In this article, we explore 30 ways to say “Sorry to keep you waiting” in an email, complete with examples and contextual guidance. Whether you’re writing a formal message or a casual follow-up, you’ll find phrasing that fits. 30 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” in an Email (With Examples)
Why Finding the Right Words Matters
Apologies in professional emails are more than just good manners—they reflect your communication style and attention to relationships. Using varied language:
- Prevents repetition
- Shows thoughtfulness
- Enhances reader engagement
- Demonstrates emotional intelligence
Being intentional about your words also aligns with Google’s E-A-T principles by showing your expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in communication.
30 Polished Alternatives to “Sorry to Keep You Waiting”
Below are 30 alternative phrases categorized by tone and context. Use them as needed to match your audience and situation. 30 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” in an Email (With Examples)
1. Neutral and Professional
These phrases are ideal for general business communication.
- Thank you for your patience.
- I appreciate your understanding while I get back to you.
- Apologies for the delay in response.
- I apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.
- Thank you for bearing with me.
Example:
“Thank you for your patience while I gathered the required information.”
2. Warm and Empathetic
Use these when you want to convey genuine empathy or maintain a friendly tone.
- I appreciate you waiting.
- Thank you so much for your understanding.
- I’m grateful for your patience.
- Sorry for the delay—I truly appreciate your flexibility.
- Thanks for hanging in there.
Example:
“I’m grateful for your patience as I worked through the backlog.”
3. Time-Specific Acknowledgment
These options are helpful when referencing a specific timeframe.
- Sorry for the wait over the weekend.
- Thank you for your patience this past week.
- Apologies for the delay this morning.
- I appreciate your understanding during this busy period.
- I know it’s been a few days—thank you for waiting.
Example:
“Sorry for the delay over the holiday weekend, and thank you for waiting.”
4. Casual and Friendly
Ideal for colleagues or informal settings.
- Thanks for waiting on me!
- Appreciate you hanging in there.
- Sorry for taking a bit to get back to you.
- Thanks for your patience—things got a little hectic!
- Apologies for the slow reply.
Example:
“Apologies for the slow reply—it’s been a whirlwind!”
5. Action-Oriented Follow-Ups
Great when you want to acknowledge the delay and immediately shift to action.
- Now that I’ve had a chance to look into it…
- Let’s get things moving again.
- Thanks for your patience—here’s the next step.
- Sorry for the delay—let’s dive in.
- I’ve reviewed everything, and here’s where we stand.
Example:
“Now that I’ve reviewed the materials, here are my thoughts.”
When to Use Which Phrase?
Choosing the right alternative depends on: 30 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” in an Email (With Examples)
- Your relationship with the recipient (formal vs. informal)
- The length of the delay (a few hours vs. several days)
- The context (internal team update vs. client proposal)
Quick Guide:
| Situation | Suggested Phrase |
| Client delay (formal) | “I appreciate your understanding while I get back to you.” |
| Internal casual message | “Thanks for waiting on me!” |
| Post-holiday follow-up | “Sorry for the delay over the weekend.” |
| After lengthy research | “Now that I’ve reviewed everything…” |
Tips for Writing Effective Apology Emails
To make your emails more impactful: 30 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” in an Email (With Examples)
- Acknowledge the delay honestly
- Keep your tone professional yet personable
- Provide context if appropriate
- Offer next steps or actions
- Keep it concise
For more email-writing tips, check out our Ultimate Guide to Professional Email Etiquette.
Final Thoughts
Saying “Sorry to keep you waiting” doesn’t have to be your default. With these 30 alternatives, you can tailor your response based on the tone, audience, and situation while keeping your communication fresh and effective.
Being thoughtful in your emails reflects well on you and your brand, especially when delays happen.
Ready to Upgrade Your Email Communication?
Bookmark this guide and refer to it whenever you’re stuck on how to phrase a delay. Better yet, share it with your team so everyone can communicate with clarity and empathy.
Need help crafting better emails? Check out our Email Templates Library for ready-to-use messages across various scenarios. 30 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” in an Email (With Examples)
Stay professional, stay human!