The phrase “at your convenience” is common in English. You hear it in emails, meetings, and polite requests. It means “whenever it suits you” or “when you have time.”
But using the same phrase again and again can sound repetitive, stiff, or even cold.
Choosing the right alternative matters. One phrase can sound warm and respectful. Another can sound distant or overly formal.
In business, the wrong tone can hurt clarity. In daily conversation, it can feel unnatural.
Learning multiple ways to express the same idea helps you sound fluent, confident, and human. It improves your emails, essays, conversations, and professional communication.
Formal: “Please respond at your convenience.”
Informal: “Get back to me when you can.”
Same idea. Different tone. Big difference.
What Does “At Your Convenience” Mean?
Student-friendly meaning:
It means you can choose the time that suits you best.
Grammar form:
A polite prepositional phrase often used in requests.
Similar tone words:
Whenever you like, when it suits you, when you have time
Opposite tone ideas:
Immediately, as soon as possible, without delay
Sample sentences:
- Please call me at your convenience.
- Review the document at your convenience.
When to Use “At Your Convenience”
Spoken English
Used politely, but sounds formal in casual talk.
Business English
Very common. Polite, safe, but slightly old-fashioned.
Emails and messages
Works well in professional emails. Can feel cold in friendly chats.
Social media
Rarely used. Sounds too stiff.
Academic writing
Acceptable in formal requests or instructions.
Professional meetings
Used when giving someone flexible timing without pressure.
Is “At Your Convenience” Polite or Professional?
Yes, it is polite. But tone matters.
- Polite: Yes
- Neutral: Yes
- Soft: Sometimes
- Strong: No
- Formal: Yes
- Informal: No
Etiquette tip:
Good for formal emails. Avoid in friendly or modern workplace chats where warmth matters.
Pros & Cons of Using “At Your Convenience”
✔ Pros:
- Polite and respectful
- Widely understood
- Safe for formal emails
✘ Cons:
- Sounds distant
- Overused
- Can feel passive or cold
Quick Alternatives List (For Busy Readers)
- When you have time
- At a time that suits you
- Whenever works for you
- When it’s convenient for you
- In your own time
- At your earliest convenience
- Feel free to
- Let me know what works for you
- When you’re available
- At a suitable time
- At a time of your choosing
- When you get a chance
- At your discretion
- As per your schedule
- Whenever you’re ready
- On your end
- At a time that works best for you
When You Have Time
Meaning:
When you are free.
Explanation:
This sounds warm and natural. It feels human and relaxed.
Grammar note:
Time clause.
Example sentence:
Call me when you have time.
Best use:
Emails, workplace, friendly messages
Worst use:
Legal or strict academic writing
Tone:
Friendly, soft
Level:
Beginner
Similarity score:
8/10
Replaceability tip:
Use this when you want to sound polite but relaxed.
Whenever Works for You
Meaning:
Any time you choose.
Explanation:
Flexible and modern. Shows respect for the other person’s schedule.
Grammar note:
Clause phrase.
Example sentence:
We can meet whenever works for you.
Best use:
Workplace, emails, meetings
Worst use:
Formal legal writing
Tone:
Professional, friendly
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity score:
9/10
Replaceability tip:
Perfect replacement in modern business English.
At a Time That Suits You
Meaning:
At a comfortable time for you.
Explanation:
Slightly formal. Popular in UK English.
Grammar note:
Formal phrase.
Example sentence:
Please respond at a time that suits you.
Best use:
Formal emails, UK workplaces
Worst use:
Casual chat
Tone:
Polite, formal
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity score:
10/10
Replaceability tip:
Use when you want a polished tone.
When It’s Convenient for You
Meaning:
When it fits your schedule.
Explanation:
Direct but polite. Slightly less stiff than the original phrase.
Grammar note:
Adjective clause.
Example sentence:
Let me know when it’s convenient for you.
Best use:
Emails, meetings
Worst use:
Very casual texting
Tone:
Neutral, professional
Level:
Beginner
Similarity score:
9/10
Replaceability tip:
A safe everyday option.
At Your Earliest Convenience
Meaning:
As soon as you reasonably can.
Explanation:
Adds urgency without pressure.
Grammar note:
Formal phrase.
Example sentence:
Please reply at your earliest convenience.
Best use:
Business emails
Worst use:
Casual conversation
Tone:
Formal, polite
Level:
Advanced
Similarity score:
8/10
Replaceability tip:
Use when timing matters.
Feel Free To
Meaning:
You are welcome to.
Explanation:
Friendly and open. Removes pressure.
Grammar note:
Imperative phrase.
Example sentence:
Feel free to call me later.
Best use:
Workplace chats, emails
Worst use:
Strict instructions
Tone:
Friendly
Level:
Beginner
Similarity score:
6/10
Replaceability tip:
Use when flexibility matters more than timing.
Let Me Know What Works for You
Meaning:
Tell me your preferred time.
Explanation:
Collaborative and respectful.
Grammar note:
Sentence phrase.
Example sentence:
Let me know what works for you.
Best use:
Meetings, planning
Worst use:
Formal legal text
Tone:
Professional, friendly
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity score:
7/10
Replaceability tip:
Great for scheduling.
When You’re Available
Meaning:
When you are free.
Explanation:
Direct and clear.
Grammar note:
Time clause.
Example sentence:
Call me when you’re available.
Best use:
Workplace, emails
Worst use:
Formal writing
Tone:
Neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity score:
7/10
Replaceability tip:
Use when clarity matters.
In Your Own Time
Meaning:
No rush.
Explanation:
Soft and comforting. British tone.
Grammar note:
Idiomatic phrase.
Example sentence:
Review it in your own time.
Best use:
Friendly workplaces
Worst use:
Urgent requests
Tone:
Soft, friendly
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity score:
6/10
Replaceability tip:
Use when removing pressure.
At Your Discretion
Meaning:
You decide.
Explanation:
Very formal. Authority-based.
Grammar note:
Formal phrase.
Example sentence:
Proceed at your discretion.
Best use:
Legal, corporate
Worst use:
Casual talk
Tone:
Formal, strong
Level:
Advanced
Similarity score:
5/10
Replaceability tip:
Use only in formal contexts.
As Per Your Schedule
Meaning:
According to your calendar.
Explanation:
Professional and business-like.
Grammar note:
Formal phrase.
Example sentence:
We can meet as per your schedule.
Best use:
Corporate emails
Worst use:
Casual speech
Tone:
Professional
Level:
Advanced
Similarity score:
7/10
Replaceability tip:
Use in structured workplaces.
When You Get a Chance
Meaning:
When you have a moment.
Explanation:
Relaxed and natural.
Grammar note:
Clause phrase.
Example sentence:
Reply when you get a chance.
Best use:
Texts, casual emails
Worst use:
Formal requests
Tone:
Friendly
Level:
Beginner
Similarity score:
6/10
Replaceability tip:
Good for informal communication.
At a Suitable Time
Meaning:
At an appropriate time.
Explanation:
Formal and neutral.
Grammar note:
Formal phrase.
Example sentence:
Let’s discuss this at a suitable time.
Best use:
Meetings, formal talk
Worst use:
Casual chat
Tone:
Formal
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity score:
8/10
Replaceability tip:
Use in polite discussions.
Whenever You’re Ready
Meaning:
No pressure. Start when ready.
Explanation:
Supportive and relaxed.
Grammar note:
Clause phrase.
Example sentence:
Start whenever you’re ready.
Best use:
Spoken English
Worst use:
Formal emails
Tone:
Soft
Level:
Beginner
Similarity score:
6/10
Replaceability tip:
Use for encouragement.
On Your End
Meaning:
From your side.
Explanation:
Casual workplace English.
Grammar note:
Colloquial phrase.
Example sentence:
Let me know on your end.
Best use:
Team chats
Worst use:
Formal writing
Tone:
Casual
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity score:
4/10
Replaceability tip:
Use only informally.
At a Time of Your Choosing
Meaning:
You choose the time.
Explanation:
Formal and respectful.
Grammar note:
Formal phrase.
Example sentence:
Respond at a time of your choosing.
Best use:
Formal emails
Worst use:
Casual conversation
Tone:
Formal
Level:
Advanced
Similarity score:
9/10
Replaceability tip:
Elegant alternative in writing.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal conversation
“Please submit the report at a time that suits you.”
Informal conversation
“Text me when you get a chance.”
Business email
“Let me know what works for you, and I’ll schedule the meeting.”
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “at your convenience” in casual texts
- Sounding passive when urgency is needed
- Mixing formal phrases with slang
- Overusing one phrase
- Using formal phrases with friends
- Forgetting tone in emails
- Using strong phrases when being polite
Cultural & Tone Tips
UK English:
Prefers softer, indirect phrases.
US English:
More direct but still polite.
Casual social English:
Short, friendly alternatives sound best.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| When you have time | Friendly | Emails | Medium | Call me when you have time |
| At a time that suits you | Formal | Business | High | Respond at a time that suits you |
| Let me know what works for you | Professional | Meetings | Medium | Let me know what works |
| In your own time | Soft | Friendly work | Medium | Review in your own time |
| At your discretion | Strong | Legal | Very high | Proceed at your discretion |
FAQs
Is “at your convenience” rude?
No, but it can sound distant.
Is it okay in emails?
Yes, especially formal ones.
What is the most formal alternative?
“At a time of your choosing.”
What is the most polite option?
“At a time that suits you.”
What should beginners use?
“When you have time.”
Is it outdated?
Slightly, but still acceptable.
Conclusion
Using different ways to say “at your convenience” makes your English sound natural and confident. It helps you match tone with context. Formal when needed. Friendly when possible. Clear at all times.
Strong word choice improves communication. It builds trust. It avoids misunderstanding. Practice these phrases in real emails and conversations. Over time, they will feel natural.
Good English is not about big words. It’s about the right words.
John Lee is an education-focused writer with a strong interest in English grammar and language learning.
He creates clear, student-friendly content to help learners improve their grammar skills with confidence.