10 Polite Ways to Say “Are You Available”

Are you about to ask for someone’s availability but worry that “are you available” is a bit demanding?

Well, you’ve got options! We’ll explore some great alternatives that convey a polite and respectful tone.

Here are the best polite synonyms for “are you available”:

• Do you have a moment to talk?
• Could you spare some time?
• Are you free to discuss this?
• Can you spare a minute?
• If you’re not busy, could we talk?
• Is now a good time for a call?
• Is it a good time for a quick call?
• Please let me know when you have some availability
• If it’s convenient for you, could we chat?
• Please let me know your availability

Keep reading to learn what to say instead of “are you available.” There are some great options out there, and we can’t wait to get into them.

1. Do You Have a Moment to Talk?

If you want to know how to say “are you available” politely, look no further than “do you have a moment to talk?” It doesn’t get more polite and respectful than that.

You should use it when asking your boss for a meeting. It shows you’d like to reach out and meet with them, but you will only do so as long as it fits into their schedule.

Generally, this is a great phrase to use in formal emails. It shows you respect the recipient enough to ask for their permission before continuing a discussion.

You can also refer to this email example:

Dear Mr. Kingston,

Do you have a moment to talk? It’s important that we discuss the new system, as I have a few ideas to help us.

Best,
Freya Wilkinson

2. Could You Spare Some Time?

You can also use “could you spare some time?” as another way to say “are you available.”

It’s a great choice because it shows you’d like the recipient to work around you.

We recommend using it if you’re asking for help. It shows you’d like to meet with someone and could use their suggestions or input before moving forward.

For instance, you can use it when emailing a business partner. It shows you would like to check whether they have the time before you ask them for anything specific.

Here’s a great example to show you more about it:

Dear Hazel,

Could you spare some time today for a meeting? I’d like to hear your ideas about this before I finalize it with the board.

Yours,
Richard Wyatt

3. Are You Free to Discuss This?

You may also write “are you free to discuss this?” as a polite way to say “are you available.” It’s very useful when you have a specific topic in mind already.

We recommend using it when arranging meetings with colleagues. It shows you’d like to hear from them or meet up to discuss something.

This could be a good way to arrange a quick meeting. It lets your coworkers know you won’t take too much of their time, but you’d still like to hear what they have to say.

This email sample should also help you with it:

Dear Sarah,

Are you free to discuss this? It would help if we could meet up tomorrow to better understand what’s happening.

Yours,
George Woodley

4. Can You Spare a Minute?

For a slightly simpler alternative, you can ask “can you spare a minute?” It’s a little more conversational, but it’s still good as a polite way to ask “are you available?”

You can use it when emailing employees. It keeps things fairly light and informal, which could help to take the pressure off the situation when you’re trying to ask employees for help.

Generally, if you care about your employees, you should use language like this every now and then. It’s a great way to break up the usual formality of business emails.

We also recommend reviewing the following example:

Dear Suzanne,

Can you spare a minute? I’d like to meet with you today to discuss a few of the changes we’re going through.

Best wishes,
Ruth Ginger

5. If You’re Not Busy, Could We Talk?

It’s always good to check whether someone’s busy before asking for help. That’s why you can start an email with “if you’re not busy, could we talk?”

Initially, saying “if you’re not busy” shows you respect someone’s busy schedule. It lets them know you’ll understand if they can’t make time for you.

However, you can include “could we talk?” after to show that you’re open to a discussion. If the recipient can make the time, you’d truly appreciate meeting them.

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

Dear Mr. Porter,

If you’re not busy, could we talk? I have some great ideas that I’d like to run by you before we move on.

All the best,
Sophie Muller

6. Is Now a Good Time for a Call?

Let’s say you want to reach out and ask someone to call you. What’s the best way to go about that?

Well, it’s best to remain friendly and positive. And that’s why we think “is now a good time for a call?” works so well.

You should use this when emailing a coworker. It’s much more friendly than your usual formal question, so it works best when you have a good relationship in place.

Generally, it’ll encourage your coworker to respond with a time when they’re free. They may be free immediately (which would be ideal), or they may provide a slightly more suitable time.

If you’re still unsure, check out this email sample:

Dear Louis,

Is now a good time for a call? I’m excited to move this project forward, but I need to know if you’re ready.

Yours,
Duncan Kirk

7. Is It a Good Time for a Quick Call?

Another great way to ask “are you available” is “is it a good time for a quick call?” This is a friendly alternative that shows you’d like to call someone to have a chat.

Generally, the inclusion of “quick” makes this phrase much more light-hearted and polite. It shows you’re trying to avoid putting pressure on the other party to answer your call.

We recommend it when emailing an applicant. It shows you’re interested in hearing from them, but you need to find out when they’re free to have a proper conversation.

A “quick call” is usually more of an introduction than a full-blown discussion. Use it when you’re trying to get to know someone better.

This email example will also help you:

Dear Jack,

Is it a good time for a quick call? I’d like to get you booked for an interview, but I have yet to receive an email from you.

Kind regards,
Mr. Beckett

8. Please Let Me Know When You Have Some Availability

We also think it’s worth using “please let me know when you have some availability.”

It’s a great phrase to include in professional emails when you’d like to know someone’s schedule.

As with many of the synonyms we’ve listed, this one allows you to work around someone’s free time. It shows you’re happy to see how a meeting might impact their schedule.

Try using it when arranging a meeting with clients. It’s a great way to let them choose a suitable time without telling them when works best for you.

Why not refer to the following email example as well:

Dear Mr. Carlson,

Please let me know when you have some availability. I’d like to book you for a meeting if it’s all the same for you.

All the best,
Bethany Woodchurch

9. If It’s Convenient for You, Could We Chat?

Convenience is the key when arranging times and dates. “If it’s convenient for you” is a great way to start a formal question asking for availability.

You can also include “could we chat?” as the question after checking the convenience. It shows you’d like to have a quick conversation to arrange something with the other party.

We also recommend reviewing this email sample before you leave:

Dear Miss Smith,

If it’s convenient for you, could we chat? I’m worried about the changes happening, so I’d like to air a few things.

Thank you so much,
Ben Dickinson

10. Please Let Me Know Your Availability

Not every synonym for “are you available” has to be a question. Sometimes, it’s better to use a direct and formal statement. That’s where “please let me know your availability” comes in.

You can say “please let me know your availability” when arranging a meeting with a coworker. It shows you respect their schedule and treat them as equals.

It’s a great way to build trust and friendship between colleagues. We highly recommend it the next time you’d like to arrange something with a colleague.

Here’s a great sample email to help you understand it better:

Dear Julio,

Please let me know your availability tomorrow. I’d like to arrange the meeting, but I don’t know when you’re free.

Best regards,
Tom Walker