Finding the right words is crucial when you want to communicate with care and professionalism. Saying “Does that work for you” is common, but using formal alternatives can make your message feel more thoughtful, respectful, and polished.
This guide provides 30 practical ways to check availability, confirm plans, or request approval while maintaining a warm, professional tone.
What Does “Does That Work for You” Mean?
The phrase “Does that work for you” is used to confirm whether a plan, suggestion, or schedule is acceptable to the other person.
It is often used in professional, social, and collaborative contexts. Using formal alternatives ensures your communication is clear, courteous, and adaptable to different audiences.
When to Use “Does That Work for You”?
You can use this phrase when you want to:
- Confirm meeting times, deadlines, or schedules
- Check if a plan or suggestion is agreeable
- Show consideration and flexibility
- Ensure clear communication without sounding demanding
Using formal alternatives can strengthen your professionalism and make your message feel more respectful and thoughtful.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Does That Work for You”?
Yes, it is generally professional and polite, but in formal emails, high-stakes meetings, or written proposals, alternatives like “Would this be convenient for you?” or “Does this align with your schedule?” can sound more polished and considerate.
Pros or Cons of Saying “Does That Work for You”
Pros:
- Clear and simple
- Friendly and approachable
- Easily understood in most contexts
Cons:
- Can feel informal in high-level professional settings
- Lacks nuance or polished tone for sensitive communication
- Overuse may reduce perceived professionalism
1. Would this be convenient for you?
Meaning: Asks if a proposed plan or time fits the other person’s schedule.
Explanation: Formal and polite, emphasizing consideration rather than assuming availability. It works well in emails, meetings, and scheduling requests.
Examples:
- “Would this time for our meeting be convenient for you?”
- “I propose we review the report tomorrow; would this be convenient for you?”
- “Would this approach be convenient for you to discuss further?”
Best Use: Professional emails, polite scheduling
Worst Use: Casual chats
Why It Works: Shows respect and flexibility
Tone: Formal, considerate
2. Does this align with your schedule?
Meaning: Checks if the proposed plan fits the recipient’s timetable.
Explanation: Professional, polite, and emphasizes coordination and mutual convenience.
Examples:
- “I’ve set aside 3 PM for the discussion; does this align with your schedule?”
- “The workshop is planned for next Friday; does this align with your schedule?”
- “We can finalize the agenda; does this align with your schedule?”
Best Use: Scheduling, professional communication
Worst Use: Informal or text messages
Why It Works: Highlights planning and respect for time
Tone: Formal, respectful
3. Would that be suitable for you?
Meaning: Politely asks if the proposed option meets the other person’s needs or preferences.
Explanation: A gentle and flexible phrasing, avoids pressure and allows the recipient to propose alternatives.
Examples:
- “We can meet at 10 AM; would that be suitable for you?”
- “I have prepared the draft; would that be suitable for you?”
- “Would that be suitable for you to proceed with this plan?”
Best Use: Professional correspondence, client communication
Worst Use: Casual instant messaging
Why It Works: Polite and professional, gives room for discussion
Tone: Considerate, flexible
4. Would you be available at this time?
Meaning: Checks the other person’s availability for a proposed schedule.
Explanation: Direct yet polite, commonly used for meetings, calls, or appointments.
Examples:
- “Would you be available at this time for the team meeting?”
- “We can schedule the call tomorrow; would you be available at this time?”
- “Would you be available at this time to review the documents together?”
Best Use: Scheduling professional meetings
Worst Use: Informal texts to friends
Why It Works: Shows clarity and respect for time
Tone: Professional, neutral
5. Does this time suit you?
Meaning: Politely asks if the suggested time works.
Explanation: Simple, formal alternative suitable for emails, calls, and professional scheduling.
Examples:
- “I’ve booked the conference room at 2 PM; does this time suit you?”
- “Does this time suit you for our follow-up discussion?”
- “We could start at 11 AM; does this time suit you?”
Best Use: Meetings, appointments, collaborative planning
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Why It Works: Polite, easy to understand
Tone: Professional, courteous
6. Would it be agreeable for you?
Meaning: Politely asks if the plan is acceptable.
Explanation: Formal and slightly more refined, suitable for formal email correspondence.
Examples:
- “Would it be agreeable for you to review the proposal tomorrow?”
- “Scheduling the discussion at 4 PM—would that be agreeable for you?”
- “Would it be agreeable for you if we adjust the timeline?”
Best Use: Formal professional emails, negotiations
Worst Use: Informal conversations
Why It Works: Shows respect and professionalism
Tone: Polished, formal
7. Is this suitable for your schedule?
Meaning: Checks if the proposed time fits the recipient’s schedule.
Explanation: Formal and neutral, emphasizes planning and coordination.
Examples:
- “We can meet on Tuesday; is this suitable for your schedule?”
- “The training session is set for 3 PM; is this suitable for your schedule?”
- “Is this suitable for your schedule to review the reports?”
Best Use: Emails, meeting scheduling
Worst Use: Casual texting
Why It Works: Clear and professional, focuses on convenience
Tone: Formal, courteous
8. Would this arrangement work for you?
Meaning: Checks if the proposed plan or setup is acceptable.
Explanation: Polite and professional, emphasizing that you are considerate of the other person’s preferences.
Examples:
- “We can reschedule the meeting to Thursday; would this arrangement work for you?”
- “The agenda has been adjusted; would this arrangement work for you?”
- “Would this arrangement work for you for the upcoming project review?”
Best Use: Professional emails, scheduling adjustments
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Why It Works: Highlights consideration and flexibility
Tone: Polite, professional
9. Is this convenient for you?
Meaning: Checks if a plan is timely and feasible.
Explanation: Very polite, neutral, and formal. Suitable for meetings, calls, or requests.
Examples:
- “I’ve scheduled a call at 10 AM; is this convenient for you?”
- “We can review the draft tomorrow; is this convenient for you?”
- “Is this convenient for you to provide feedback on the proposal?”
Best Use: Scheduling and professional communication
Worst Use: Informal chats
Why It Works: Shows respect for the recipient’s time
Tone: Formal, courteous
10. Would this time be acceptable to you?
Meaning: Politely asks if the proposed time works.
Explanation: Formal, emphasizes approval rather than assumption, perfect for client communication.
Examples:
- “We can hold the meeting at 3 PM; would this time be acceptable to you?”
- “The deadline is set for Friday; would this time be acceptable to you?”
- “Would this time be acceptable to you for a follow-up discussion?”
Best Use: Formal meetings and professional scheduling
Worst Use: Casual texts
Why It Works: Shows professionalism and politeness
Tone: Polished, formal
11. Does this proposal suit you?
Meaning: Checks if the suggested plan or proposal meets the recipient’s expectations.
Explanation: Slightly more formal, often used in business emails, contracts, or collaborations.
Examples:
- “Does this proposal suit you for the upcoming project?”
- “We’ve outlined the timeline; does this proposal suit you?”
- “Does this proposal suit you in terms of budget and schedule?”
Best Use: Professional or business contexts
Worst Use: Casual chat
Why It Works: Demonstrates professional clarity and respect
Tone: Formal, professional
12. Would this schedule be acceptable to you?
Meaning: Confirms if the proposed schedule fits.
Explanation: Very formal, suitable for official emails, meetings, and planning.
Examples:
- “Our next team review is on Monday; would this schedule be acceptable to you?”
- “Would this schedule be acceptable to you for the training session?”
- “Can we meet on Thursday morning? Would this schedule be acceptable to you?”
Best Use: Official communication
Worst Use: Casual or informal planning
Why It Works: Emphasizes respect for schedules and professionalism
Tone: Formal, courteous
13. Will this timing work for you?
Meaning: Checks if a specific time is convenient.
Explanation: Simple, professional, and polite. Often used in scheduling calls, meetings, or interviews.
Examples:
- “The meeting is set at 2 PM; will this timing work for you?”
- “Will this timing work for you for the client presentation?”
- “We can schedule the demo at 11 AM; will this timing work for you?”
Best Use: Professional scheduling
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Why It Works: Polite, straightforward, and easy to understand
Tone: Professional, courteous
14. Is this arrangement suitable for you?
Meaning: Checks if the setup or plan fits the other person’s needs.
Explanation: Formal and polite, emphasizes consideration for preferences.
Examples:
- “The agenda has been set for Wednesday; is this arrangement suitable for you?”
- “We’ve drafted the proposal; is this arrangement suitable for you?”
- “Is this arrangement suitable for you to start the project?”
Best Use: Professional or business communication
Worst Use: Informal texting
Why It Works: Shows respect and thoughtfulness
Tone: Formal, professional
15. Is this acceptable to you?
Meaning: Checks if the proposal, plan, or time is agreeable.
Explanation: Neutral, formal, and professional. Perfect for emails and written communication.
Examples:
- “The updated schedule is ready; is this acceptable to you?”
- “Is this acceptable to you to proceed with the contract?”
- “The meeting time is Monday at 10 AM; is this acceptable to you?”
Best Use: Professional, written, or formal communication
Worst Use: Informal conversations
Why It Works: Polite and neutral, allows confirmation without pressure
Tone: Formal, courteous
16. Would you find this suitable?
Meaning: Polite inquiry about acceptability or convenience.
Explanation: Gentle phrasing, suitable for professional requests and formal emails.
Examples:
- “I propose the meeting on Tuesday; would you find this suitable?”
- “Would you find this suitable to submit the report by Friday?”
- “Would you find this suitable to review the draft tomorrow?”
Best Use: Polite professional emails
Worst Use: Casual or informal texts
Why It Works: Shows consideration and professionalism
Tone: Formal, thoughtful
17. Does this proposal meet your needs?
Meaning: Checks if the plan or suggestion aligns with the recipient’s requirements.
Explanation: Formal and client-focused, great for project proposals or professional coordination.
Examples:
- “Does this proposal meet your needs for the project?”
- “The plan has been updated; does this proposal meet your needs?”
- “Does this proposal meet your needs in terms of budget and deadlines?”
Best Use: Client communication, professional proposals
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Why It Works: Professional and client-oriented
Tone: Formal, respectful
18. Would this timing be convenient for you?
Meaning: Checks if the suggested timing is suitable.
Explanation: Formal and polite, used for scheduling meetings, calls, or appointments while showing consideration.
Examples:
- “We can schedule the review at 3 PM; would this timing be convenient for you?”
- “Would this timing be convenient for you to attend the briefing?”
- “Would this timing be convenient for you to finalize the agenda?”
Best Use: Professional scheduling
Worst Use: Casual or instant messaging
Why It Works: Shows politeness and respect for the other person’s time
Tone: Formal, considerate
19. Is this arrangement acceptable to you?
Meaning: Checks if a proposed plan or setup is agreeable.
Explanation: Formal phrasing suitable for professional correspondence, emphasizing mutual convenience.
Examples:
- “The proposed training schedule is set for Thursday; is this arrangement acceptable to you?”
- “Is this arrangement acceptable to you for the project timeline?”
- “We can adjust the workflow accordingly; is this arrangement acceptable to you?”
Best Use: Professional emails or project coordination
Worst Use: Informal conversation
Why It Works: Conveys respect, professionalism, and flexibility
Tone: Formal, polished
20. Would it be convenient for you to…?
Meaning: Asks politely if the recipient can perform or agree to a task at a specific time.
Explanation: Adds formality and empathy, making requests less imposing.
Examples:
- “Would it be convenient for you to review the report by tomorrow?”
- “Would it be convenient for you to join the meeting at 11 AM?”
- “Would it be convenient for you to provide feedback on the draft?”
Best Use: Emails, scheduling, polite requests
Worst Use: Casual chats
Why It Works: Shows consideration for the recipient’s schedule
Tone: Formal, courteous
21. Does this proposal suit your availability?
Meaning: Checks if the plan matches the recipient’s schedule.
Explanation: Professional phrasing suitable for scheduling, project planning, or client communication.
Examples:
- “We plan to start the workshop next Monday; does this proposal suit your availability?”
- “Does this proposal suit your availability to attend the briefing?”
- “Does this proposal suit your availability for a follow-up call?”
Best Use: Professional and client-facing communication
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Why It Works: Clearly emphasizes coordination and respect
Tone: Formal, professional
22. Are you available at this proposed time?
Meaning: Confirms if the recipient is free at the suggested time.
Explanation: Polite and formal, suitable for meetings, calls, or appointments.
Examples:
- “Are you available at this proposed time for the strategy discussion?”
- “We can schedule a training session next week; are you available at this proposed time?”
- “Are you available at this proposed time to review the financial report?”
Best Use: Professional scheduling
Worst Use: Informal messaging
Why It Works: Simple, professional, and shows respect for time
Tone: Formal, neutral
23. Would this arrangement be convenient for you?
Meaning: Politely asks if a planned arrangement works.
Explanation: Slightly more formal than “Does that work for you,” emphasizes consideration and flexibility.
Examples:
- “The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 2 PM; would this arrangement be convenient for you?”
- “Would this arrangement be convenient for you to join the discussion?”
- “Would this arrangement be convenient for you for the upcoming workshop?”
Best Use: Professional emails and meeting coordination
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Why It Works: Demonstrates thoughtfulness and courtesy
Tone: Formal, polished
24. Does this plan suit you?
Meaning: Checks if the proposed plan is agreeable.
Explanation: Professional, concise, and polite, suitable for client meetings, project planning, and teamwork.
Examples:
- “We plan to start the project on Monday; does this plan suit you?”
- “Does this plan suit you to review the documents together?”
- “Does this plan suit you to schedule the team briefing?”
Best Use: Professional communication and coordination
Worst Use: Informal texting
Why It Works: Polite, clear, and easy to understand
Tone: Formal, respectful
25. Would this proposal be suitable for you?
Meaning: Asks formally if the proposal aligns with expectations.
Explanation: Slightly formal, often used in business, client, or project emails.
Examples:
- “Would this proposal be suitable for you to proceed with the project?”
- “Would this proposal be suitable for you to present at the meeting?”
- “Would this proposal be suitable for you in terms of budget and schedule?”
Best Use: Business communication, client emails
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Why It Works: Shows professionalism and attention to the recipient’s preferences
Tone: Formal, professional
26. Would this timing be acceptable to you?
Meaning: Checks if a specific timing works formally.
Explanation: Professional phrasing, polite, and neutral. Suitable for scheduling meetings and calls.
Examples:
- “The call is proposed for 4 PM; would this timing be acceptable to you?”
- “Would this timing be acceptable to you to review the draft?”
- “Would this timing be acceptable to you to attend the client briefing?”
Best Use: Professional emails, scheduling
Worst Use: Casual or personal chats
Why It Works: Polite, formal, and clear
Tone: Formal, neutral
27. Is this proposal agreeable to you?
Meaning: Checks if the plan or suggestion is acceptable.
Explanation: Formal, often used in business, legal, or client communications.
Examples:
- “The project timeline is finalized; is this proposal agreeable to you?”
- “Is this proposal agreeable to you for the upcoming presentation?”
- “Is this proposal agreeable to you for scheduling the workshop?”
Best Use: Client emails, professional proposals
Worst Use: Informal conversations
Why It Works: Professional, polite, and respects decision-making
Tone: Formal, respectful
28. Would this meeting time be suitable for you?
Meaning: Confirms if a proposed meeting time is acceptable.
Explanation: Polite, professional, and specific to meetings and calls.
Examples:
- “We can schedule the weekly meeting at 10 AM; would this meeting time be suitable for you?”
- “Would this meeting time be suitable for you to discuss project updates?”
- “Would this meeting time be suitable for you to review the budget?”
Best Use: Professional scheduling
Worst Use: Casual texting
Why It Works: Shows respect and clarity
Tone: Formal, considerate
29. Would this plan be acceptable to you?
Meaning: Checks if the proposed plan aligns with expectations.
Explanation: Formal and neutral, suitable for emails, project coordination, and client discussions.
Examples:
- “The strategy is outlined; would this plan be acceptable to you?”
- “Would this plan be acceptable to you for the upcoming launch?”
- “Would this plan be acceptable to you to implement next week?”
Best Use: Professional planning
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Why It Works: Clear, polite, and demonstrates professionalism
Tone: Formal, respectful
30. Does this proposal work for you?
Meaning: Polite and formal alternative to “Does that work for you”.
Explanation: Suitable for emails, client communications, and professional coordination. Keeps the message polite and professional.
Examples:
- “The updated project timeline is ready; does this proposal work for you?”
- “We’ve drafted the agenda; does this proposal work for you?”
- “Does this proposal work for you to proceed with next steps?”
Best Use: Formal professional emails and meetings
Worst Use: Informal chats
Why It Works: Maintains politeness and professional clarity
Tone: Formal, courteous
Conclusion
Using formal alternatives to “Does that work for you” helps you:
- Communicate professionalism and politeness
- Show consideration for others’ schedules and preferences
- Make your emails, meetings, or messages more polished and empathetic
- Ensure your communication is clear, respectful, and flexible
By integrating these 30 formal alternatives, you can make your communication more thoughtful, engaging, and professional, whether you are scheduling meetings, discussing proposals, or coordinating with clients or colleagues.
