Introduction
In professional and casual conversations, we often need to check someone’s availability for a meeting, a discussion, or an event. The phrase “Are you available?” is commonly used, but in professional settings, using varied and more sophisticated language can enhance communication and leave a better impression.
This article explores 18+ professional synonyms for “Are you available?” and provides guidance on when to use them. Whether you’re emailing a colleague, texting a friend, or making a formal business request, these alternatives will help you sound polished and considerate.
Why Use Alternatives to “Are You Available?”
Using different expressions instead of repeatedly saying “Are you available?” can:
✅ Sound more professional and polite – especially in formal business emails.
✅ Convey urgency or flexibility depending on the tone and wording.
✅ Make communication more engaging and less repetitive.
✅ Improve clarity by specifying the type of availability needed.
Now, let’s explore some alternative ways to ask about someone’s availability.
1. Would you be available?
Best for: Professional emails, polite conversations
This version softens the directness of “Are you available?” and is ideal for business communication. The phrase adds a layer of courtesy while keeping the request clear.
👉 Example:
“Would you be available for a quick call tomorrow at 3 PM?”
2. Do you have a moment?
Best for: Quick check-ins, informal workplace conversations
This phrase is great for situations where you need someone’s attention for a short period. It’s often used in office settings.
👉 Example:
“Hey Sarah, do you have a moment to discuss the client’s request?”
3. Could we schedule a time to talk?
Best for: Business meetings, project discussions
If you want to sound polite and professional, this phrase makes your request more structured. It’s useful when discussing schedules in corporate settings.
👉 Example:
“Could we schedule a time to talk about the quarterly report next week?”
4. Are you free to chat?
Best for: Casual work conversations, friendly business interactions
This alternative is slightly more informal and works well for colleagues, clients, or friends when arranging a quick discussion.
👉 Example:
“Are you free to chat this afternoon about the proposal?”
5. Can we find a time to connect?
Best for: Networking, professional connections
This phrase is often used in professional networking or sales-related conversations. It sounds polite and open-ended.
👉 Example:
“Can we find a time to connect later this week about the partnership?”
6. Would you be open to a quick call?
Best for: Cold emails, networking conversations
Using “open to” makes your request sound less demanding and gives the recipient room to decline politely.
👉 Example:
“Would you be open to a quick call next week to discuss potential collaboration?”
7. Is now a good time?
Best for: Immediate conversations, phone calls
This phrase is ideal when you want to check if someone is available at that moment without being too direct.
👉 Example:
“Hi Mark, is now a good time to go over the project details?”
8. Can we set up a time to meet?
Best for: Formal meetings, professional emails
This phrase is professional yet straightforward, making it suitable for work-related discussions.
👉 Example:
“Can we set up a time to meet and go over the contract terms?
9. Would you be able to meet at [time]?
Best for: Scheduling specific meetings
This is a more direct but still polite way to ask about availability.
👉 Example:
“Would you be able to meet at 2 PM tomorrow to finalize the budget?”
10. Can I book some time with you?
Best for: Professional appointments, respectful requests
This phrase is useful when speaking with senior professionals or clients, as it shows respect for their schedule.
👉 Example:
“Can I book some time with you next week to discuss my performance review?”
11. Do you have any availability this week?
Best for: Flexible scheduling requests
This phrase allows the recipient to suggest a time that works best for them.
👉 Example:
“Do you have any availability this week for a quick check-in?”
12. Could we arrange a time to talk?
Best for: Formal discussions, professional meetings
Similar to “Could we schedule a time to talk?” but slightly more flexible in tone.
👉 Example:
“Could we arrange a time to talk about your feedback on the report?”
13. When would be a convenient time for you?
Best for: Respectful scheduling, client communication
This phrase puts the other person’s availability first, making it polite and professional.
👉 Example:
“When would be a convenient time for you to discuss the project updates?
14. May I have a moment of your time?
Best for: Formal settings, professional inquiries
This is a respectful way to request someone’s attention, often used in formal business environments.
👉 Example:
“May I have a moment of your time to go over the strategy proposal?”
15. Can we touch base soon?
Best for: Informal work conversations, check-ins
This is a casual yet professional way to suggest a future discussion.
👉 Example:
“Can we touch base soon about the marketing campaign updates?”
16. Would you be free for a brief chat?
Best for: Light professional conversations
This phrase ensures the recipient knows the discussion will be short, making them more likely to say yes.
👉 Example:
“Would you be free for a brief chat this afternoon?”
17. I’d love to set up a time to talk.
Best for: Friendly, professional emails
This phrase adds a positive, inviting tone.
👉 Example:
“I’d love to set up a time to talk about your ideas for the next project.”
18. Can we grab some time to talk?
Best for: Casual work conversations
This is a friendly and informal way to check availability.
👉 Example:
“Can we grab some time to talk about the new client request?”
12 User-Friendly Texting Examples
1️⃣ “Hey, would you be available for a quick call this afternoon?”
2️⃣ “Do you have a moment to chat?”
3️⃣ “Would you be open to a call sometime this week?”
4️⃣ “Hey, can we set up a time to talk?”
5️⃣ “Are you free to catch up later today?”
6️⃣ “Could we arrange a quick meeting tomorrow?”
7️⃣ “Is now a good time to talk?”
8️⃣ “Do you have any availability this week?”
9️⃣ “Would you be able to meet on Thursday?”
🔟 “Can we find a time to connect soon?”
1️⃣1️⃣ “Hey, can I book some time with you?”
1️⃣2️⃣ “Would you be free for a brief chat later?”
Conclusion
Choosing the right alternative to “Are you available?” depends on the tone, context, and level of formality needed. Whether you’re emailing a client, texting a colleague, or networking, using varied and polite phrases helps make communication smoother and more effective.
Try using these professional, polite, and engaging alternatives in your daily conversations to sound more confident and respectful.
