So, you want someone to get back to you or help you, but you know they’re quite busy.
And now you’re trying to find out how to say “I understand that you are busy” in an email without sounding demanding or desperate.
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will share the best synonyms to teach you how to say “I understand that you are busy” professionally.
Is It Polite to Say “I Understand That You Are Busy”?
It is polite to say “I understand that you are busy.” It’s a great way to show that you respect someone’s schedule, even if you need to ask them to do something.
For the most part, it’s formal and respectful. So, you can use it when emailing someone you haven’t heard from for a while.
We also recommend using it when letting someone know that you need their help. It suggests that you appreciate they’re busy, but you’d like them to take some time to help you if possible.
Here’s a helpful email sample to show you how it works:
Dear Dr. Jones,
I understand that you are busy, but I could really do with your help on this assignment. Please let me know if you get the time.
All the best,
Joanna Pickett
Pros
- It’s formal and respectful.
- It shows you appreciate someone’s busy schedule, even if you need their assistance.
Cons
- It’s a bit of a forced phrase and can sound passive-aggressive.
- It’s quite generic.
Of course, “I understand that you are busy” is a great phrase to include in formal emails. But it’s also not the only choice! So, it’s time to explore some alternatives to mix things up.
Keep reading to learn how to say “I understand that you are busy” politely. We’ve shared some of the best alternatives to show you what options you have.
What to Say Instead of “I Understand That You Are Busy”
- I appreciate that you are busy
- I’m aware that you’re quite busy
- I acknowledge your ongoing schedule demands
- I recognize the demands on your time and attention
- I’m aware that your schedule is full
- I understand that your plate is quite full
- I realize that your time is currently in high demand
- I’m mindful of the fact that you’re busy
- I know you have a busy schedule
- I regret having to interrupt your schedule
1. I Appreciate That You Are Busy
To start, you can write “I appreciate that you are busy.” It’s another way to say “I understand that you are busy,” but it switches “understand with “appreciate” to sound more formal.
Generally, including “appreciate” here shows that you care about the recipient’s schedule.
It’s a great way to email your boss. It shows that you respect how busy they are, but you still need them to reply to something you sent them earlier.
You can also refer to this email sample:
Dear Mr. Andrews,
I appreciate that you are busy. When you get the chance, please review the last email I sent you on Monday and get back to me.
Thank you so much,
Danielle Beef
2. I’m Aware That You’re Quite Busy
We also recommend trying “I’m aware that you’re quite busy.” It’s a great alternative that shows you’re aware of someone’s busy schedule.
It implies that you know someone has a lot going on, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask them for help.
So, use it when emailing a coworker. It shows you could do with their help or input with a task, and you would appreciate it if they could come to your aid.
Here’s a great email example to show you more about how it works:
Dear Michael,
I’m aware that you’re quite busy. However, I need your help with this task, and I can’t think of anyone else to do it.
All the best,
Sian White
3. I Acknowledge Your Ongoing Schedule Demands
Next, we recommend trying “I acknowledge your ongoing schedule demands.”
It’s formal and respectful, for starters. So, it’s a great way to highlight that someone is busy, but you still need to ask for a favor.
Try using it when arranging a meeting with a client. It shows that you’d like to hear from them, but you appreciate it if their schedule is currently too busy.
You can also review this sample email:
Dear Mr. Stones,
I acknowledge your ongoing schedule demands. Please put some time aside when you can so we can meet about these changes.
Best,
Martha Shawn
4. I Recognize the Demands on Your Time and Attention
You can also use “I recognize the demands on your time and attention” in a formal email.
It’s a great phrase that shows you appreciate how busy someone gets. It suggests that you have a good understanding of their schedule, but you still need their help.
For instance, it works well when emailing your boss. You can use it when they haven’t yet replied to a previous email, as it shows that you don’t mind waiting but you’d like a reply.
If you still need help, check out the following example:
Dear Miss Smith,
I recognize the demands on your time and attention. However, I still need you to review your email and get back to my previous one.
My best,
Sam Proctor
5. I’m Aware That Your Schedule Is Full
You may also benefit from including “I’m aware that your schedule is full” in a professional email.
It’s a fantastic choice that shows you respect and appreciate someone’s busy schedule.
Try using it when emailing a client. It shows that you need their help, but you also accept that they might not be able to provide you with it.
We also recommend reviewing this example to learn more about it:
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I’m aware that your schedule is full. I wouldn’t be asking for your help if this wasn’t incredibly important.
All the best,
Sophie Smart
6. I Understand That Your Plate Is Quite Full
“I understand that your plate is quite full” is a bit more conversational, but it still works well in emails.
Try using it when contacting your boss. It shows that you get on quite well with them, but you still need their help with something.
For instance, let’s say they’ve set you with a project to complete. However, you don’t know exactly what they’re asking of you or how to complete it.
Luckily, this phrase is polite and respectful enough to ask for their help. Even if they’re busy, they should be more than willing to step up for you!
Also, feel free to check out this email sample:
Dear Miss Jean,
I understand that your plate is quite full right now. However, can you help me understand what you want from this project?
Best regards,
Jade Howlett
7. I Realize That Your Time Is Currently in High Demand
Try writing “I realize that your time is currently in high demand” when you understand someone is busy.
Generally, this applies when someone receives a lot of emails asking for their help.
For instance, you can use it when emailing a teacher.
After all, it’s a formal and polite way to show an understanding that most other students will want to contact your teacher to ask for help, too.
Here’s a great sample email to show you more about how it works:
Dear Amy,
I realize that your time is currently in high demand. However, I don’t know who else I can turn to for help on this assignment.
Kind regards,
Jack Willis
8. I Know You Have a Busy Schedule
Generally, you can use “I know you have a busy schedule” as a slightly more direct and professional phrase.
It shows that you appreciate someone who is quite busy, but you still want to turn to them for help.
For instance, you can use it when contacting an important client. It shows that you’d like to meet with them because you have a few ideas to run past them.
For the most part, it’s respectful and sincere. Therefore, it’s a great way to entice a client to help you if you really need them to.
We also recommend checking out this example to show you more about how it works:
Dear Mr. North,
I know you have a busy schedule, but are you free to discuss these matters soon? I need to run a few things by you.
All the best,
Suzanna Clank
9. I Regret Having to Interrupt Your Schedule
If you’re still wondering how to email someone who is busy, we have one final option for you!
You can try “I regret having to interrupt your schedule” instead of “I understand that you are busy.”
This phrase works really well because it’s formal and respectful. It suggests that you understand someone’s schedule is busier than yours.
This is a great way to email a superior. It shows that they have a lot going on, but you’d like them to reply to your email when they get a chance.
This sample email should also help to clear things up:
Dear Miss Sanders,
I regret having to interrupt your schedule at this time, but I really need you to reply to my previous email.
Yours,
Daniel Hunt