So, you want someone to tell you something in a professional email.
However, you’re worried that “could you please let me know” might not cover everything and still remain polite.
Luckily, you have options!
This article will also show you how to say “could you please let me know” in an email.
Is It Polite to Say “Could You Please Let Me Know”?
It is polite to say “could you please let me know.” It’s a professional way to start a sentence that suggests you’d like information from someone.
You can ask someone to let you know plenty of things in your emails. It could relate to availability, projects, deadlines, job opportunities, etc.
Also, you can review this sample email to learn more about how it works:
Dear Miss Bracken,
Could you please let me know if it would be possible to complete this task by Friday?
I’d like to get it done as quickly as possible.
All the best,
Sean Williams
Pros
- It’s a professional way to start a sentence.
- It’s polite and shows you’d like someone’s opinion on something.
Cons
- Using it too often takes away from the impact of the phrase.
- It’s a bit generic and overused.
So, there’s nothing wrong with writing “could you please let me know” formally. It’s fantastic, but there are other options available. Now, its time to explore those!
Keep reading to learn how to politely ask “could you please let me know.” We’ve gathered a list of some of the best phrases to show you what works.
What to Say Instead of “Could You Please Let Me Know”
- Would you mind letting me know
- Could you tell me
- Could you please inform me
- Are you able to inform me
- May I ask for your confirmation
- Would it be possible for you to say
- Please update me on
- I would appreciate it if you could inform me
- Please provide me with the details
1. Would You Mind Letting Me Know
We want to start things off by suggesting “would you mind letting me know.” This is a great replacement for “could you please let me know” that keeps things formal and polite.
Switching “could you” with “would you mind” is a great way to sound more respectful and sincere.
It shows that you don’t want anyone to have to do anything they don’t want to do. It still asks them nicely if they’d help out, but it gives the recipient the option to decide.
So, try it when contacting a client. You can use it to ask for their availability to see when they might be free to help you with something or meet with you.
Here’s a great sample email to show you more about it:
Dear Miss Whitehead,
Would you mind letting me know your availability for this meeting?
I’d like to get it done before the end of the working week.
All the best,
Joe Sutton
2. Could You Tell Me
There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple in your writing, either. That’s where “could you tell me” comes in.
It shows you how to politely ask “could you please let me know” in as few words as possible.
For the most part, you can use this when writing to a teacher. It can work well if you’re stuck with an assignment and need some guidance on how to continue.
We recommend it because it’s direct and honest. It lets someone know that you need their input or experience before you can advance with something.
Also, this example should help you to clear some things up:
Dear Ms. Hazel,
Could you tell me how to proceed with this assignment?
I’ve hit a bit of a bump, and I’m ensure what to do to continue.
Thanks so much,
Carl Pilkington
3. Could You Please Inform Me
Next, you can use “could you please inform me” as a better way to say “could you please let me know.”
This is a more professional and respectful choice. It works really well when you want to keep a more formal conversation going with the recipient.
So, you can use it when checking availability with a business partner. This is a great chance to get them to check their schedule to see if they’ll be able to slot you in for a meeting.
Generally, it’s a good chance to encourage a direct and open response. Keeping the recipient sweet with a phrase like this often goes a long way.
Here’s an email sample to show you more about it if you’re still stumped:
Dear Mr. Willis,
Could you please inform me of when you are available?
I’d like to meet with you to discuss what our next steps should be.
All the best,
Michael Foster
4. Are You Able to Inform Me
We also recommend writing “are you able to inform me” instead of “could you please let me know.”
Generally, you can use this when contacting a recruiter. It could be a good chance for you to ask for a reason as to why they didn’t hire you after an interview.
It’s formal and direct. So, it’s a good way to ask whether someone is allowed to provide you with the information you’re asking for.
Of course, most recruiters will be happy to share this information. So, it’s always worth asking, as it could help you to improve in the future.
Also, this example will help you to understand it better:
Dear Miss Winch,
Are you able to inform me of the reason why I was unsuccessful?
I’m interested in learning to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.
Thank you so much,
Mario Jenkins
5. May I Ask for Your Confirmation
Another way to say “could you please let me know” is “may I ask for your confirmation.” Of course, this one is a bit more specific in how it can be used.
Nevertheless, it’s a good way to ask an employer to confirm something you might know.
It shows that you already have a basic understanding of something. From there, it’s up to your employer to confirm what you know in a formal and direct way.
Here’s an email sample to show you more about how to use it:
Dear Mr. Scott,
May I ask for your confirmation on the current status of this project?
I’d like to know whether we can continue moving forward with it.
Yours,
Frederik Kahn
6. Would It Be Possible for You to Say
It’s also good to use “would it be possible for you to say” instead of “could you please let me know.”
This is a good way to be friendly and direct. It shows that you’re interested in someone’s thoughts or ideas, but you’re unsure if they’re going to be able to say them.
You can use this when contacting an employee. After all, it’s a good chance to learn their thoughts in an open way without being too bossy about it (which could put them off).
Here’s a helpful email sample to show you more about how to use it:
Dear Craig,
Would it be possible for you to say your thoughts on this matter?
I’m so keen to learn whether this is the right move for you.
Best regards,
Danny Phillips
7. Please Update Me On
Next, it’s worth remaining formal by saying “please update me on.”
Of course, this is quite a simplistic choice. But, as synonyms go, it’s a good one to include in professional emails.
Try using it when reaching out to a business partner. It lets them know that you’d like some information from them, so you’re seeking an “update.”
Here’s a helpful email sample to show you more about it:
Dear Ms. Perkins,
Please update me on the changes you’re planning to make here.
I think it’s ideal for us to all sit down and discuss this at some point.
Yours,
Hayley Richardson
8. I Would Appreciate It if You Could Inform Me
We also think it’s important to write “I would appreciate it if you could inform me.”
This works wonders when letting someone know that you’d like their input. Generally, you can use this because it shows you’re keen to hear someone’s feedback.
So, use it when writing to a client. It lets them know that you value them and want to hear what they have to say.
Also, it’s worth exploring this example to learn more:
Dear Ms. Halpert,
I would appreciate it if you could inform me of the current status of this project.
I’m keen to learn where you’re at with it.
Best wishes,
Jonathan Woodley
9. Please Provide Me With the Details
Finally, you can use “please provide me with the details” when asking for someone’s schedule.
It shows that you’d like to find out when they’re available to meet with you. You can specifically ask for their details to learn more.
You should try this when writing to your employer. It lets them know that you’re keen to meet as soon as they’re ready.
Also, this example will help you with it:
Dear Mrs. Murphy,
Please provide me with the details of your schedule over the next week.
I’d like to meet with you as soon as possible.
Thank you so much,
Sonia Moore