So, you want to know the best way to thank someone for asking a question, right?
However, you’re a bit worried that “thank you for asking” is rude or impolite.
Don’t worry; you have options! We’re here to help explain them to you.
This article will show you how to say “thank you for asking” in an email.
Is It Rude to Say “Thank You for Asking”?
It is not rude to say “thank you for asking.” In fact, it’s a polite phrase that shows you appreciate someone’s question.
Generally, it’s a personal and friendly way to show you appreciate someone’s question. It’s most effective if they’ve asked about you or your wellbeing.
For instance:
Thank you for asking about me. I’m doing okay, but I could be better.
It’s formal as well. So, it can work well when writing an email responding to someone’s question if you think it is of value.
Feel free to review the following sample email to learn more about it if you still need help:
Dear Billy,
It’s not a problem at all. Thank you for asking.
I’ll let you know as soon as I have an answer that will help you.
Kind regards,
Charlotte Shrewsbury
Pros
- The phrase is polite and shows you’re happy to receive a question from someone.
- It’s direct and formal, which works well when writing emails.
Cons
- It’s a bit generic.
- It can seem a bit flippant or sarcastic if used in the wrong tone.
So, “thank you for asking” is clearly an acceptable phrase in formal writing. But that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to it being your only option.
Keep reading to learn how to say “thank you for asking” politely. We’ve touched on some of the best synonyms to show you what other options you have.
What to Say Instead of “Thank You for Asking”
- Thank you for inquiring
- I’m grateful that you took the time to ask
- It’s kind of you to ask
- I appreciate your consideration
- Thanks for checking in
- I appreciate your asking
- I’m glad you asked
- Your interest in my well-being is truly appreciated
- I’m grateful for your concern
1. Thank You for Inquiring
It’s worth starting with something more formal. Something like “thank you for inquiring” is a great way to show someone how much you appreciate their question.
It’s a good professional synonym, but it isn’t quite as personal as “thank you for asking.”
So, this works better if you’re emailing a customer. It shows that you appreciate the questions they’ve come to you with.
Generally, the question a customer asks will relate more to your company than you. That’s why it’s less of a personal phrase and more of a professional one.
So, you can check out this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Miss Headcorn,
Thank you for inquiring about this product.
I have attached some information that might be beneficial for you to review.
All the best,
Poppy Naylor
2. I’m Grateful That You Took the Time to Ask
Next, you can write “I’m grateful that you took the time to ask.” This is a polite way to say “thank you for asking,” which shows how much you appreciate someone’s question.
Generally, it’s personal and sincere. So, it works really well when texting a coworker who might be checking in to see how you’re doing.
It’s a great way to remain friendly with the recipient of your text. It’ll let them know that you truly appreciate their question and value them for taking the time to reach out.
Also, you can review these text message samples to learn more:
Hey, Michael. I’m grateful that you took the time to ask about me. I’m doing much better now, thank you.
Well, I’m grateful that you took the time to ask. I’ve got a few things that I’d like to run through with you.
3. It’s Kind of You to Ask
We also recommend using “it’s kind of you to ask” as another way to say “thank you for asking.”
This is a friendly and polite alternative. It’s sincere and genuine, which shows you’re really happy someone has checked in with you to see how you’re doing.
Generally, you can use it when reaching out to your boss. They might have checked in with you if you’ve taken a few days off work (due to illness or otherwise).
Well, this phrase works well when replying to a text from your boss. It shows you appreciate them for checking in and would like to update them.
You can also review these message samples to learn a bit more:
It’s kind of you to ask about me at this time. I’m doing much better, and I expect to be back to work shortly.
It’s kind of you to ask, and I’ll let you know as soon as anything changes. Thank you!
4. I Appreciate Your Consideration
Going back to a more formal synonym, you can write “I appreciate your consideration.”
This phrase works well in professional emails. It shows you’re truly happy that someone came to you to ask a question, especially if it’s a more considerate one.
Try using it when writing to a client. It lets them know you’re happy to hear from them. It’s also a good chance to answer the questions they came to you with.
So, you can check out this email sample to learn a bit more:
Dear Mr. Kitt,
I appreciate your consideration at this time.
I have a few things to share with you about this, so I hope you have the time to learn from me.
Best regards,
Jessica Fork
5. Thanks for Checking In
It’s also good to write “thanks for checking in” as something more conversational and friendly.
Generally, a phrase like this will work best when texting a coworker. If they’ve reached out to you to see how you’re doing, this is a good chance to show your appreciation.
It’s kept simple by saying “thanks” instead of “thank you.” Also, “checking in” is a slightly more informal phrase, which is why it works better in texts.
Feel free to review these examples if you’re still stuck:
Hey, thanks for checking in with me. I’ll let you know as soon as I figure out what I’m doing next.
Well, thanks for checking in. I’m not entirely sure what to expect from this, but I’ll be in touch.
6. I Appreciate Your Asking
It’s also good to write “I appreciate your asking” instead of “thank you for asking.” This allows you to keep things more formal when you’re grateful that someone asked you a question.
Generally, you can use this when contacting your boss. It works really well in professional emails because it shows you’re happy to hear from someone.
So, if your boss reaches out to ask how you’re doing, you should reply with something like this.
You really can’t go wrong with it, and it’s a good chance to get in your boss’s good books.
Here is an email sample to help you if you’re still unsure:
Dear Mr. Jones,
I appreciate your asking regarding this situation.
I have a few updates that I’d be happy to share with you when I’m back in the office.
All the best,
Michelle Plaza
7. I’m Glad You Asked
You can also keep things more friendly and humble when saying “I’m glad you asked.”
This keeps things polite, but it also shows you appreciate someone for reaching out and asking about you.
Try using it when emailing a coworker. It’ll let them know that you’re touched by their message and you’d like them to know what’s going on in your life.
Here’s a great email sample to help you understand more about it:
Dear Jeff,
I’m glad you asked about this, and I’d be happy to share more.
Are you free to discuss this later in the week?
Yours,
Carla Chocolate
8. Your Interest in My Well-Being Is Truly Appreciated
We also think it’s good to stay formal with “your interest in my well-being is truly appreciated.”
Of course, this phrase is a bit more limited than some of the other synonyms.
After all, it works best after someone checks in to see how you’re doing.
You can use it when thanking your boss in an email. It’s professional and sincere, which often goes a long way in the workplace when you’d like to thank someone for seeing if you’re okay.
Here is a great example if you’re still confused:
Dear Mr. Froning,
Your interest in my well-being is truly appreciated.
I’m sure I’ll be fit and ready to rejoin the office by the end of the week.
Best regards,
Danielle Brandon
9. I’m Grateful for Your Concern
Finally, you can write “I’m grateful for your concern” instead of “thank you for asking.”
This keeps things professional and polite. So, it’s a great option when you’re sending an email to someone who’s checked in with you or asked how you’re doing.
For instance, you can use it when thanking a client. It’ll show them that you’re flattered they reached out.
Here’s a great sample email to help you with it:
Dear Ms. White,
I’m grateful for your concern at this time.
I’ll let you know as soon as I have any updates that might be beneficial to you.
All the best,
Michael Foster