30 Other Ways to Say "Sorry to Keep You Waiting in an Email" ✔

When you’re communicating in a professional setting, it’s important to express empathy, acknowledge delays, and maintain a respectful tone. Finding the right words to say you’re sorry for keeping someone waiting can go a long way in strengthening relationships and conveying your professionalism.

This article presents 30 thoughtful alternatives to the phrase “Sorry to keep you waiting in an email,” offering ways to express your apology with warmth and care, while still sounding professional.

Table of Contents

What Does “Sorry to Keep You Waiting in an Email” Mean?

Meaning: The phrase “Sorry to keep you waiting in an email” is a way to apologize to someone for not replying promptly, acknowledging the delay in your response. It’s a polite way to show that you recognize the person’s time and the inconvenience caused by the delay.

Definition: This phrase is commonly used in professional emails when the sender wants to acknowledge that they took longer than expected to reply. It conveys empathy for the recipient’s wait and indicates that the sender is aware of the delay.

When to Use “Sorry to Keep You Waiting in an Email”

This phrase is most commonly used when responding to someone’s message after a delay. It’s appropriate when you want to:

Apologize for not replying as quickly as expected
Acknowledge the recipient’s patience
Maintain a professional yet empathetic tone

It’s especially important in customer service or business communication, where timely responses are often expected.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting in an Email”?

Yes, the phrase is professional and polite when used correctly. It shows that you respect the person’s time and are acknowledging the inconvenience caused by a delay. However, you should ensure that the phrase doesn’t become overused, as it can lose its effectiveness if repeated frequently.

Sorry to Keep You Waiting Synonyms:

Thank you for your patience
Apologies for the delay in my response
I appreciate your understanding
Thanks for waiting
I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you
Thank you for your patience and understanding
I apologize for the delay in addressing your inquiry
Thanks for bearing with me
I appreciate your continued patience
Apologies for the delayed response, I’ve been catching up on emails
I’m sorry for the late reply
Thanks for your patience as I gathered the information
I apologize for taking longer than expected
I appreciate your patience during this busy time
Thank you for waiting while I finalized the details
Thanks for your understanding regarding the delay
Sorry for the delay in processing your request
I apologize for the wait, I’ve been tied up with other tasks
Thank you for waiting while I responded to other inquiries
I sincerely apologize for the delay
I regret the delay and appreciate your understanding
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay
Thanks for your patience while I resolved the issue
Apologies for the extended wait
Thanks for waiting while I handled another priority
I’m grateful for your patience during this time
Thank you for your patience as I worked on your request
Sorry for the delay in replying, I was out of the office
Thanks for your patience as I sorted this out
I’m sorry it took longer than anticipated, thank you for waiting

1. Thank you for your patience

Meaning: Acknowledges the recipient’s patience while waiting.
Definition: This phrase expresses gratitude to the person for being understanding during the delay.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your patience while I reviewed the details. Here’s the update you requested.”
Tone: Appreciative, respectful.

2. Apologies for the delay in my response

Meaning: A straightforward apology for the delay.
Definition: This is a formal and concise way to apologize for not replying sooner.
Scenario Example: “Apologies for the delay in my response. I’ve now reviewed the documents and have some feedback.”
Tone: Direct, professional.

3. I appreciate your understanding

Meaning: Acknowledges the recipient’s tolerance of the wait.
Definition: This phrase shows gratitude while apologizing for the delay, implying that the recipient has been accommodating.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate your understanding as I was finalizing the report. Here it is.”
Tone: Respectful, appreciative.

4. Thanks for waiting

Meaning: A brief and polite expression of gratitude.
Definition: This phrase conveys appreciation for the person’s patience without over-elaborating.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for waiting! I’ve attached the updated file for your review.”
Tone: Casual, grateful.

5. I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you

Meaning: A direct apology acknowledging the delay.
Definition: This is a clear and polite apology for taking longer than expected to respond.
Scenario Example: “I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Let me know if you need any further details.”
Tone: Professional, sincere.

6. Thank you for your patience and understanding

Meaning: Combines gratitude for both patience and understanding.
Definition: This phrase expresses appreciation for the person’s ability to wait while also recognizing the circumstances that may have caused the delay.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your patience and understanding while we processed your request. Here’s the information you need.”
Tone: Appreciative, warm.

7. I apologize for the delay in addressing your inquiry

Meaning: An apology focused on the specific reason for the delay (an inquiry).
Definition: A formal way to apologize for not addressing the inquiry sooner.
Scenario Example: “I apologize for the delay in addressing your inquiry. I’ve gathered the necessary details and will send them shortly.”
Tone: Formal, courteous.

8. Thank you for bearing with me

Meaning: Expresses gratitude for the person’s tolerance during the wait.
Definition: This phrase implies that the person has been understanding and patient.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for bearing with me as I worked through the details. I’ve attached the requested documents.”
Tone: Friendly, warm.

9. I appreciate your continued patience

Meaning: Acknowledges the continued patience of the recipient.
Definition: This is especially useful if the delay has been prolonged and the person is still waiting.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate your continued patience as I finalized the project details. Here is the update.”
Tone: Grateful, professional.

10. Apologies for the delayed response, I’ve been catching up on emails

Meaning: A polite explanation for the delay.
Definition: This phrase offers a simple reason for the delay, making the apology feel more personal and reasonable.
Scenario Example: “Apologies for the delayed response, I’ve been catching up on emails. Thanks for your patience!”
Tone: Casual, honest.

11. I’m sorry for the late reply

Meaning: A simple and to-the-point apology.
Definition: This phrase is effective for short delays where a lengthy apology isn’t necessary.
Scenario Example: “I’m sorry for the late reply! Here’s the information you requested.”
Tone: Direct, professional.

12. Thanks for your patience as I gathered the information

Meaning: Shows gratitude while explaining the reason for the delay.
Definition: This phrase explains that you were taking the time to gather necessary details before responding.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for your patience as I gathered the information. Please see the attached report.”
Tone: Appreciative, polite.

13. I apologize for taking longer than expected

Meaning: Acknowledges the delay and provides a gentle apology.
Definition: This is an empathetic phrase that acknowledges that you’ve taken longer than anticipated.
Scenario Example: “I apologize for taking longer than expected to get back to you. I’ve now reviewed everything.”
Tone: Sincere, professional.

14. I appreciate your patience during this busy time

Meaning: Shows that you recognize the delay was due to a busy period.
Definition: This phrase explains that your delay was due to circumstances beyond the recipient’s control, showing empathy.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate your patience during this busy time. Here is the requested information.”
Tone: Appreciative, understanding.

15. Thank you for your patience while I finalized the details

Meaning: Shows gratitude for waiting while you worked on something important.
Definition: A good phrase to use when you’ve needed extra time to ensure the details are correct.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your patience while I finalized the details of the proposal.”
Tone: Respectful, grateful.

16. Thanks for your understanding regarding the delay

Meaning: Acknowledges the recipient’s tolerance for the delay.
Definition: This phrase emphasizes appreciation for the understanding shown by the recipient in the face of the delay.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for your understanding regarding the delay. Let me know if you have any further questions.”
Tone: Grateful, polite.

17. Sorry for the delay in processing your request

Meaning: Apologizes for a delay that affected a specific task or request.
Definition: A formal and specific apology for not processing a request in the expected time frame.
Scenario Example: “Sorry for the delay in processing your request. We’re working on it and will update you soon.”
Tone: Formal, respectful.

18. I apologize for the wait, I’ve been tied up with other tasks

Meaning: Offers a reason for the delay in a polite way.
Definition: This phrase gives a simple explanation for the delay, showing that it was due to other commitments.
Scenario Example: “I apologize for the wait, I’ve been tied up with other tasks. Thanks for your patience!”
Tone: Casual, understanding.

19. Thank you for waiting while I responded to other inquiries

Meaning: Shows appreciation for waiting while you were handling other matters.
Definition: This phrase suggests that you were busy with other tasks but still value the recipient’s wait.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for waiting while I responded to other inquiries. Here’s the information you requested.”
Tone: Appreciative, sincere.

20. I sincerely apologize for the delay

Meaning: A formal and sincere apology.
Definition: This phrase conveys that the apology is heartfelt and genuine.
Scenario Example: “I sincerely apologize for the delay in getting back to you.”
Tone: Formal, sincere.

21. I regret the delay and appreciate your understanding

Meaning: A polite and formal way of apologizing and thanking the recipient.
Definition: This phrase shows that you regret the delay and are grateful for the recipient’s patience.
Scenario Example: “I regret the delay and appreciate your understanding as I finalized the report.”
Tone: Formal, polite.

22. I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay

Meaning: Acknowledges that the delay may have caused problems.
Definition: This phrase is more formal and indicates that you recognize the impact of the delay.
Scenario Example: “I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay. I’ll ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
Tone: Formal, empathetic.

23. Thanks for your patience while I resolved the issue

Meaning: Shows gratitude for waiting while you worked on resolving something.
Definition: This phrase is ideal for situations where the recipient’s wait was due to an issue being resolved.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for your patience while I resolved the issue. I’ve attached the updated document.”
Tone: Grateful, professional.

24. Apologies for the extended wait

Meaning: A polite way of acknowledging a longer-than-usual delay.
Definition: This phrase expresses regret for a delay that was longer than expected.
Scenario Example: “Apologies for the extended wait. I’ve completed the review and attached the necessary files.”
Tone: Professional, understanding.

25. Thanks for waiting while I handled another priority

Meaning: Explains the delay while expressing appreciation for the recipient’s understanding.
Definition: This phrase is ideal for situations where you had other important tasks to attend to.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for waiting while I handled another priority. Here’s the update you requested.”
Tone: Appreciative, polite.

26. I’m grateful for your patience during this time

Meaning: Shows deep appreciation for the recipient’s tolerance during the delay.
Definition: This phrase is suitable when you want to express sincere gratitude.
Scenario Example: “I’m grateful for your patience during this time. Please find the report attached.”
Tone: Warm, respectful.

27. Thank you for your patience as I worked on your request

Meaning: Recognizes the person’s patience while you attended to their request.
Definition: This phrase conveys appreciation while also explaining the reason for the delay.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your patience as I worked on your request. The document is attached.”
Tone: Appreciative, professional.

28. Sorry for the delay in replying, I was out of the office

Meaning: A simple explanation for the delay, usually related to time away from work.
Definition: This phrase provides a clear reason for the delay.
Scenario Example: “Sorry for the delay in replying, I was out of the office last week. I’ve now addressed your inquiry.”
Tone: Professional, honest.

29. Thanks for your patience as I sorted this out

Meaning: Acknowledges the wait and expresses gratitude for the person’s patience.
Definition: This phrase suggests that you were working on resolving an issue or gathering information.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for your patience as I sorted this out. Here’s the updated file you asked for.”
Tone: Appreciative, warm.

30. I’m sorry it took longer than anticipated, thank you for waiting

Meaning: Acknowledge the delay and express gratitude.
Definition: This phrase shows respect for the recipient’s time while apologizing for taking longer than expected.
Scenario Example: “I’m sorry it took longer than anticipated, thank you for waiting. Here’s the final version.”
Tone: Sincere, polite.

Final Words

Finding the right words to apologize for a delay in an email can make a significant difference in how your message is received. The 30 alternatives above offer you a range of options, each tailored to different situations.

Whether you want to keep it short and simple or add a bit more warmth and explanation, these phrases can help you maintain professionalism while expressing genuine care for your recipient’s time and patience.