When we express to someone that they can complete something “at your convenience”, we are saying that they may do so when it appeals, suits, or works best for them. However, this is a common phrase and it is always nice to be aware of useable alternatives.
The preferred version is “at your leisure”. This is because saying “at your leisure” is a very polite way of implying that someone may do something at their own speed or when it works best for them. There is no pressure or implication of a necessary deadline.
At Your Leisure
When we say to someone that they may complete a task “at your leisure”, we are attempting to say that they can do so at their own convenience, or when it is easiest for them to do so. This would be considered incredibly polite.
When we use a phrase like “at your leisure” we are attempting to imply that there is not a strict deadline and that this person shouldn’t feel pressured to rush themselves. This not only creates a less stressful situation, but it is considerate to the person from whom we are requesting something.
Here are a few examples of how we can use this phrase in a sentence:
- You can send that email at your leisure, there is no rush!
- Feel free to wander around at your leisure and take in the sights.
- You can send me those files at your leisure.
At A Suitable Time
Another phrase that we can use is “at a suitable time”. We can use this phrase when we wish to express to someone that a task may be completed or something may be accomplished in a period of time when they are free or able to do so.
Using the phrase “at a suitable time” allows for the person we are speaking to, to make a decision for themselves, as opposed to an imposed deadline. This puts the onus of completion on them, while also showcasing a level of trust in their abilities.
We will now look over the following examples:
- If you could complete the filing at a suitable time, I would appreciate it.
- That particular phone call can be made at a suitable time for you.
- Be sure to submit at a suitable time for yourself, as there is no need to rush.
In Your Own Time
“In your own time” is another excellent alternative phrase that we can use. When we say that something may be done “in your own time”, we are depicting that it may be accomplished at a time and rate decided by said individual.
This is another highly courteous way to leave a decision up to the individual in question. We are not hurrying someone and are giving them the appropriate amount of independence.
We can now look over a few examples of how to accurately use this phrase:
- Please feel free to send those emails in your own time.
- You can study in your own time, just ensure it gets done!
- Now, in your own time, tell me what happened.
Whenever You Like
Another superb alternative that we can choose to use is “whenever you like”. This is another great way of expressing that someone may do something at whatever time, or at any time that is most appropriate or easiest for them.
This would be considered another very polite phrase to use, however, we should only use this phrase when there is no strict deadline or necessity for quick completion.
Here are a few examples that we can look over that highlight the use of this phrase:
- You can feel free to come over whenever you like!
- We can head out tomorrow whenever you like.
- We’re able to leave whenever you like, so just let me know.
When You Have A Spare Moment
We can use “when you have a spare moment” very similarly to our other phrases. This is because when we say “when you have a spare moment”, we are expressing that something may be completed during someone’s free time or when they’re not busy.
At the same time, we can use “when you have a spare moment” to request that something is completed during someone’s next spare moment – which is also considered polite.
For additional information, we can look at the following examples that include this phrase:
- When you have a spare moment, could you send me those files?
- I’d appreciate it if you could complete that job when you have a spare moment.
- I’d like to have a conversation with you when you have a spare moment.
In Due Course
Another alternative that we can choose to use is “in due course”. We will use this phrase when we wish to express that someone should or can complete something at the appropriate time. This would be considered another formal and professional statement to use.
Generally, when we use the phrase “in due course” when we wish to imply that someone may accomplish something on their own terms but in a reasonable length of time.
Here are a few examples to look over, including this particular phrase:
- The task should be completed in due course.
- Please, send in the legal documents in due course, so we may begin.
- You can arrive in due course, as long as it is before noon.
Whenever You Can
We can use “whenever you can” consistently with our other alternate phrases. This is a very relaxed and mellow way of letting someone know that they are able to complete a task on their own terms or without any major expectations in regards to timing.
We would only use the phrase “whenever you can” when we genuinely feel that someone is able to take as much time as they may require, or that they can get around to it when it best suits them.
Some examples that showcase the use of this phrase are:
- Whenever you can, could you get to start the email list?
- You’re able to submit that to me whenever you can.
- You’re able to leave for the conference whenever you can.
Without Haste
Another fantastic alternative that we can choose to use is “without haste”. When we say to someone that something can be completed or accomplished “without haste”, we are saying that it can be done in a leisurely or unrushed manner.
This is another great way of telling someone that there is no need to hurry or any form of time restraint. This allows someone to feel relaxed while completing a task.
Here are a few examples that show how we can accurately use this phrase:
- You can arrive without haste, don’t worry!
- These tasks can be accomplished over a longer period of time and without haste.
- You can do that without haste or any urgency.
When You Get Around To It
We can use “when you get around to it” very similarly to all of the other alternative phrases that we have gone over. When we say to someone “when you get around to it” we are giving the person in question the choice of when to accomplish something.
This is a statement that can be used to show someone that there is no pressure on them to rush and that they may complete said task with ease.
We will now go over the following examples that showcase how to appropriately use this phrase:
- You can complete that article when you get around to it.
- When you get around to it, could you send me that fax?
- You’re able to do that when you can get around to it, just make sure it gets done.
When You’re Able To
The last alternative phrase that we will be going over is “when you’re able to”. When we say to someone that they are able to complete something “when you’re able to”, we are giving them the full decision on when to begin and accomplish a task.
Saying that someone can do something “when you’re able to” is considered to be quite considerate, especially when someone is already busy or overwhelmed by other tasks.
Lastly, we will look over our final examples that highlight the use of this phrase in a sentence:
- When you’re able to, could you meet me in my office for a discussion?
- I’d appreciate it if you could help me with something when you’re able to.
- If you could redo the filing system when you’re able to, that would be a huge help.
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