10 Formal Ways to Say “What Time Works Best for You”

Setting up formal meetings is already a challenge without worrying about your language choices. Sure, you can say “what time works best for you,” but it doesn’t sound particularly formal.

Luckily, you will learn about more formal ways to ask for a convenient time in this article.

  • When would you like to arrange this?
  • What time can you do?
  • I have arranged it for
  • Does [time] work for you?
  • Can you do [time]?
  • Is [time] okay?
  • Is there a specific time that works best?
  • What time would you like to do this?
  • When works best?
  • When can we sort this out?

“What time works best for you” isn’t the best phrase formally. So, keep reading to learn more about these formal synonyms and how to include them in an email.

1. When Would You Like to Arrange This?

One of the best questions to ask is “when would you like to arrange this?” It gives the recipient control of the situation, allowing them to choose the most suitable time.

Generally, this phrase works when emailing your colleagues. It’s an open-ended and friendly way to show that you’re allowing them to decide the best time to get something done.

You can also refer to this email sample to help you:

Dear Robert,

When would you like to arrange this? Let me know as soon as you decide on the best time.

All the best,
Sarah Parker

2. What Time Can You Do?

Another great way to give the recipient control is by asking “what time can you do?” It’s a great question because it checks the other person’s schedule before deciding on any final times.

This way, you can ensure that both you and the other party are free to meet. You should use it when emailing clients to find out what time suits them.

Of course, this phrase is most effective when you have an open schedule. The more time you have free, the easier it will be to find a suitable time for the meeting.

Here’s a quick email sample to show you how it works:

Dear Paul Rudder,

What time can you do? Let us know the times that work best, and we’ll decide when to host it.

Kind regards,
Mr. Denim

3. I Have Arranged It For

Perhaps you’ve already arranged a meeting, though. That’s okay. You just need to clarify that when writing about a meeting. Saying something like “I have arranged it for” is a confident way to confirm a meeting time.

It shows that you have already arranged the time and would like the recipient to agree (or disagree) with the plan. Of course, if they can’t make the arranged time, you may have to move some things around to accommodate them again.

This email example will help you understand it:

Dear Adrian Temper,

I have arranged it for tomorrow. I hope that works well for you. Of course, let me know if you need to change anything.

Best wishes,
Sam Bryant

4. Does [Time] Work For You?

Let’s assume you already have a time in mind. It’s worth throwing that time out there to see if you can get someone to agree.

Try using “does [time] work for you?” to ask about a specific time. Then, it encourages the email recipient to commit to the time already specified without putting up a fight.

We recommend referring to the following example to see how to use it:

Dear Russell,

Does 4 o’clock work for you? We can change the date and time as needed, but that’s the next slot we have available.

All the best,
Holly

5. Can You Do [Time]?

Another great way to specify the time is with “can you do [time]?” It’s a good question that shows you’ve already decided on the best time to host a meeting. All you need now is for the other party to agree.

It’s quite a confident and professional phrase. So, it’s worth using it in formal emails to get meetings and plans set up with very little hassle.

Here’s a good sample email to show you how it works:

Dear George,

Can you do 5.30? I would like to get the call done first, so we can focus on the meeting itself.

Yours,
Duncan Dunlop

6. Is [Time] Okay?

You could also ask “is [time] okay?” to determine whether a certain time works for someone. Generally, this is a less committal question, as you can always change the time if someone can’t do it.

We recommend this one when emailing your boss. It’s a little less confident than other choices, but it’s still respectful and polite. That’s why it works best when setting up a meeting with your boss.

The following example will help you understand it better:

Dear Sandra,

Is 3 okay? Could you please let me know if that time doesn’t work? Then I can decide on another one.

All the best,
Michelle

7. Is There a Specific Time That Works Best?

It’s always worth asking someone what time they can do something. Then, you can check your schedule to see if you can fit it in. So, why not ask “is there a specific time that works best?”

It’s a professional way to find out whether someone is free to see you. Once they’ve given you a reasonable time, you should double-check your diary to ensure you can meet with them.

Check out the example below to see how it works:

Dear Ruth,

Is there a specific time that works best? We’re happy to work around you but let us know when you’re available.

Kind regards,
Olivia Cowley

8. What Time Would You Like to Do This?

A simple question like “what time would you like to do this?” goes a long way in business emails. You should use it when setting up a meeting and finding out what time works best for someone.

It’s a very effective phrase that determines whether someone has the time to meet with you. Generally, this is a more efficient way to confirm plans with someone without throwing a random time and date at them.

You should also refer to this example:

Dear Zachary,

What time would you like to do this? We are very flexible, so we’re happy to let you decide.

Yours,
Brian Tate

9. When Works Best?

All you need is three simple words. “When works best?” The question itself isn’t wordy, but it’s effective. You should use it when figuring out plans with another party.

There’s no reason to overcomplicate your question. If you only want to find out what time someone can do something, you should ask something like this to see when they’re available.

They may even give you multiple options to choose from. That way, you’ll have more freedom to set up a meeting plan that works for both of you.

Here’s an example to show you how it works:

Dear Gavin,

Please let me know what works best. I would like to find out an appropriate time to get this set.

All the best,
Dylan Tomkins

10. When Can We Sort This Out?

It’s always best to work with the other party to sort plans out. You could ask “when can we sort this out?” in casual emails to find the best times that work for both people.

Including “we” in the question shows that you’d like to work closely with the recipient. It works best when emailing colleagues that you would like to set up a plan with (whether it’s inside or outside of work hours).

Check out the following example if you’re still stuck:

Dear Nic,

When can we sort this out? I would like it to be sooner rather than later to see what you have to say.

All the best,
Murphy