35 Other Ways to Say ‘When Is a Good Time’ (With Examples)

When we communicate with others, choosing the right phrases makes all the difference, and knowing Other Ways to Say ‘When Is a Good Time’ ensures messages sound warmer and more genuine. In my experience, using thoughtful and polite wording helps me connect better with a colleague or client. Showing care, respect, and a touch of warmth while asking about availability reflects how much we value someone’s time. An alternative or polished phrase often feels more personal and refined, avoiding repetition and creating a smoother tone.

Over time, I’ve seen how alternative expressions improve clarity while adding ease to conversations. Whether in an email or face-to-face, a refined approach with different alternatives smooths communication. Asking something like, “What’s a good moment for you?” feels lighter and kinder than rigid wording. With mindful grammar choices and empathy, conversations flow naturally, leaving both sides feeling understood and respected.

What Does “When Is a Good Time” Mean?

The phrase “When Is a Good Time?” is a simple, polite way of asking someone when they’re available. It respects the other person’s schedule and avoids being pushy. Instead of assuming when they’re free, you invite them to share the timing that works best for them.

When to Use “When Is a Good Time”

You use this phrase in both personal and professional contexts:

• To schedule meetings with colleagues.
• To ask friends when to call or visit.
• To set up appointments politely without sounding demanding.

It’s a versatile phrase that balances respect and efficiency.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “When Is a Good Time”?

Yes-  it’s both professional and polite. This phrase is widely accepted in business and casual conversations. It’s polite because it doesn’t impose on someone’s time and professional because it fits workplace communication standards.

Pros or Cons

Pros:

• Polite and respectful.
• Universally understood.
• Works in professional and personal settings.

Cons:

• It may sound generic if overused.
• Lacks warmth compared to more personalized alternatives.

When Is a Good Time Synonyms:

• What time works best for you?
• When would be convenient for you?
• What’s a good time for us to connect?
• When would you be free to talk?
• Is there a time that works for you?
• Could you let me know when you’re available?
• When would suit you best?
• Do you have a preferred time?
• Is there a time that’s good for you?
• What’s your schedule like?
• What would be a good time for you?
• Could you share a time that works for you?
• When do you usually have time?
• Do you have a moment this week?
• What time would be most convenient?
• When can I reach you?
• What’s the best time for you?
• When are you usually free?
• Can you suggest a good time?
• Do you have time later today?
• When are you available to meet?
• What time would you prefer?
• Do you have a good time in mind?
• Could you tell me when you’re free?
• When is a good moment for you?
• When can we set up a time?
• Is there a time that’s better for you?
• When can I catch you?
• What time suits you?
• When would you like to talk?
• Can we find a good time?
• Do you have a slot free?
• What’s a good time for us to chat?
• When can we connect?
• When are you comfortable meeting?

What time works best for you?

Meaning:
A considerate way to ask when someone prefers to meet or talk.

Explanation:
This phrase shows flexibility and respect, signaling that you value their schedule and don’t want to impose.

Example:
“I’d love to set up a quick chat. What time works best for you?”

Best Use:
When emailing a colleague, client, or new contact.

Worst Use:
With close friends, it may feel overly formal.

Tone:
Professional, respectful.

When would be convenient for you?

Meaning:
Asking about the most comfortable and easiest time for someone.

Explanation:
This alternative emphasizes the other person’s convenience, showing courtesy and professionalism.

Example:
“I want to discuss the proposal. When would be convenient for you?”

Best Use:
Professional meetings, client interactions.

 Worst Use:
Casual chats with family or friends.

Tone:
Formal, polite.

What’s a good time for us to connect?

Meaning:
A friendly way of asking when both people can talk.

Explanation:
This alternative adds warmth and feels more personal, making it great for maintaining relationships.

Example:
“It’s been a while! What’s a good time for us to connect?”

Best Use:
Catching up with colleagues or friends.

Worst Use:
In urgent or time-sensitive situations.

Tone:
Friendly, thoughtful.

When would you be free to talk?

Meaning:
Asking someone about their availability in a direct yet polite way.

Explanation:
This phrase is simple and clear. It’s polite but less formal, perfect for day-to-day use.

Example:
“I have a few updates. When would you be free to talk?”

Best Use:
Quick emails or text messages.

Worst Use:
With clients, where more polished phrasing is expected.

Tone:
Neutral, casual.

Is there a time that works for you?

Meaning:
Asking whether the person has a suitable time available.

Explanation:
This alternative keeps the tone respectful while leaving room for flexibility.

Example:
“We should finalize the details. Is there a time that works for you?”

Best Use:
Polite but casual emails.

Worst Use:
Highly formal communication.

Tone:
Respectful, flexible.

Could you let me know when you’re available?

Meaning:
Requesting the other person to share their free time.

Explanation:
This phrase shows that you’re willing to adjust based on their schedule, which conveys politeness.

Example:
“Could you let me know when you’re available? I’ll make sure to adjust accordingly.”

Best Use:
Professional communication, scheduling meetings.

Worst Use:
Too formal for close friends.

Tone:
Polite, professional.

When would suit you best?

Meaning:
Asking about the most suitable time for the other person.

Definition:
A refined scheduling phrase, often used in formal or British-style communication.

Explanation:
This alternative feels elegant and polished, making it ideal for formal situations.

Example:
“I’d love to go over the report. When would suit you best?”

Best Use:
Formal business settings.

Worst Use:
Informal conversations with friends.

Tone:
Polished, formal.

Do you have a preferred time?

Meaning:
Asking if the other person already has a specific time in mind.

Explanation:
This version subtly communicates respect for their priorities while keeping the tone professional.

Example:
“Do you have a preferred time for the project call?”

Best Use:
Client communications.

Worst Use:
Casual, everyday chats.

Tone:
Professional, courteous.

Is there a time that’s good for you?

Meaning:
Asking for a time that’s suitable for the other person.

Definition:
A flexible scheduling phrase that allows them to decide on the timing.

Explanation:
This alternative mirrors the original phrase but feels slightly softer.

Example:
“Is there a time that’s good for you to go over the changes?”

Best Use:
Professional but flexible settings.

Worst Use:
When you need urgency or a firm commitment.

Tone:
Neutral, polite.

What’s your schedule like?

Meaning:
Asking broadly about someone’s availability.

Explanation:
It feels informal and opens space for them to explain when they’re free.

Example:
“What’s your schedule like this week? Maybe we can find a time to meet.”

Best Use:
Informal conversations, light professional chats.

Worst Use:
Highly formal client communication.

Tone:
Friendly, casual.

What would be a good time for you?

Meaning:
Asking directly when the person thinks it’s suitable to meet or talk.

Explanation:
This phrasing gives the person ownership of the decision, showing respect for their time.

Example:
“I’d like to go over the new contract. What would be a good time for you?”

Best Use:
Business and semi-formal conversations.

Worst Use:
In urgent cases where a specific time is required.

Tone:
Polite, considerate.

Could you share a time that works for you?

Meaning:
Asking someone to tell you when they are available.

Explanation:
By asking them to “share,” this phrase feels collaborative instead of demanding.

Example:
“We need to finalize the agenda. Could you share a time that works for you?”

Best Use:
Polite workplace communication.

Worst Use:
Casual talks with friends.

Tone:
Cooperative, professional.

When do you usually have time?

Meaning:
Asking about their typical free time rather than a specific slot.

Explanation:
It helps if you need recurring meetings or want to know their routine.

Example:
“When do you usually have time? Maybe we can make this a weekly check-in.”

Best Use:
Setting regular or recurring schedules.

Worst Use:
Formal client meetings.

Tone:
Friendly, relaxed.

Do you have a moment this week?

Meaning:
Asking if the person has free time within the week.

Explanation:
It creates a sense of urgency without sounding pushy.

Example:
“I’d love to hear your feedback. Do you have a moment this week?”

Best Use:
Workplace conversations with colleagues.

Worst Use:
Formal negotiations or sensitive matters.

Tone:
Casual, respectful.

What time would be most convenient?

Meaning:
Asking when it would be easiest for them to meet.

Explanation:
This approach shows thoughtfulness by focusing on their ease.

Example:
“Let’s go over the final edits. What time would be most convenient?”

Best Use:
Professional communication, especially with clients.

Worst Use:
Informal settings with family or friends.

Tone:
Polished, formal.

When can I reach you?

Meaning:
Asking about the best time to contact someone.

Explanation:
This is direct and clear, suitable for conversations requiring follow-up.

Example:
“I’ll have the draft ready tomorrow. When can I reach you?”

Best Use:
Phone calls, professional check-ins.

Worst Use:
Too abrupt for sensitive discussions.

Tone:
Direct, professional.

What’s the best time for you?

Meaning:
Asking for the ideal moment that fits their schedule.

Explanation:
It gives the impression you’ll adjust around their needs.

Example:
“We need to finalize the report. What’s the best time for you?”

Best Use:
Professional and personal conversations.

Worst Use:
Rarely inappropriate but may feel repetitive if overused.

Tone:
Neutral, versatile.

When are you usually free?

Meaning:
Asking about their common free times or routines.

Explanation:
This works well when setting recurring chats or informal catch-ups.

Example:
“When are you usually free? Maybe we can set a weekly call.”

Best Use:
Friends, colleagues you talk to often.

Worst Use:
Formal emails to clients.

Tone:
Relaxed, conversational.

Can you suggest a good time?

Meaning:
Ask them to recommend a time that works for them.

Explanation:
This phrase feels proactive yet respectful, shifting the responsibility of choice to them.

Example:
“I’d like to discuss the updates. Can you suggest a good time?”

Best Use:
Workplace or semi-formal settings.

Worst Use:
Extremely formal business meetings.

Tone:
Cooperative, polite.

Do you have time later today?

Meaning:
Asking whether they’re free on the same day.

Explanation:
This works when urgency or immediacy is required without being too forceful.

Example:
“I need your quick input. Do you have time later today?”

Best Use:
Fast-moving work environments.

Worst Use:
Formal meetings that require advance scheduling.

Tone:
Casual, timely.

When are you available to meet?

Meaning:
Asking when the other person can make time for a meeting.

Definition:
A polite scheduling phrase used to directly confirm their availability.

Explanation:
This is clear and professional, making it suitable for business contexts.

Example:
“We need to finalize the pitch deck. When are you available to meet?”

Best Use:
Business or professional settings.

Worst Use:
Informal chats with friends-  it may sound stiff.

Tone:
Formal, professional.

What time would you prefer?

Meaning:
Asking for their personal preference when choosing a time.

Explanation:
This phrase gives control to the other person, emphasizing their priorities.

Example:
“We need to schedule our weekly update. What time would you prefer?”

Best Use:
With clients or team members.

Worst Use:
Urgent cases where flexibility isn’t possible.

Tone:
Respectful, polite.

Do you have a good time in mind?

Meaning:
Asking if they already know a time that works for them.

Explanation:
It shows you’re open to their suggestions rather than dictating options.

Example:
“I’d like to catch up on the project. Do you have a good time in mind?”

Best Use:
Colleagues and friends.

Worst Use:
Very formal business discussions.

Tone:
Friendly, cooperative.

Could you tell me when you’re free?

Meaning:
Ask the person to share their availability directly.

Explanation:
This phrase is straightforward and flexible-  it works in most contexts.

Example:
“Could you tell me when you’re free? I’ll fit it into my schedule.”

Best Use:
Professional and personal conversations.

Worst Use:
It may sound too casual in very formal situations.

Tone:
Neutral, polite.

When is a good moment for you?

Meaning:
Asking about the right opportunity or time to talk.

Explanation:
This phrase feels warmer and more personal, adding a human touch.

Example:
“When is a good moment for you? I’d love to share the updates.”

Best Use:
Semi-formal or casual conversations.

Worst Use:
Highly professional emails.

Tone:
Warm, conversational.

When can we set up a time?

Meaning:
Asking about scheduling collaboratively.

Explanation:
It feels active and cooperative, suggesting teamwork in finding a slot.

Example:
“When can we set up a time to finalize the draft?”

Best Use:
Workplace collaboration.

 Worst Use:
One-sided conversations where only one person decides.

Tone:
Cooperative, proactive.

Is there a time that’s better for you?

Meaning:
Asking whether one time might be more suitable than another.

Explanation:
This alternative communicates sensitivity to their needs.

Example:
“I can be flexible. Is there a time that’s better for you?”

Best Use:
Negotiating schedules with clients or coworkers.

Worst Use:
Casual, everyday interactions.

Tone:
Polite, considerate.

When can I catch you?

Meaning:
Asking about the best time to get hold of someone.

Explanation:
It’s direct and conversational, useful for short interactions.

Example:
“When can I catch you? I just need a quick update.”

Best Use:
Friendly workplace chats.

Worst Use:
Formal emails-  it may feel too casual.

Tone:
Informal, approachable.

What time suits you?

Meaning:
Asking which time fits into their schedule best.

Explanation:
This is flexible and universal, making it a go-to alternative.

Example:
“What time suits you? We can adjust accordingly.”

Best Use:
Business meetings, social plans.

Worst Use:
Rarely inappropriate but may sound too brief in formal contexts.

Tone:
Versatile, polite.

When would you like to talk?

Meaning:
Asking when they would prefer a conversation.

Explanation:
This alternative softens the tone by focusing on their preference.

Example:
I’d like to go over the numbers. When would you like to talk?”

Best Use:
Both personal and professional conversations.

Worst Use:
Urgent or time-limited situations.

Tone:
Polite, thoughtful.

Can we find a good time?

Meaning:
Suggesting the idea of working together to choose a time.

Explanation:
It avoids sounding demanding and instead frames scheduling as teamwork.

Example:
“Can we find a good time to review the proposal?”

Best Use:
Cooperative professional environments.

Worst Use:
Highly formal settings-  it may feel too relaxed.

Tone:
Collaborative, friendly.

Do you have a slot free?

Meaning:
Ask if the person has an opening in their schedule.

Explanation:
Short and efficient, this phrase works well in busy environments.

Example:
“Do you have a slot free tomorrow for a quick update?”

Best Use:
Workplace communication, scheduling short meetings.

Worst Use:
Personal conversations-  it may sound mechanical.

Tone:
Efficient, professional.

What’s a good time for us to chat?

Meaning:
Asking for the best time to have a casual or friendly talk.

Explanation:
This alternative adds warmth and makes the conversation less rigid.

Example:
“It’s been a while! What’s a good time for us to chat?”

Best Use:
Friends, colleagues, and informal settings.

Worst Use:
High-level business negotiations.

Tone:
Casual, warm.

When can we connect?

Meaning:
Asking for a time to link up or talk.

Explanation:
Widely used in networking and business, it sounds positive and relationship-focused.

Example:
“I’d love to hear more about your work. When can we connect?”

Best Use:
Networking, professional introductions.

Worst Use:
Casual family conversations.

Tone:
Professional, optimistic.

When are you comfortable meeting?

Meaning:
Asking about a time that feels comfortable for the other person.

Explanation:
This phrase goes beyond availability and shows genuine care for their comfort.

Example:
When are you comfortable meeting? I want to make sure it works for you.”

Best Use:
Sensitive contexts, client relationships.

Worst Use:
Extremely casual chats.

Tone:
Empathetic, respectful.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right words matters more than most people realize. A simple question like “When is a good time?” carries weight-  it sets the tone for respect, patience, and care in communication. By exploring these 35 thoughtful alternatives, you now have a toolbox of phrases that can adapt to any situation-  whether you’re writing a professional email, checking in with a friend, or coordinating with a client.

The beauty of these expressions is that they give flexibility. Instead of sounding demanding or rushed, they allow the other person to feel valued. That’s how strong relationships-  personal and professional-  are built. The right phrase shows that you’re not just focused on logistics; you’re also mindful of the other person’s time, energy, and comfort.

In fast-paced conversations, defaulting to the same phrases over and over can sound robotic. But when you replace “When Is a Good Time?” with something more personalized, you add warmth and sincerity to your message. That small shift makes a lasting impression, showing empathy and genuine care.

So next time you need to schedule a chat, ask for a favor, or follow up, pause for a moment. Choose words that fit the moment and reflect your tone. With these alternatives, you’ll never run out of meaningful ways to connect.

FAQs

What does “When is a good time?” mean?

It’s a polite way to ask about someone’s availability. It shows respect for their schedule by letting them decide what time works best for them.

Is it professional to say “When is a good time”?

Yes, it’s polite and acceptable in most workplace settings. However, using alternatives like “What time works best for you?” can sound more polished and thoughtful.

How can I make “When is a good time” sound warmer?

You can add personal touches such as: “When’s a good time to connect? I’d love to hear your thoughts.” This makes the message feel more inviting and human.

What are better alternatives to emails?

Phrases like “Would you mind letting me know your availability?” or “When would it be most convenient for you?” work well in emails, as they’re professional and considerate.

Can I use “When is a good time” with friends?

Absolutely. While it’s often used in professional settings, it also works casually. For friends, you might use warmer versions like, “When’s a good time to catch up?”