The Diplomatic Approach: Formal Ways to Say “Does That Work for You?”

Engaging in professional correspondence often requires a level of formality and politeness that goes beyond everyday conversation. One frequently used phrase is “Does that work for you?” which, while perfectly acceptable in many contexts, can feel too casual or blunt in formal settings. When scheduling meetings, proposing plans, or confirming arrangements, it’s vital to be both clear and courteous. To assist you in navigating these situations with poise and professionalism, we’ve compiled a range of formal alternatives.

Understanding The Context

Before diving into the alternatives, it’s crucial to understand the context in which you’re communicating:

• Audience: Who are you speaking to? A client? A superior? A peer?
• Purpose: What are you trying to achieve with your communication?
• Medium: Are you communicating through email, a formal letter, or another platform?

Table of Alternative Phrases

Here are some tactful and professional alternatives to the commonplace “Does that work for you?”

Informal Phrase	Formal Alternative	When to Use
Does that work for you?	Is this agreeable to you?	General inquiry if a suggestion fits another party’s availability
	Would this be convenient for you?	Checking on the convenience of a suggested time or arrangement
	May I confirm this as satisfactory?	Looking for final confirmation of agreement on a matter
	Does this arrangement meet your approval?	Seeking a positive or negative response on a specific proposal
	Could we settle on this as a suitable option?	Attempting to reach mutual agreement
	Is this time acceptable to you?	Scheduling meetings with consideration for the other’s schedule

Crafting Your Message

Formal Greetings and Openings

Begin your communication with appropriate greetings and introductions. A few examples include:

• Dear [Name/Title],
• Greetings [Name/Title],
• Respected [Name/Title],

Using Keywords Naturally

Incorporate the key phrase naturally throughout your content, striking a balance between clarity and keyword usage for the sake of SEO:

• Ensuring Mutual Convenience: When scheduling a meeting, it’s crucial to find a time that is mutually convenient. You might ask, “Is this time acceptable to you?” to ensure that the proposed slot works for both parties.
• Final Confirmations: As we draw closer to finalizing plans, we might seek confirmation with a phrase like, “May I confirm this as satisfactory?”
• Expressing Flexibility: To show that you are open to adjustments, you could say, “Could we settle on this as a suitable option?”

Concluding With Courtesy

End your message with a polite closing, leaving room for further dialogue:

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• I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
• Please feel free to suggest an alternative if the proposed time does not suit your schedule.
• Thank you for considering my request. I am open to any suggestions you may have.

Example Email Using Formal Alternatives

Best Pens For Note Taking

Dear Dr. Smith,

I hope this message finds you well. As we had discussed, I am eager to move forward with the project planning phase. Would this be convenient for you if we scheduled our kickoff meeting for next Thursday at 10 AM? Should this timing present any conflicts on your end, kindly suggest a more suitable moment for our discussion.

Your expertise and input are invaluable to the success of this project, so I am keen to ensure we select a time that is agreeable to you.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your affirmative response.

Warm regards,


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[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company]

In summary, selecting a more formal alternative to “Does that work for you?” demonstrates professionalism and respect for the recipient’s time and position. By incorporating these alternatives naturally into your correspondence and being mindful of the context and your audience, you can enhance both the effectiveness of your communication and the impression you leave on your professional contacts.