20 Other Ways to Ask “When Is a Good Time?”

Asking “When is a good time?” is a courteous way to inquire about someone’s availability for a meeting, call, or other engagements.

However, sometimes you may need alternative phrasings to fit different contexts, levels of formality, or to simply add variety to your communication.

Below are 20 varied ways to ask about a convenient time, each with an example sentence and an explanation to illuminate its appropriate usage and nuance.

Informal Inquiries

1. When works best for you?
   • Example: “We need to catch up on the project status—when works best for you?”
   • Explanation: A casual way to ask for someone’s preference on scheduling without being too formal.
2. What time suits you?
   • Example: “I’d love to discuss the new design ideas. What time suits you?”
   • Explanation: A relaxed, yet polite way to ask for someone’s convenience while allowing them control over choosing the time.
3. When are you free?
   • Example: “I need help setting up my profile; when are you free to give me a hand?”
   • Explanation: This directly asks for a time when someone has no prior commitments and can help.
4. What’s a good time for a chat?
   • Example: “I’ve got news! What’s a good time for a chat?”
   • Explanation: An informal way to propose a conversation, implying a desire to catch up in a relaxed manner.
5. Got a minute anytime soon?
   • Example: “Hey, got a minute anytime soon? I need your advice on something.”
   • Explanation: A more colloquial way to request a short amount of someone’s time, indicating that the matter may not need a lengthy discussion.

Suggestions for Timing

6. Any chance you’re available [time/day]?
   • Example: “Any chance you’re available Tuesday afternoon for a quick meeting?”
   • Explanation: A way to suggest a potential time while still leaving the option open for the other person to decide.
7. Can we sync up [time/day]?
   • Example: “The report is nearly complete. Can we sync up later today to finalize it?”
   • Explanation: A modern way to propose a meeting time that fits both schedules, with a focus on collaboration or review.
8. Is [time/day] convenient for you?
   • Example: “We should review these contract changes—is Thursday morning convenient for you?”
   • Explanation: Polite and direct, this question proposes a specific time while asking for confirmation of its suitability.
9. Would [time/day] work for you?
   • Example: “I’d like to get your input on this. Would 3 PM work for you?”
   • Explanation: A straightforward and thoughtful way to ask if the proposed time aligns with the other person’s schedule.
10. How does [time/day] sound to you?
    • Example: “We need to finalize the guest list. How does Friday sound to you?”
    • Explanation: Implies a specific suggestion for timing and seeks the other person’s opinion on its suitability.

Professional Contexts

11. May I know your availability [time/day]?
    • Example: “To discuss the partnership terms, may I know your availability next week?”
    • Explanation: A formal and respectful way to inquire about someone’s free time in a professional setting.
12. What does your schedule look like [time/day]?
    • Example: “I value your feedback, what does your schedule look like on Monday?”
    • Explanation: Asks for details on someone’s commitments, presenting an opportunity to find a mutually convenient time slot.
13. At what time shall we convene?
    • Example: “We must address these issues post-haste. At what time shall we convene?”
    • Explanation: A more traditional and formal request for setting a meeting time, suitable for official business scenarios.
14. Is there a preferable time for our consultation/meeting?
    • Example: “Ahead of the audit, is there a preferable time for our consultation?”
    • Explanation: Professionally inquires about the other party’s preferred time for a scheduled formal discussion.
15. What slot works best in your agenda?
    • Example: “To align our strategies, what slot works best in your agenda?”
    • Explanation: This term is excellent for professional scheduling, asking for a selected time from someone’s calendar or planner.

Seeking Specificity

16. When do you have a slot open?
    • Example: “When do you have a slot open for us to go over your portfolio?”
    • Explanation: Asks for a specific time frame in the near future when the person is available for discussion.
17. When can we pencil something in?
    • Example: “Our collaboration is essential, so when can we pencil something in?”
    • Explanation: This question posits making a preliminary or tentative meeting plan, indicating flexibility in timing.
18. Do you have time this [time period]?
    • Example: “Do you have time this afternoon to help me with the budget forecast?”
    • Explanation: A way to ask about availability within a broadly defined time frame, focusing on the near term.
19. When would you be open for [activity/meeting]?
    • Example: “When would you be open for a follow-up session on the training?”
    • Explanation: Asks for a specific occasion when the person would be willing and ready to engage in the proposed activity.
20. Could you let me know your ideal timing?
    • Example: “For the upcoming workshop, could you let me know your ideal timing?”
    • Explanation: Seeks the best time from the other person’s perspective, ensuring the proposed event is as convenient as possible for them.

By carefully selecting the most suitable phrasing for the context and relationship, we can respectfully and effectively organize plans that accommodate everyone’s schedules.

These various approaches allow for clear communication and show consideration for the other party’s time and commitments.