Are you worried about giving short notice in an email?
Perhaps you’ve waited too long to send an email before something happens.
Now, you’re trying to say “sorry for the short notice” without sounding snappy or impolite.
Well, this article will show you how to apologize for late notice in different ways.
Is It Professional to Say “Sorry for the Short Notice”?
It is professional to say “sorry for the short notice.” It’s a great way to let someone know you regret leaving it too long before updating them or asking them to do something.
It is not rude to use this phrase in an email. In fact, it’s a useful way to sound as professional and respectful as possible when someone expects an earlier update.
Here are two variations you can also use:
- Sorry for the last-minute notice
- Sorry for the late notice
Both are effective phrases. They allow you to switch “short” with another word to make your writing more interesting.
You can also review this email sample to see more about how it works:
Dear Stacey,
Sorry for the short notice, but I have found a way for us to work through this. When are you free to talk?
Best wishes,
Bradley Wiggins
Pros
- It’s professional and polite.
- It shows you regret leaving it until the last minute to update someone.
Cons
- It’s generic and bland.
- It’s overused in most emails when you’ve left something too late, so it can sound insincere.
“Sorry for the short notice” is certainly one of the best phrases to use in formal emails. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only one.
Keep reading to learn how to say “sorry for the short notice” in a business email. Then, you’ll have all the options you need to help spice things up.
What to Say Instead of “Sorry for the Short Notice”
- Apologies for the late notice
- I know this is short notice
- I regret how late this is
- My sincere apologies for the lack of advance notice
- I apologize for the limited time to inform you
- Please forgive the last-minute notice
- I understand this is short notice, and I apologize
- I’m sorry for not informing you sooner
- I regret not providing more notice
- I apologize for not giving you more warning
1. Apologies for the Late Notice
You may use “apologies for the late notice” to keep things formal and polite.
It’s a great phrase if you’re trying to keep things a little simpler. It shows that you regret waiting so long before replying to someone.
Generally, this works best when emailing an employee. It’s short and to the point and lets them know that you’d like to meet with them.
You can also review this email example:
Dear Madison,
Apologies for the late notice. Are you free on Wednesday to get this sorted with the rest of the team?
All the best,
Holly Smart
2. I Know This Is Short Notice
If you’re wondering how to say “sorry for the short notice” without saying “sorry,” try this phrase.
Instead of apologizing, it’s good to write “I know this is short notice.”
This draws attention to the idea that you didn’t mean to update someone so late. However, it shows that you regret the decision.
Also, it’s a good one as a more respectful alternative. Therefore, we recommend it when emailing a coworker whom you trust.
Here’s a great example to help you if you’re still stuck:
Dear Danny,
I know this is short notice, but we need to get everyone together to see what the verdict is.
Yours,
Benjamin Brown
3. I Regret How Late This Is
Feel free to use “I regret how late this is” as another way to say “sorry for the short notice.” It’s highly effective and shows you formally apologize for a delayed update.
Typically, this works best when emailing your boss. It works well when you’ve left someone quite late and regret having to update them at the last minute.
Your boss will generally forgive your tardiness. Of course, that only applies if your boss is a reasonable person.
Also, check out this example if you need more help:
Dear Miss Kate,
This is the project in its current state. It’s the best we can do right now. I regret how late this is.
Kind regards,
Melissa Bean
4. My Sincere Apologies for the Lack of Advance Notice
You can also try “my sincere apologies for the lack of advance notice.” It’s a great professional phrase showing you regret leaving it until the last minute.
Generally, this works well when emailing an employee. It shows you regret how long it took for you to contact them to prepare them for what’s to come next.
Feel free to review this example if you’re still unsure:
Dear Joshua,
My sincere apologies for the lack of advance notice. However, I have found the best way for us to continue with this.
Best regards,
William Azazel
5. I Apologize for the Limited Time to Inform You
You can also write “I apologize for the limited time to inform you.” It’s a great way to refer to your short-notice leave.
It works well when messaging your boss. Generally, it’s quite formal and respectful.
Therefore, it’s a good one to include when you’re trying to keep the peace and avoid making your boss too mad at you for not updating them sooner if you need time off work.
Also, check out this example to learn more about it:
Dear Jackie,
I’m going to have to take a week off to sort some things out at home. I apologize for the limited time to inform you.
All the best,
Sean Rider
6. Please Forgive the Last-Minute Notice
Another great phrase to use instead of “sorry for the short notice” is “please forgive the last-minute notice.”
This one works really well in formal emails. It’s best to use it when emailing a client to try and arrange a meeting.
It shows that you wish you didn’t have to update them so late, but there was no way around it.
If you’re still unsure, you can review this example:
Dear Miss Murphy,
Please forgive the last-minute notice. However, we need to gather everyone together this weekend. Can you make that happen?
Best wishes,
Tom Ford
7. I Understand This Is Short Notice, and I Apologize
You can use “I understand this is short notice, and I apologize” when trying to sound formal.
It works well when being respectful and genuine. We recommend using it when you’re emailing an employee.
It shows you need to discuss something with them, even if you know you’ve left it for quite a while.
Here’s a great sample email to show you how to use it:
Dear Maria,
We need to discuss this by Friday at the latest, I’m afraid. I understand this is short notice, and I apologize.
Yours,
Duncan Redford
8. I’m Sorry for Not Informing You Sooner
“I’m sorry for not informing you sooner” is a simple way to show that you have left something until the last minute.
It’s a great formal yet friendly alternative to include at the start of an email.
Try using it when emailing a coworker. It shows you’ve arranged something and want to share an update or information with them.
Generally, the recipient will be happy to hear from you, even if it’s a bit late notice.
Feel free to review this email sample as well:
Dear Michael,
I’m sorry for not informing you sooner, but this seems to be the best time for us to get this sorted.
Yours,
Evie Burton
9. I Regret Not Providing More Notice
You might also find “I regret not providing more notice” as another way to say “sorry for the short notice.”
It’s a great formal synonym that works quite well in business emails.
We recommend using it when emailing a client. It shows that you had to provide them with short notice, even if it might be a bit of an inconvenience to them.
It’s respectful and polite. So, most of the time, clients will be happy to receive this phrase in an email. At the very least, it shows you care and didn’t mean to annoy them.
If you’re still unsure, check out this example:
Dear Miss Taylor,
I regret not providing more notice. However, are you free on Friday to discuss the upcoming event?
All the best,
Sam Willis
10. I Apologize for Not Giving You More Warning
You can use “I apologize for not giving you more warning” to reply to someone with short notice.
It works well when you can’t wait any longer and must talk to someone quickly.
For instance, you can use it when emailing a client. It shows that something has come up that you simply need to discuss with them.
We also recommend reviewing this email sample:
Dear Mr. Crick,
I apologize for not giving you more warning, but we need to talk about this immediately.
All the best,
Dan Sherrin