In professional and everyday communication, asking someone to be patient is often necessary—but how you say it matters. A poorly worded request can sound dismissive, rushed, or even disrespectful. A well-chosen phrase, on the other hand, shows professionalism, empathy, and control of the situation.
Whether you’re managing expectations with a client, coordinating with colleagues, or responding to a delay, using polite and thoughtful language helps maintain trust and goodwill. This guide presents 35 refined, professional ways to ask someone to be patient, complete with explanations, examples, and guidance on choosing the right phrase for every context.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
The phrase you choose should match the tone, urgency, and relationship involved. Here’s how to decide:
Formal Situations
Use polished, respectful expressions when communicating with:
- Clients or customers
- Senior leadership
- External partners or vendors
- Academic or official contacts
Semi-Formal Situations
Balanced phrasing works best for:
- Colleagues and teammates
- Cross-department communication
- New professional relationships
Casual Situations
Lighter, friendly alternatives fit:
- Internal chats
- Familiar coworkers
- Low-stakes conversations
Examples of Situational Use
- Client delay: “Thank you for your patience while we complete the review.”
- Team update: “Please bear with us as we finalize the details.”
- Customer support: “We appreciate your patience during this process.”
- Internal coordination: “Kindly allow us a bit more time.”
35 Polite Ways to Ask Someone to Be Patient
1. “Thank you for your patience.”
Meaning: Expresses appreciation while acknowledging a delay.
Examples:
- Thank you for your patience while we review your request.
- Thank you for your patience as our team completes the process.
- Thank you for your patience during this transition.
- Thank you for your patience while we finalize the details.
- Thank you for your patience—we’ll update you shortly.
Why it works: Grateful tone shifts focus from delay to appreciation.
2. “We appreciate your patience.”
Meaning: Polite and professional acknowledgment of waiting.
Examples:
- We appreciate your patience as we resolve this matter.
- We appreciate your patience during the review period.
- We appreciate your patience while improvements are underway.
- We appreciate your patience and understanding.
- We appreciate your patience as we work through the process.
Why it works: Sounds respectful and team-oriented.
3. “Please bear with us.”
Meaning: Requests understanding during a temporary delay.
Examples:
- Please bear with us while we confirm the information.
- Please bear with us as updates are implemented.
- Please bear with us during this short delay.
- Please bear with us while we finalize the report.
- Please bear with us—we’ll respond shortly.
Why it works: Direct but polite, suitable for many settings.
4. “Kindly allow us a little more time.”
Meaning: Courteous request for additional time.
Examples:
- Kindly allow us a little more time to complete the task.
- Kindly allow us a little more time for review.
- Kindly allow us a little more time to respond accurately.
- Kindly allow us a little more time to confirm details.
- Kindly allow us a little more time to proceed.
Why it works: Softens the request with respectful wording.
5. “Your understanding is greatly appreciated.”
Meaning: Thanks the recipient for being patient.
Examples:
- Your understanding is greatly appreciated during this delay.
- Your understanding is greatly appreciated as we proceed.
- Your understanding is greatly appreciated while we finalize matters.
- Your understanding is greatly appreciated at this stage.
- Your understanding is greatly appreciated—thank you.
Why it works: Polite and emotionally considerate.
6. “We kindly ask for your patience.”
Meaning: Formal and respectful request.
Examples:
- We kindly ask for your patience during the review.
- We kindly ask for your patience while changes are applied.
- We kindly ask for your patience as we investigate.
- We kindly ask for your patience at this time.
- We kindly ask for your patience until completion.
Why it works: Clear and professional.
7. “Please allow some additional time.”
Meaning: Neutral request without apology.
Examples:
- Please allow some additional time for processing.
- Please allow some additional time for confirmation.
- Please allow some additional time to complete the task.
- Please allow some additional time for review.
- Please allow some additional time for response.
Why it works: Calm and business-appropriate.
8. “We are currently working on it.”
Meaning: Reassures progress while asking patience indirectly.
Examples:
- We are currently working on it and will update you.
- We are currently working on it with priority.
- We are currently working on it and appreciate your patience.
- We are currently working on it behind the scenes.
- We are currently working on it and thank you for waiting.
Why it works: Reduces frustration by showing action.
9. “Thank you for your continued patience.”
Meaning: Acknowledges longer waiting periods.
Examples:
- Thank you for your continued patience during this process.
- Thank you for your continued patience as we proceed.
- Thank you for your continued patience while we address this.
- Thank you for your continued patience—we value it.
- Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.
Why it works: Ideal for extended timelines.
10. “We appreciate your understanding.”
Meaning: Expresses gratitude without emphasizing delay.
Examples:
- We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
- We appreciate your understanding while we proceed.
- We appreciate your understanding as we resolve this.
- We appreciate your understanding during this stage.
- We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Why it works: Polite and emotionally intelligent.
11. “Please remain patient.”
Meaning: Direct but still respectful.
Examples:
- Please remain patient while we confirm details.
- Please remain patient during the update.
- Please remain patient as we investigate.
- Please remain patient—we’ll respond shortly.
- Please remain patient during processing.
Why it works: Clear and efficient.
12. “Thank you for waiting.”
Meaning: Simple acknowledgment of delay.
Examples:
- Thank you for waiting—we appreciate it.
- Thank you for waiting while we check.
- Thank you for waiting during the process.
- Thank you for waiting—we’ll be in touch.
- Thank you for waiting and understanding.
Why it works: Friendly and concise.
13. “We ask for your understanding at this time.”
Meaning: Formal request for patience.
Examples:
- We ask for your understanding at this time.
- We ask for your understanding during this transition.
- We ask for your understanding while changes occur.
- We ask for your understanding as we proceed.
- We ask for your understanding until completion.
Why it works: Suitable for official communication.
14. “Please excuse the delay.”
Meaning: Polite acknowledgment paired with patience request.
Examples:
- Please excuse the delay in our response.
- Please excuse the delay while we reviewed the details.
- Please excuse the delay—we appreciate your patience.
- Please excuse the delay in processing.
- Please excuse the delay and thank you for waiting.
Why it works: Takes responsibility gracefully.
15. “We appreciate your time and patience.”
Meaning: Combines respect for time and waiting.
Examples:
- We appreciate your time and patience during this process.
- We appreciate your time and patience as we proceed.
- We appreciate your time and patience throughout.
- We appreciate your time and patience—thank you.
- We appreciate your time and patience while we complete this.
Why it works: Sounds considerate and professional.
16. “Please allow us to complete the process.”
Meaning: Politely asks not to rush.
Examples:
- Please allow us to complete the process carefully.
- Please allow us to complete the process as planned.
- Please allow us to complete the process thoroughly.
- Please allow us to complete the process before updating.
- Please allow us to complete the process fully.
Why it works: Sets boundaries without tension.
17. “We are addressing this as quickly as possible.”
Meaning: Reassures urgency while asking patience.
Examples:
- We are addressing this as quickly as possible.
- We are addressing this as quickly as possible and appreciate patience.
- We are addressing this as quickly as possible with care.
- We are addressing this as quickly as possible—thank you.
- We are addressing this as quickly as possible behind the scenes.
Why it works: Balances urgency and professionalism.
18. “Your patience is appreciated.”
Meaning: Short and polite acknowledgment.
Examples:
- Your patience is appreciated during this delay.
- Your patience is appreciated as we proceed.
- Your patience is appreciated while we review.
- Your patience is appreciated—thank you.
- Your patience is appreciated at this time.
Why it works: Clear and courteous.
19. “We thank you for your cooperation.”
Meaning: Formal recognition of patience.
Examples:
- We thank you for your cooperation during this process.
- We thank you for your cooperation and patience.
- We thank you for your cooperation at this stage.
- We thank you for your cooperation while we proceed.
- We thank you for your cooperation throughout.
Why it works: Professional and authoritative.
20. “Please give us a moment.”
Meaning: Casual, short-term patience request.
Examples:
- Please give us a moment to check.
- Please give us a moment while we confirm.
- Please give us a moment to respond.
- Please give us a moment—we’re reviewing now.
- Please give us a moment to complete this.
Why it works: Friendly and quick.
21. “We appreciate your flexibility.”
Meaning: Thanks adaptability and patience.
Examples:
- We appreciate your flexibility during this process.
- We appreciate your flexibility as timelines adjust.
- We appreciate your flexibility and patience.
- We appreciate your flexibility at this stage.
- We appreciate your flexibility while we proceed.
Why it works: Positive and collaborative tone.
22. “Please allow us some time to review.”
Meaning: Respectful request for review time.
Examples:
- Please allow us some time to review your request.
- Please allow us some time to review internally.
- Please allow us some time to review the details.
- Please allow us some time to review thoroughly.
- Please allow us some time to review and respond.
Why it works: Clear and professional.
23. “We will get back to you shortly.”
Meaning: Implies patience without asking directly.
Examples:
- We will get back to you shortly with updates.
- We will get back to you shortly after review.
- We will get back to you shortly—thank you.
- We will get back to you shortly once confirmed.
- We will get back to you shortly as discussed.
Why it works: Reduces uncertainty.
24. “Please wait while we look into this.”
Meaning: Polite real-time patience request.
Examples:
- Please wait while we look into this.
- Please wait while we look into this matter.
- Please wait while we look into this further.
- Please wait while we look into this internally.
- Please wait while we look into this for you.
Why it works: Reassuring and transparent.
25. “We appreciate your patience during this time.”
Meaning: Acknowledges situational delays.
Examples:
- We appreciate your patience during this time.
- We appreciate your patience during this process.
- We appreciate your patience during these changes.
- We appreciate your patience during the review.
- We appreciate your patience during this transition.
Why it works: Calm and empathetic.
26. “Please hold while we assist you.”
Meaning: Common in service contexts.
Examples:
- Please hold while we assist you.
- Please hold while we assist you further.
- Please hold while we assist you with this request.
- Please hold while we assist you shortly.
- Please hold while we assist you now.
Why it works: Familiar and polite.
27. “Thank you for your patience as we work through this.”
Meaning: Acknowledges complexity.
Examples:
- Thank you for your patience as we work through this.
- Thank you for your patience as we work through the details.
- Thank you for your patience as we work through the process.
- Thank you for your patience as we work through the update.
- Thank you for your patience as we work through this together.
Why it works: Human and collaborative.
28. “Please allow us to address this properly.”
Meaning: Requests time for quality handling.
Examples:
- Please allow us to address this properly.
- Please allow us to address this properly and fully.
- Please allow us to address this properly before responding.
- Please allow us to address this properly internally.
- Please allow us to address this properly for accuracy.
Why it works: Signals professionalism.
29. “We are working diligently on this.”
Meaning: Emphasizes effort and care.
Examples:
- We are working diligently on this request.
- We are working diligently on this matter.
- We are working diligently on this and appreciate patience.
- We are working diligently on this behind the scenes.
- We are working diligently on this for resolution.
Why it works: Builds confidence.
30. “Your patience helps us ensure accuracy.”
Meaning: Explains why waiting matters.
Examples:
- Your patience helps us ensure accuracy.
- Your patience helps us ensure accuracy and quality.
- Your patience helps us ensure accuracy in results.
- Your patience helps us ensure accuracy during review.
- Your patience helps us ensure accuracy—thank you.
Why it works: Justifies the delay positively.
31. “Please be assured we are handling this.”
Meaning: Reassuring patience request.
Examples:
- Please be assured we are handling this.
- Please be assured we are handling this carefully.
- Please be assured we are handling this promptly.
- Please be assured we are handling this internally.
- Please be assured we are handling this for you.
Why it works: Reduces anxiety.
32. “We appreciate your patience while we finalize.”
Meaning: Final-stage patience request.
Examples:
- We appreciate your patience while we finalize the report.
- We appreciate your patience while we finalize details.
- We appreciate your patience while we finalize internally.
- We appreciate your patience while we finalize arrangements.
- We appreciate your patience while we finalize next steps.
Why it works: Sets clear expectation.
33. “Please give us time to complete this properly.”
Meaning: Requests patience for quality reasons.
Examples:
- Please give us time to complete this properly.
- Please give us time to complete this properly and fully.
- Please give us time to complete this properly before delivery.
- Please give us time to complete this properly for accuracy.
- Please give us time to complete this properly as planned.
Why it works: Professional and transparent.
34. “We thank you for your patience and cooperation.”
Meaning: Formal appreciation phrase.
Examples:
- We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
- We thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout.
- We thank you for your patience and cooperation during review.
- We thank you for your patience and cooperation at this stage.
- We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we proceed.
Why it works: Polished and authoritative.
35. “We appreciate your patience as we move forward.”
Meaning: Signals progress while asking patience.
Examples:
- We appreciate your patience as we move forward.
- We appreciate your patience as we move forward with updates.
- We appreciate your patience as we move forward together.
- We appreciate your patience as we move forward carefully.
- We appreciate your patience as we move forward with next steps.
Why it works: Positive and forward-looking.
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
Before selecting a phrase, consider:
- Tone: Formal, neutral, or friendly
- Audience: Client, manager, colleague, or customer
- Urgency: Immediate response vs extended timeline
- Context: Delay, review, investigation, or update
- Medium: Email, message, call, or announcement
Mini Examples
- Client email: “Thank you for your patience while we review.”
- Team chat: “Please give us a moment.”
- Official notice: “We kindly ask for your patience.”
Quick One-Line Templates
- Thank you for your patience while we review this.
- We appreciate your understanding during this process.
- Please allow us a little more time to respond.
- Kindly bear with us as we finalize details.
- We are currently working on this.
- Your patience is greatly appreciated.
- Please excuse the delay and thank you for waiting.
- We’ll get back to you shortly—thank you for your patience.
- We appreciate your flexibility during this time.
- Thank you for your continued patience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sounding impatient or dismissive
- Over-apologizing unnecessarily
- Using overly casual phrases in formal settings
- Giving no reassurance or timeline
- Repeating the same phrase excessively
FAQ
1. Is it better to thank someone than ask them to wait?
Yes. Gratitude feels more respectful than direct requests.
2. Can these phrases be used in emails?
Absolutely—most are ideal for professional emails.
3. Which phrase is best for clients?
“Thank you for your patience” or “We appreciate your understanding.”
4. Are these suitable for customer support?
Yes, especially reassuring phrases like “We’re working on it.”
5. Should I always explain the delay?
Brief explanations help, but avoid unnecessary detail.
6. Can these be used in chat messages?
Yes—choose shorter, friendlier options.
Conclusion
Asking someone to be patient is a delicate communication skill. When done politely and thoughtfully, it strengthens trust, reduces frustration, and reinforces professionalism. By choosing the right phrase for the right situation, you show respect for both the person and the process.
Use these alternatives to communicate delays with confidence, clarity, and courtesy—and turn waiting moments into positive interactions.
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