’re still unsure, review this example:
Dear Hazel,
I would appreciate it if you could tell me what time works best for the meeting. I’m here to work around you.
Yours,
George Jefferson
3. What Time Should We Arrange This?
Try asking “what time should we arrange this?” as another way to say “what time suits you best?”
It’s a great formal synonym that shows you’re open to time suggestions.
Generally, this gives the recipient control of setting up a meeting. So, you should only use it if you’re flexible and willing to let someone dictate when you can meet with them.
Try it when arranging plans with colleagues. It’s highly effective because it shows you’re willing to let them choose a time if you know they’re going to be busier than you.
Here’s a great sample email to show you how to use it:
Dear Michael,
What time should we arrange this? I’m keen to get this meeting sorted out with as many people as possible.
All the best,
Sandra Jiminy
4. Is There a Specific Time That Works for You?
You can ask “is there a specific time that works for you?” to keep things direct and respectful.
A question like this is a great way to learn someone’s schedule and figure out what time is going to be better for them.
We recommend using it when emailing a client. It shows you’re happy to hear them out and let them dictate what time a meeting should occur.
Generally, phrases like this imply you have a less busy schedule than your clients. So, you should only use it when you’re certain you’ll be able to be more flexible with them.
You can also review this email sample:
Dear Mr. Holmes,
Is there a specific time that works for you? If not, I’d like to sort this out for tomorrow, as I want it done quickly.
All the best,
Olivia Caplan
5. Do You Have a Time in Mind?
Feel free to use “do you have a time in mind?” to ask if someone has any plans. It’s a good way to let someone decide whether a time works for them.
It also gives them time to decide whether something will work for them. They can review their schedule and decide when they can make a meeting work.
For instance, you can use it when emailing an employee. If they’ve come to you suggesting a meeting, then you can use a phrase like this to encourage them to choose a time.
Remember, this question gives the recipient all of the power. It’s up to them to decide the meeting times from that point on, so you need to be okay with it.
This email example should also help you with it:
Dear Rebecca,
Do you have a time in mind? I’m happy to work this around you if you feel like that will be easier.
Yours,
Bear Rutherford
6. Could I Request a Time That Works for Your Schedule?
Try using “could I request a time that works for your schedule?” as another question instead of “what time suits you best?”
It’s a great professional alternative that shows you’re willing to work around someone’s busy schedule.
Generally, this phrase is most effective when emailing busy people. For instance, you can use it when emailing a client or boss.
It shows you’re happy to let them decide when a meeting makes the most sense. After all, they’ll probably have more things going on that they need to move around for you.
Also, you can review this example to help you:
Dear Miss Holiday,
Could I request a time that works for your schedule? I’d like to do it tomorrow, but I appreciate that you might be busy.
Yours,
William Firth
7. I Would Like to Work This Around Your Schedule
Feel free to use “I would like to work this around your schedule” instead of “what time suits you best?”
It’s not a question, but it’s a great statement to include. It’s a professional phrase that shows you’re happy to work around someone else’s schedule.
We highly recommend including it when emailing a supervisor. It shows you respect their busy schedule, but you would still like to meet with them to discuss something important.
We also recommend reviewing this example:
Dear Adrian,
I would like to work this around your schedule and find a time when you’re not too busy to talk me through this.
Yours,
William Jenkins
8. Please Let Me Know When You Have a Free Slot
Feel free to use “please let me know when you have a free slot.”
It’s a great formal synonym for “what time suits you best?” that encourages the recipient to decide on a time.
Again, it’s a great way to give a recipient all the power when you want them to know you’re flexible and happy to work with them.
The more flexible you are, the better this phrase will work.
Use it when emailing a client that you’d like to bring to a meeting. That way, you can ensure they’re happy with the times, as they would have decided on one that is “free.”
Here’s a great email example to show you how to use it:
Dear Mr. Critch,
Please let me know when you have a free slot for the meeting. It’s important that you attend to learn about the changes we’ve made.
All the best,
Simon Garfunkel
9. Please Tell Me When You’re Available
For one final synonym, you can use “please tell me when you’re available.” It’s a great alternative that shows you’re interested in learning someone’s schedule.
Use it to show you’re happy to work around someone, regardless of how busy they might be.
We highly recommend it when emailing a recruiter. It shows you’d like to find time to talk to them about something before moving forward with an application.
You can also review the following sample email:
Dear Mr. Anthony,
Please tell me when you’re available for a call. I’d like to talk to you about the job application process.
Yours,
Maddie Stork