In email, “please wait” can sound abrupt because the recipient cannot see what you are doing or how long the delay will be. A better message usually acknowledges the delay, says what you are doing, and gives a realistic next step. “Thank you for your patience” is a good general choice.
Waiting Phrases at a Glance
- Thank you for your patience
- Please bear with me
- I appreciate your patience while I look into this
- I’ll get back to you shortly
- Please allow me a little time to review this
- I’ll come back to you as soon as I can
- I’m looking into this and will update you soon
- Could I ask you to hold off until Friday?
- I’ll need a little more time to confirm the details
- Thank you for bearing with me
- I appreciate your understanding while this is being resolved
The Best Phrase Depends on What They Are Waiting For
- Your reply: “Thank you for your patience while I look into this.”
- A short delay: “I’ll get back to you shortly.”
- No exact timeframe: “I’ll come back to you as soon as I can.”
- They need to pause an action: “Could I ask you to hold off until Friday?”
- Ongoing problem: “I appreciate your understanding while this is being resolved.”
Thank you for your patience
The safest general alternative, especially when the recipient is already waiting.
Example: “Thank you for your patience while I confirm the details.”
Please bear with me
Polite and conversational, though slightly less formal.
Example: “Please bear with me while I check this with the finance team.”
I appreciate your patience while I look into this
More informative because it explains what is happening.
Example: “I appreciate your patience while I look into the discrepancy.”
I’ll get back to you shortly
Useful only when you genuinely expect to respond soon.
Example: “I’ll get back to you shortly once I have confirmed the figures.”
Please allow me a little time to review this
Clear and respectful when the task needs careful attention.
Example: “Please allow me a little time to review the documents before I respond.”
I’ll come back to you as soon as I can
Natural and flexible when you cannot promise an exact time.
Example: “I’ll come back to you as soon as I can with a full answer.”
I’m looking into this and will update you soon
Reassuring because it tells the recipient that action is already underway.
Example: “I’m looking into this and will update you soon.”
Could I ask you to hold off until Friday?
Best when the recipient needs to delay an action rather than merely wait for your reply.
Example: “Could I ask you to hold off until Friday while we confirm the final numbers?”
I’ll need a little more time to confirm the details
Honest and specific when the delay is unavoidable.
Example: “I’ll need a little more time to confirm the details, but I’ll update you tomorrow.”
Thank you for bearing with me
Warm and suitable when there has already been some delay or inconvenience.
Example: “Thank you for bearing with me while we resolve this.”
I appreciate your understanding while this is being resolved
More formal and useful for service problems or ongoing issues.
Example: “I appreciate your understanding while this is being resolved.”
Give a Timeframe When You Can
“Please wait” is frustrating when the reader has no idea whether the delay is ten minutes or ten days. If possible, say “I’ll update you by Thursday” or “I expect to have an answer this afternoon.”
Do Not Promise “Shortly” Unless You Mean It
Words such as “soon” and “shortly” create expectations. If you are unsure when you can respond, a truthful phrase such as “I’ll come back to you as soon as I can” is better.