So, you’re trying to figure out someone’s work schedule.
Well, you might ask “what time works best for you?” but is it really the best way to sound polite and interested?
This article will explain how to ask “what time works best for you?” in an email.
Is It Formal to Say “What Time Works Best For You?”
It is formal to say “what time works best for you?” It’s a great professional question that shows you’re interested in working a meeting or event around someone’s schedule.
Usually, asking this question shows that you’re happy for someone to dictate when you should meet with them.
It’s a great way to show that you’re more flexible than they are. In turn, it gives them a chance to decide what time works best for them.
Here’s a helpful email sample to show you how to use it:
Dear Jon,
What time works best for you? I’m trying to find a suitable time that we can all make on Friday.
Best wishes,
Jo Bennett
Pros
- It’s formal and polite.
- It shows you’re willing to work around someone else’s schedule.
Cons
- It’s a fairly generic question.
- It’s a bit repetitive if it’s the only way you ask someone when they’re free.
Clearly, “what time works best for you?” is a great question to ask in business emails. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore alternatives to see how to mix things up.
Keep reading to learn a formal way to ask “what time works best for you?” We’ve provided great synonyms and examples for each to demonstrate how they work.
What to Say Instead of “What Time Works Best For You?”
- Please let me know what time works for you
- When would you like to make this work?
- Please let me know your preferred time
- Please inform me of the time that suits you best
- I’d like to know what time works best
- Please provide me with your availability
- Could you let me know when will be convenient?
- Which time works best for your schedule?
- Let me know how we can work this around your schedule
- Feel free to share your availability with me
1. Please Let Me Know What Time Works for You
You can write “please let me know what time works for you.” This isn’t a question like “what time works best for you?”
However, it’s formal and polite. It shows you’re willing to work around someone’s schedule and let them decide when a time suits them.
Generally, this will encourage the recipient to choose a time that works. Therefore, it’s best to include it when emailing an employee. It shows you’d like to work around their tasks.
You can also refer to this email sample:
Dear Adrian,
We are going to arrange this at some point on Wednesday. Please let me know what time works for you.
Best wishes,
Dean Bracken
2. When Would You Like to Make This Work?
For a professional way to ask for a convenient time, try “when would you like to make this work?”
This formal question shows you’re keen to work out a suitable time. It implies that you’re flexible and happy to work around someone else if they have a busier schedule.
Use it when emailing a customer. It works well because it keeps things slightly more welcoming when messaging them to find out their thoughts.
This sample email will also help you with it:
Dear Suzie,
When would you like to make this work? We’re trying to figure out the most appropriate day for it.
Yours,
Jon Carpenter
3. Please Let Me Know Your Preferred Time
Also, “please let me know your preferred time” is a great professional synonym for “what time works best for you?”
Try using it when emailing an important client. It keeps things sincere and respectful, which is the best way to address someone when you need to impress them.
Of course, impressing clients is the key to a healthy business. The more clients you impress, the more likely they’ll be to stick with your company.
Feel free to review this sample email as well:
Dear Mr. Carter,
Please let me know your preferred time to complete this task. I’d like to work it around you if possible.
Best regards,
Tom Jacobs
4. Please Inform Me of the Time That Suits You Best
You can use “please inform me of the time that suits you best.” It’s another way to say “what time works best for you?” without using a question.
Instead, this is a formal statement that shows you’d like someone to let you know more about their schedule.
Use it when you can work around someone’s busy schedule. It’s respectful and implies you’re much more flexible than the recipient.
If you’re still unsure, check out the following example:
Dear Mrs. White,
Please inform me of the time that suits you best. Then, we can talk about what our next steps should be.
All the best,
Mel Felony
5. I’d Like to Know What Time Works Best
Next, you may wish to try “I’d like to know what time works best.”
This is a great alternative to “what time works best for you?” As you can see, it still uses “what time works best,” but it phrases it as a polite statement instead of a question.
Use it when emailing a client. It’s highly effective because it shows you’re putting them in charge of the timing, which could allow them to work it into their schedule.
Here’s a great email example to help you understand it:
Dear Miss Bradley,
I’d like to know what time works best. Can you please let me know when I’m going to see you on Friday?
Best wishes,
Patrick Porter
6. Please Provide Me With Your Availability
Feel free to use “please provide me with your availability” as well.
This is a professional and direct way to ask for someone’s schedule. It shows you’d like them to decide the final time to do something.
Generally, this is a respectful way to see when someone might be able to fit you in.
Perhaps this example will also help you with it:
Dear Mr. O’Connor,
Please provide me with your availability. Then, I’ll know what time is going to be most suitable for you.
My best,
Sean Alps
7. Could You Let Me Know When Will Be Convenient?
You can also try “could you let me know when will be convenient?” It’s a great question that shows you’re interested in hearing someone’s availability.
We recommend using it when emailing an employee. It shows you’re quite happy to work around their schedule, even if you’re the boss and might be busier than they are.
We also recommend reviewing this example:
Dear Russell,
These are the best times for us to fit this in. Could you let me know when will be convenient?
Thanks so much,
Barbara Annabelle
8. Which Time Works Best for Your Schedule?
Try using “which time works best for your schedule?” as well. It’s a great professional alternative that shows you’re trying to decide which time to sort something out.
We recommend using it when emailing a coworker. It’s highly effective when you’re trying to figure out a good time to get something done that works around both of your schedules.
If you’re still unsure, review this email sample:
Dear Adam,
I have attached the document with the listed times so far. Which time works best for your schedule?
Yours,
William Hughs
9. Let Me Know How We Can Work This Around Your Schedule
You might want to use “let me know how we can work this around your schedule.”
It’s a great professional phrase that shows you’re trying to accommodate the recipient.
Generally, this will work well when emailing a client. It shows you’re happy to work with them and figure out how busy they are first.
From there, you can settle on a time that works well for both of you.
Here’s a great example to show you how it works if you still don’t get it:
Dear Miss Kingston,
Let me know how we can work this around your schedule. I’m hoping to get you there alongside our other clients.
All the best,
Sean Woodchurch
10. Feel Free to Share Your Availability With Me
Finally, you can use “feel free to share your availability with me.” It’s a great formal alternative that shows you’re happy to work around someone else’s schedule.
Generally, this is a more friendly and welcoming synonym. Therefore, it works best when emailing a colleague.
Try using it when you’re trying to set up a plan with a coworker and want to find out what day works best for them.
You should also review this sample email if you need help:
Dear Milo,
Feel free to share your availability with me as soon as you know it. Then, we can work through these options together.
Yours,
Dominic Lurcher