Are you trying to figure out how to ask for a deadline before it passes?
Perhaps you forgot when work was due, or you simply don’t know when it’s meant to be handed in.
Whatever the case, we’re here to help!
This article will teach you how to politely ask for a deadline in an email.
- Could you kindly provide the deadline?
- May I inquire about the deadline?
- Could you share the deadline with me?
- When is the specified deadline?
- When would you like this completed?
- Please let me know when the deadline is
- When should I hand this in?
- Could you share more regarding the deadline?
- May I request the deadline for this task?
- Please inform me of the deadline
1. Could You Kindly Provide the Deadline?
You can start by using “could you kindly provide the deadline?” This is a polite and formal question that works well in most email formats.
We recommend using it when asking your boss for the deadline date. It suggests that you’d like to get your work done on time, but you don’t know when they expect to hear from you.
For the most part, your boss will be happy to answer this. After all, if they’ve set a deadline, it’s in their best interest to get the work back before that.
Whatever the case, the synonym remains direct and to the point. It shows you only need to know the deadline when you know there’s a bit of time pressure on your work.
Also, it’s worth reviewing this email sample to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Miss Jacobs,
Could you kindly provide the deadline for this project?
I’m almost done with it, but I’d like to know when you expect it by.
Thank you so much,
Katie Pride
2. May I Inquire About the Deadline?
We also recommend asking “may I inquire about the deadline?” This is a polite way to ask for a deadline when you don’t know the recipient well.
For instance, you might use it when contacting a recruiter.
You can use it to ask for a deadline for a job offer, as it will give you more of an understanding of how long you have to make a decision.
Overall, the phrase is polite and formal. Therefore, it’s a great way to let someone know you’d like them to give you a better idea of when something should be handed in.
Check out the following email sample to learn more if you still need help:
Dear Ms. Kingston,
May I inquire about the deadline for this offer?
I want to weigh up my options, but I’m conscious that you need a reply.
All the best,
Steven Redgrave
3. Could You Share the Deadline With Me?
Next, you can use “could you share the deadline with me?” It shows you how to professionally ask for a deadline when you don’t already have it.
So, it tends to work well when contacting a teacher.
Generally, you can use it to show that you need to know when an assignment should be ready.
This gives you a better understanding of how much time and energy you’ll need to dedicate to it to ensure you get it done on time.
Also, it’s worth reviewing this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Mr. Clarkson,
Could you share the deadline with me?
I’d like to get on top of this assignment, so I want to know what I’m working with.
Yours,
Sarah Jayden
4. When Is the Specified Deadline?
For something a little simpler, try writing “when is the specified deadline?”
This shows that a deadline is already set in stone. Instead of asking to change it, you’re simply asking when someone wants you to hand work in.
So, it can work when writing to a coworker. If you’re working on a project together, they might have a better understanding of when the project should be ready.
For the most part, the phrase is respectful and formal. That’s what makes it such a good choice when you want to know when to hand something in.
If you’re still unsure about it, you can review the following example:
Dear Aimee,
When is the specified deadline for us to complete this?
I’m sure you have a better idea of when we need to finish it.
Yours,
Tyler Gravesend
5. When Would You Like This Completed?
You should also use “when would you like this completed” as a professional way to ask for a deadline.
For the most part, this shows that you’re trying to plan your work ahead of time. The sooner you know a deadline, the easier it will be for you to work through something.
Therefore, this works well when contacting a client. If they’ve asked you to complete a project for them, a phrase like this will go a long way.
You can also review this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Ms. Kitsch,
When would you like this completed?
I’ll try to get to work on it as soon as possible to make things easier for you.
Yours,
Duncan Firth
6. Please Let Me Know When the Deadline Is
Try using “please let me know when the deadline is” to ask for a deadline in a simple way.
Technically, this isn’t a question at all. Instead, it’s a polite and direct statement letting someone know you’d like to learn more about a deadline.
So, you might want to use it when replying to your teacher.
If they’ve recently set you an assignment or task, a phrase like this will help you understand when it needs to be ready.
For the most part, the phrase remains respectful, too. So, you don’t have to worry about accidentally annoying your professor when using something like this.
We also think it’s worth reviewing this example to learn more:
Dear Miss Frost,
Please let me know when the deadline is.
I’m looking forward to getting involved with this project.
All the best,
Charlotte Riverdale
7. When Should I Hand This In?
You can also be more subtle by using “when should I hand this in?”
Of course, this is a bit more of a specific alternative. After all, it only works when you have to physically hand something to the other party (like a project or task).
So, you can use this when asking a teacher when they want an assignment ready.
For the most part, it’s friendly yet direct. So, it’s a good opportunity to use when you want to improve your relationship with your teacher.
And if you want to see how to ask for a deadline in a sentence, review this example:
Dear Ms. Russell,
When should I hand this in?
How many days do I have left before this is required?
Yours,
Kirsty Midriff
8. Could You Share More Regarding the Deadline?
Next, it’s worth using “could you share more regarding the deadline?” This is a positive and professional way to show that you’d like to know when the deadline for something is.
For the most part, this works well when contacting a recruiter.
If they’ve extended a job offer to you, you might need to take a few days to decide.
It’s good practice to ask something like this before you decide to ensure you don’t take too long and accidentally miss your opportunity.
Feel free to review the following example if you still need help with it:
Dear Ms. Hubert,
Could you share more regarding the deadline?
I’m trying to sort things out on my end, and I want to give you an answer ASAP.
All the best,
Jon Bean
9. May I Request the Deadline for This Task?
We also like using “may I request the deadline for this task?”
It’s polite and respectful, which works really well when showing how much you appreciate the recipient.
For instance, you can use it when contacting your boss. It lets them know you want to get your work done right, but you need to clarify the deadline before you commit to anything.
Overall, your boss should be happy to answer this for you. So, don’t feel ashamed to ask!
Check out the following example if you still want to learn more:
Dear Miss Wish,
May I request the deadline for this task?
It would help me to understand a bit more about what to expect from it.
All the best,
Rosie Parker
10. Please Inform Me of the Deadline
Finally, it’s worth using “please inform me of the deadline” to simplify things.
Now, this isn’t a question at all. Instead, it’s a direct and formal statement that suggests you’d like to know when to have something ready.
Generally, this goes a long way when asking your professor when an assignment should be ready.
Feel free to review this sample email if you still need guidance:
Dear Mr. Trott,
Please inform me of the deadline when you have a moment.
I’m unsure when I should get this ready, but I’d like to get working on it immediately.
All the best,
Sara Loose