In professional communication, a simple question like “Are you available?” can feel too abrupt, too casual, or too repetitive—especially in emails, scheduling messages, or client communication. The way you ask for someone’s availability sets the tone of your interaction: polished, respectful, and intentional.
To help you elevate your messaging, this guide offers refined, modern, and versatile alternatives to “Are you available?”—each with clear examples and usage notes so you can apply them instantly.
Whether you’re reaching out to a client, scheduling a meeting with colleagues, or coordinating with a manager, these phrases will help you sound professional and confident every time.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Different contexts call for different tones:
Formal or Client-Facing Communication
Use polished phrases such as:
- “May I know your availability for…?”
- “Could you share a suitable time for…?”
Internal Team Communication
Opt for simple, conversational lines like:
- “Do you have a moment to discuss…?”
- “When works best for you?”
Scheduling, Meetings, and Follow-Ups
Prefer clear, actionable phrasing:
- “Please let me know your preferred time.”
- “What time would be convenient for you?”
Choosing the right tone ensures your message comes across as considerate—not demanding.
Professional Alternatives to “Are You Available?”
Below are 35 polished, modern, and natural-sounding alternatives, each with meaning, examples, and a note on why it works.
1. May I know your availability?
Meaning: A polite request for someone’s schedule.
Example: May I know your availability for a brief discussion tomorrow?
Why it works: Formal, respectful, and suitable for external communication.
2. Could you share a suitable time for us to talk?
Meaning: Invites the other person to propose a time.
Example: Could you share a suitable time for us to connect this week?
Why it works: Shows flexibility and courtesy.
3. When would be a convenient time for you?
Meaning: Focuses on the recipient’s comfort.
Example: When would be a convenient time for you to review the proposal?
Why it works: Polite and considerate.
4. Do you have a moment to discuss this?
Meaning: Asks for brief availability.
Example: Do you have a moment to discuss the revised plan?
Why it works: Friendly and efficient.
5. Are you free to talk sometime today?
Meaning: A casual but professional check-in.
Example: Are you free to talk sometime today about the client update?
Why it works: Simple, clear, and straightforward.
6. What time works best for you?
Meaning: Opens the schedule fully to the recipient.
Example: What time works best for you for our onboarding call?
Why it works: Flexible and collaborative.
7. Please let me know a time that suits you.
Meaning: Requests a preferred time from the recipient.
Example: Please let me know a time that suits you for the follow-up meeting.
Why it works: Polished and respectful.
8. Are you open for a quick call?
Meaning: Checks availability for a short conversation.
Example: Are you open for a quick call regarding tomorrow’s agenda?
Why it works: Friendly and modern.
9. Would you be available for a meeting tomorrow?
Meaning: A direct inquiry for a specific date.
Example: Would you be available for a meeting tomorrow afternoon?
Why it works: Clear and specific.
10. Could we schedule a brief conversation?
Meaning: Suggests planning a short talk.
Example: Could we schedule a brief conversation about the update?
Why it works: Professional and concise.
11. When can we connect?
Meaning: A broad request for timing.
Example: When can we connect to finalize the deliverables?
Why it works: Simple and neutral.
12. Do you have availability this week?
Meaning: Asks for time within a timeframe.
Example: Do you have availability this week for a project review?
Why it works: Clear and time-bound.
13. Can we set up a time to talk?
Meaning: Suggests scheduling.
Example: Can we set up a time to talk about next steps?
Why it works: Direct but polite.
14. Would now be a good time to speak?
Meaning: Checks immediate availability.
Example: Would now be a good time to speak about the report?
Why it works: Considerate and non-disruptive.
15. When are you free for a quick chat?
Meaning: Requests a short window of time.
Example: When are you free for a quick chat about the update?
Why it works: Casual yet professional.
16. Please share your preferred meeting time.
Meaning: Asks for the recipient’s chosen slot.
Example: Please share your preferred meeting time for tomorrow’s briefing.
Why it works: Efficient and formal.
17. Is there a good time for us to connect today?
Meaning: Suggests connecting within the day.
Example: Is there a good time for us to connect today?
Why it works: Specific, respectful.
18. Could you let me know when you’re free?
Meaning: General availability inquiry.
Example: Could you let me know when you’re free to discuss the revisions?
Why it works: Warm and natural.
19. Please advise on your availability.
Meaning: Requests clarity on schedule.
Example: Please advise on your availability for a short discussion.
Why it works: Formal and professional.
20. Would you have some time later today?
Meaning: Asks for time soon, without pressure.
Example: Would you have some time later today to review the document?
Why it works: Soft and polite.
21. When can you meet?
Meaning: Direct inquiry for a meeting.
Example: When can you meet to finalize the design?
Why it works: Simple and clear.
22. Can we find a time that works for both of us?
Meaning: Suggests collaborative scheduling.
Example: Can we find a time that works for both of us this week?
Why it works: Balanced and considerate.
23. Could you confirm your availability?
Meaning: Asks for a definite response.
Example: Could you confirm your availability for Thursday’s session?
Why it works: Professional and assertive.
24. Are you able to meet sometime this afternoon?
Meaning: Checks availability within a timeframe.
Example: Are you able to meet sometime this afternoon to discuss the launch?
Why it works: Gentle and specific.
25. When would you prefer to schedule this?
Meaning: Allows full flexibility.
Example: When would you prefer to schedule this discussion?
Why it works: Very recipient-focused.
26. Do you have a preferred time for the meeting?
Meaning: Asks for the person’s scheduling preference.
Example: Do you have a preferred time for the meeting tomorrow?
Why it works: Smooth and accommodating.
27. Let me know the best time to reach you.
Meaning: Requests a specific contact window.
Example: Let me know the best time to reach you today.
Why it works: Clear and respectful.
28. Are you available for a brief check-in?
Meaning: Requests a short meeting or update.
Example: Are you available for a brief check-in this morning?
Why it works: Light and efficient.
29. Can we coordinate a time to speak?
Meaning: Suggests cooperating on schedules.
Example: Can we coordinate a time to speak about the timeline?
Why it works: Polished and collaborative.
30. Would you mind sharing your available time slots?
Meaning: Requests the recipient’s schedule options.
Example: Would you mind sharing your available time slots for tomorrow?
Why it works: Polite, gentle, and very professional.
31. When are you next available?
Meaning: Asks about the next open time.
Example: When are you next available to review the draft?
Why it works: Clear and straightforward.
32. Is this a good time to connect?
Meaning: Checks real-time availability.
Example: Is this a good time to connect on the budget changes?
Why it works: Respectful and concise.
33. Could we arrange a quick touch-base?
Meaning: Suggests a short meeting.
Example: Could we arrange a quick touch-base today?
Why it works: Modern and corporate-friendly.
34. Would now be an appropriate time to call?
Meaning: Polite inquiry for real-time speaking.
Example: Would now be an appropriate time to call regarding your request?
Why it works: Formal and considerate.
35. Let me know when it’s convenient for you to chat.
Meaning: Prioritizes the other person’s schedule.
Example: Let me know when it’s convenient for you to chat about the proposal.
Why it works: Warm and professional.
Quick One-Line Templates
Use these ready-made lines when you need quick, polished phrasing:
- “Please let me know your availability for a quick meeting.”
- “When would be a good time for us to connect?”
- “Could you share a suitable time for a discussion?”
- “Do you have a moment to talk today?”
- “Please advise on a convenient time for you.”
- “Let me know when you’re free to discuss this.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When replacing “Are you available?”, watch out for:
- Being too vague (e.g., “Let’s talk sometime”)
- Sounding demanding (“I need you to be available”)
- Overusing formal phrases in casual settings
- Requesting immediate responses without courtesy
- Sending multiple follow-ups too quickly
- Using unclear time frames
Keep your message clear, respectful, and considerate of others’ schedules.
FAQ
1. Is “Are you available?” unprofessional?
No, but it can sound abrupt or overly casual depending on the context.
2. What’s the best phrase for client emails?
Use formal options like “May I know your availability?” or
“Could you share a suitable time for us to talk?”
3. What should I use for quick internal chats?
Friendly options like “Do you have a moment?” work well.
4. How do I ask for availability politely?
Use softeners such as “may,” “could,” or “would.”
5. Can I ask for immediate availability?
Yes—just phrase it gently, like “Would now be a good time to speak?”
Final Thoughts
Professional communication is about clarity and tone—and the way you ask for someone’s availability significantly shapes both. By using polished, modern alternatives to “Are you available?”, you make your messages sound more respectful, intentional, and effective.
With these 35 phrases, templates, and guidelines, you’re fully equipped to communicate with confidence—whether you’re scheduling a client call, coordinating with teammates, or initiating a follow-up.
DISCOVER MORE ARTICLES
35+ Polite Idiom Alternatives to “Not the Sharpest Tool in the Shed”
Best Professional Alternatives to “First of Its Kind” (40+ Options)
Professional Synonyms for “For More Information”: 30+ Powerful Alternatives
