“Sorry to keep you waiting” acknowledges that someone has had to wait for you, your reply, or a service. You can keep it simple with “Thanks for waiting,” be more formal with “I apologize for the delay,” or show appreciation with “Thank you for your patience.”
Decide Whether to Apologize or Thank Them
- Thank you for waiting
- Thank you for your patience
- I apologize for the delay
- Sorry for the wait
- Apologies for keeping you waiting
- Thanks for bearing with me
- I appreciate your patience
- Sorry for the delay
- Thank you for bearing with us
- I’m sorry this took longer than expected
- Thanks for hanging on
Thank you for waiting
A positive alternative that focuses on appreciation rather than the delay itself.
Example: Thank you for waiting—I’m ready to help you now.
Thank you for your patience
Professional and widely useful when the wait has been longer than expected.
Example: Thank you for your patience while we investigated the issue.
I apologize for the delay
More formal and appropriate when the delay was significant or caused inconvenience.
Example: I apologize for the delay in responding to your request.
Sorry for the wait
A concise, conversational version for in-person or informal situations.
Example: Sorry for the wait; the previous appointment ran over.
Apologies for keeping you waiting
Polished and professional, particularly in email or customer service.
Example: Apologies for keeping you waiting for an update.
Thanks for bearing with me
Friendly and useful when you needed extra time to finish or check something.
Example: Thanks for bearing with me while I pulled the figures together.
I appreciate your patience
Sincere and professional without overemphasizing fault.
Example: I appreciate your patience while we resolve this.
Sorry for the delay
A straightforward choice when the nature of the wait is already obvious.
Example: Sorry for the delay—your order is now on its way.
Thank you for bearing with us
Useful on behalf of a team or organization during a service delay.
Example: Thank you for bearing with us while the system was offline.
I’m sorry this took longer than expected
Specific and accountable when a task or response exceeded the expected time.
Example: I’m sorry this took longer than expected; the report is attached now.
Thanks for hanging on
Informal and friendly, often used during calls or brief waits.
Example: Thanks for hanging on—I’ve found the booking details.