You should always double-check to make sure something works for another person before confirming anything.
After all, you both need to be on the same page before you can move forward.
This article will look at how to say “does that work for you” formally. We’ve compiled a list of the best alternatives to help you here.
Is It Formal to Say “Does That Work for You”?
It is not formal to say “does that work for you.” Unfortunately, the phrase is a bit too casual and personal, meaning it is not professional and does not work well in most emails.
We still recommend using it if you want to be polite and friendly. However, it’s better in more informal emails and situations.
Here is an example to show you more about how it works:
This is the plan I’ve got so far. Does that work for you? Is there anything you’d like to change?
Pros
- It is a friendly way to find out if your plans suit somebody’s schedule.
- It is polite and respectful to ask this.
Cons
- It does not belong in professional contexts.
- There are better ways to check someone’s availability.
Since “does that work for you” is not professional, it’s best to have a few alternatives ready. Then, you can keep things more formal in your emails.
Keep reading to find out how to say “does that work for you” formally. We’ve also provided email samples for each phrase.
What to Say Instead of “Does That Work for You”
- Would it be okay with you?
- Please let me know if this works for you
- Would that work for you?
- Will this work?
- Is that okay?
- Can you fit it in?
- Please tell me when you can make this work
- Let me know if that will work
- Will that be okay?
1. Would It Be Okay With You?
You can say “would it be okay with you?” after checking whether specific dates and times work for the recipient.
It shows that you’ve already explained when you want to meet them and would like to figure out if it works for their schedule.
You should use this when emailing clients. It shows you have a good time set up for a meeting, but you want them to confirm whether it’ll work for them before you proceed.
This email example should also help you with it:
Dear Carla,
We can arrange the meeting at five on Monday. Would it be okay with you to do it at that time?
Thank you so much,
Britney Jenkins
2. Please Let Me Know if This Works for You
“Please let me know if this works for you” is a polite way to confirm plans with a recipient.
It shows that you’ve made a suggestion on a plan, but you might need the other party to confirm the details before you move forward.
We recommend using this when emailing colleagues. It shows that you don’t want to force them into plans that don’t work for their schedule. After all, it gives them the responsibility to accept or decline the plans you’ve already set.
This email sample will also help you:
Dear Elizabeth,
I can see you on Monday. Please let me know if this works for you. Otherwise, we can try another time.
Yours,
Stacy Dolly
3. Would That Work for You?
If you want to ask a good question about whether your plans work for someone, try “would that work for you?”
It’s simple and polite, allowing you to find out whether your plans work with someone’s schedule.
Since it’s a question, it’s best to use this when emailing customers. It shows you appreciate that they might have a busy schedule and don’t want to set up meetings that might conflict with their other commitments.
You will learn more from the following example:
Dear Katie,
We have availability for this on Thursday at 3. Would that work for you? Let me know your schedule.
All the best,
Steven Paulson
4. Will This Work?
Another great alternative to “does that work for you” is “will this work?”
It works really well in formal emails because it shows that you’d like to know whether someone can fit your plans into their schedule.
It’s a genuine question allowing you to determine your next steps. We highly recommend it when contacting employees if you’re trying to set up a meeting. It’s a great way to figure out whether your plan is suitable or if you need to think of something better.
This sample email should tell you more about it:
Dear Melanie,
We can do either Friday or Saturday. Will this work? Otherwise, please let me know a better time.
Thank you so much,
Carl Banks
5. Is That Okay?
A simple question alternative to “does that work for you” is “is that okay?” You should use it to figure out whether your plans suit someone or if there’s anything you need to change.
It’s a really polite way to learn whether you’ve made a good plan. Most people will happily answer this question when it appears in an email with a simple “yes” or “no.”
This email sample will be all the help you need if you’re still stuck:
Dear Julietta,
It is currently listed for $20,000. Is that okay? We are open to negotiation at the minute.
Best wishes,
Steven Sanchez
6. Can You Fit It In?
If you’re looking for a slightly more confident question alternative, you can say “can you fit it in?” We recommend using this when you have made a plan you don’t want to change.
This phrase implies that you’ve settled on the plan’s timings already. So, you’re only asking the recipient as a courtesy. If they can’t make it, the plan will likely still go ahead (they just won’t be included).
You should also refer to this email example:
Dear Gareth,
Can you fit it in on Thursday at 2 pm? I’d certainly like to get this done as quickly as possible.
All the best,
Jessica Makeshift
7. Please Tell Me When You Can Make This Work
You don’t always need to ask questions to find out if something fits someone’s schedule. Alternatively, you can get them to confirm the plan works by replying to you.
That’s where “please tell me when you can make this work” comes in.
It suggests that you want the recipient to decide your plans. Instead of assuming that they will be free, this is a great way to find out when the best times are for someone’s busy schedule.
Here’s a great example to show you how it works:
Dear Hayley,
Please tell me when you can make this work. I’d like to do it on Monday, but I appreciate that it may not be possible.
Yours,
Veronica McDonald
8. Let Me Know if That Will Work
“Let me know if that will work” is a great alternative to “does that work for you.”
It lets the recipient decide whether your plan is good for them. If it’s not, they can come back with a more suitable time that might work better for them.
We recommend this if you want to sound respectful to the recipient. So you can use it when emailing new clients. It shows that you appreciate they might be busy, so you’re happy to listen to their ideas if they need to rearrange any plans.
Here’s an example to show you more about how it works:
Dear Judy,
We can still have the meeting at 3 pm tomorrow. Let me know if that will work. Otherwise, we’ll look into other options.
Kind regards,
Elliot Jacobs
9. Will That Be Okay?
Finally, you can ask “will that be okay?” to determine if your plans suit someone’s schedule.
It’s a sincere way to find out whether someone can make your timings work or if they need to change anything.
Generally, it’s an unconfident question. Therefore, you should use it when emailing your boss. It shows that you respect their schedules and don’t want to give them a time that doesn’t work well.
Check out this example to see how it works:
Dear Becky,
I can do Wednesday at either 3 or 5 pm. Will that be okay? I don’t know when I’ll be available next.
Yours,
Bobby Federer