In professional communication, it’s essential to acknowledge delays and express apologies sincerely. Saying “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” is a common way to acknowledge delays in email correspondence. However, there are many other polite and professional ways to convey apologies for keeping someone waiting.
This article explores 35 alternative phrases to use in emails, each accompanied by a scenario example to illustrate its use.
These phrases help maintain professionalism, show empathy, and foster positive relationships in your email exchange
List of Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” in an Email
- Apologies for the delay.
- I regret any inconvenience caused by the wait.
- My apologies for the extended wait.
- I appreciate your patience.
- Sorry for the hold-up.
- Please excuse the delay.
- Thank you for your patience.
- I apologize for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.
- I apologize for the wait.
- Regrettably, there has been a delay.
- My sincere apologies for the delay.
- I’m sorry for any frustration caused by the wait.
- Sorry for the time it took to respond.
- I regret any inconvenience caused by the delay.
- My apologies for the tardiness in my response.
- I’m sorry for the prolonged wait.
- Please accept my apologies for the late response.
- I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the wait.
- Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
- I understand your frustration and apologize for the delay.
- I appreciate your understanding.
- Please accept my apologies for the delay in my response.
- I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
- I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
- My apologies for keeping you waiting.
- I regret the wait and any inconvenience it may have caused.
- Please forgive the delay in my response.
- I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the wait.
- Sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay.
- Thank you for your understanding and patience.
- I apologize for the wait and appreciate your patience.
- I regret the delay and any inconvenience it may have caused.
- I’m sorry for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.
- My apologies for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.
- I understand your time is valuable and apologize for the delay.
Pros and Cons of Different Apology Phrases
Pros:
- Politeness: Using varied apology phrases demonstrates sincerity and respect.
- Professionalism: These phrases maintain professionalism and goodwill in email communication.
- Acknowledgment: Apologizing promptly acknowledges mistakes and shows accountability.
- Relationship Building: Expressing apologies fosters positive relationships and trust.
Cons:
- Repetition: Overusing certain phrases can diminish sincerity and appear insincere.
- Time-Consuming: Finding the right apology phrase for each situation can be time-consuming.
- Misinterpretation: Some phrases may be interpreted differently depending on the recipient’s expectations.
- Inconsistency: Using varied apology phrases may lead to inconsistency in communication style.
1. Apologies for the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Inquiry Regarding Project Status
Dear Smith,
Apologies for the delay in responding to your inquiry regarding the project status. We encountered unexpected challenges that required immediate attention. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve these issues promptly.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, David
2. I regret any inconvenience caused by the wait.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Delivery of Ordered Items
Dear Smith,
I regret any inconvenience caused by the wait for the delivery of your ordered items. We experienced unforeseen delays in processing your order due to high demand. Your patience is greatly appreciated, and we are working diligently to expedite the shipment.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely, David
3. My apologies for the extended wait.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Appointment Confirmation
Dear Smith,
My apologies for the extended wait in confirming your appointment. We experienced technical difficulties with our scheduling system, which caused delays in processing appointments. Your patience is valued, and we assure you that steps are being taken to prevent such delays in the future.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Warm regards, David
4. I appreciate your patience.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Technical Support Request
Dear Smith,
I appreciate your patience while waiting for resolution to your technical support request. Our team is diligently working to address the issue and will provide a prompt solution. Your understanding is instrumental in helping us deliver exceptional service.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Best regards, David
Other Ways To Say “Thank You Too”
5. Sorry for the hold-up.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Project Milestones
Dear Smith,
Sorry for the hold-up in providing an update on the project milestones. We encountered unforeseen challenges that required immediate attention. Rest assured, we are working diligently to mitigate delays and keep the project on track.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely, David
6. Please excuse the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Customer Inquiry
Dear Smith,
Please excuse the delay in responding to your inquiry. We experienced higher than usual volumes of inquiries, resulting in longer response times. Your patience is appreciated, and we are committed to providing timely assistance moving forward.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards, David
7. Thank you for your patience.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Service Interruption
Dear Smith,
Thank you for your patience while we resolved the service interruption. We experienced technical difficulties beyond our control, but our team worked tirelessly to restore service as quickly as possible. Your understanding and support are invaluable to us.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Best regards, David
Other Ways To Say “Thank You Too”
8. I apologize for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Rescheduling of Meeting
Dear Smith,
I apologize for any inconvenience this delay may have caused in rescheduling the meeting. We encountered scheduling conflicts that necessitated the change. Your flexibility and understanding are appreciated as we work to find a suitable alternative.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards, David
9. I apologize for the wait.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Customer Support Ticket
Dear Smith,
I apologize for the wait in addressing your customer support ticket. We experienced a higher than expected volume of inquiries, resulting in longer response times. Your patience is valued, and we are committed to resolving your issue promptly.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely, David
10. Regrettably, there has been a delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Order Shipment
Dear Smith,
Regrettably, there has been a delay in processing and shipping your order. We encountered unforeseen logistical challenges that caused the delay. Please rest assured that we are working diligently to expedite the shipment and minimize any further inconvenience.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Best regards, David
11. My sincere apologies for the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Client Inquiry
Dear Smith,
My sincere apologies for the delay in responding to your inquiry. We experienced technical issues with our communication system, which caused delays in receiving and processing emails. Your understanding and patience are appreciated as we work to resolve this issue.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards, David
12. I’m sorry for any frustration caused by the wait.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Resolution of Billing Issue
Dear Smith,
I’m sorry for any frustration caused by the wait in resolving your billing issue. We experienced an unexpected backlog in processing payments, which resulted in delays. Your patience and cooperation are valued, and we are committed to addressing your concerns promptly.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely, David
13. Sorry for the time it took to respond.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Customer Inquiry
Dear Smith,
Sorry for the time it took to respond to your inquiry. We experienced higher than usual volumes of inquiries, resulting in longer response times. Your patience is appreciated, and we are dedicated to providing timely assistance moving forward.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, David
14. I regret any inconvenience caused by the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Project Timeline
Dear Smith,
I regret any inconvenience caused by the delay in updating the project timeline. We encountered unexpected setbacks that required immediate attention. Your patience and understanding are appreciated as we work to mitigate the impact of these delays.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Warm regards, David
15. My apologies for the tardiness in my response.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Job Inquiry
Dear Smith,
My apologies for the tardiness in my response to your job inquiry. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I experienced delays in reviewing applications. Thank you for your patience and continued interest in the position. I assure you that your application is receiving the attention it deserves, and we will be in touch with updates soon.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards, David
16. I’m sorry for the prolonged wait.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Resolution of Technical Issue
Dear Smith,
I’m sorry for the prolonged wait in resolving your technical issue. Our team encountered unexpected challenges that required additional time to address. Your patience and understanding during this process are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Sincerely, David
17. Please accept my apologies for the late response.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Sales Inquiry
Dear Smith,
Please accept my apologies for the late response to your sales inquiry. We experienced a high volume of inquiries that led to delays in processing. Your inquiry is important to us, and we are committed to providing a prompt and thorough response.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, David
18. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Service Disruption
Dear Smith,
I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you due to the recent service disruption. Our team worked diligently to restore service as quickly as possible. Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Warm regards, David
19. I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Client Inquiry
Dear Smith,
I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you regarding your inquiry. We experienced a higher than expected volume of requests, resulting in longer response times. Your patience is valued, and we are working diligently to address your concerns.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely, David
20. My apologies for keeping you waiting.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Project Status
Dear Smith,
My apologies for keeping you waiting for an update on the project status. We encountered unexpected delays in gathering the necessary information. Your patience is appreciated, and we will provide a comprehensive update as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, David
21. I regret the wait and any inconvenience it may have caused.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Resolution of Billing Discrepancy
Dear Smith,
I regret the wait and any inconvenience it may have caused regarding the resolution of your billing discrepancy. Our team encountered unexpected delays due to system upgrades. Your patience is valued, and we are committed to resolving this matter promptly.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Sincerely, David
22. Please forgive the delay in my response.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Vendor Inquiry
Dear Smith,
Please forgive the delay in my response to your vendor inquiry. We encountered unforeseen delays in processing vendor applications. Your understanding is appreciated, and we are dedicated to expediting the review process.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards, David
23. I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the wait.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Customer Order
Dear Smith,
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the wait for an update on your customer order. We experienced delays in processing orders due to inventory shortages. Your patience is appreciated, and we are working to fulfill your order as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, David
24. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Support Ticket
Dear Smith,
Sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay in resolving your support ticket. We encountered unexpected technical issues that required additional time to address. Your patience is valued, and we are dedicated to providing a satisfactory resolution.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Sincerely, David
25. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Product Availability
Dear Smith,
Thank you for your understanding and patience while waiting for an update on product availability. We experienced delays in restocking due to supply chain disruptions. Your patience is appreciated, and we are working diligently to replenish our inventory.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Best regards, David
26. I apologize for the wait and appreciate your patience.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Technical Support Request
Dear Smith,
I apologize for the wait and appreciate your patience while waiting for resolution to your technical support request. Our team encountered unexpected challenges that required additional time to address. Your understanding is valued, and we are committed to providing a prompt solution.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Warm regards, David
27. I regret the delay and any inconvenience it may have caused.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Delivery Schedule
Dear Smith,
I regret the delay and any inconvenience it may have caused regarding the update on the delivery schedule. We encountered logistical challenges that necessitated adjustments to our timelines. Your patience is appreciated, and we are committed to ensuring timely delivery.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely, David
28. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Inquiry Regarding Service Outage
Dear Smith,
I’m sorry for any inconvenience this delay may have caused regarding the response to your inquiry about the service outage. We experienced technical difficulties that affected our ability to respond promptly. Your understanding and patience are appreciated, and we are working diligently to resolve the issue.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, David
29. My apologies for any inconvenience this delay may have caused.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Project Proposal
Dear Smith,
My apologies for any inconvenience this delay may have caused regarding the follow-up on the project proposal. Certainly! Let’s continue:
30. I understand your time is valuable and apologize for the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Customer Inquiry
Dear Smith,
I understand your time is valuable and apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. We experienced an unexpected influx of inquiries that led to longer response times. Your patience and understanding are appreciated, and we are committed to providing a timely resolution.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely, David
31. I appreciate your understanding.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Resolution of Technical Issue
Dear Smith,
I appreciate your understanding while we resolved the technical issue you encountered. Our team encountered unexpected challenges that required additional time to address. Your patience and cooperation are valued, and we are dedicated to providing a satisfactory resolution.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Best regards, David
32. Please accept my apologies for the delay in my response.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Sales Inquiry
Dear Smith,
Please accept my apologies for the delay in my response to your sales inquiry. We experienced an unusually high volume of inquiries, resulting in longer response times. Your inquiry is important to us, and we are working diligently to provide a prompt and satisfactory response.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards, David
33. I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Service Disruption
Dear Smith,
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay in resolving the service disruption. Our team encountered unforeseen technical issues that necessitated additional time to address. Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Sincerely, David
34. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Response to Support Ticket
Dear Smith,
Sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay in resolving your support ticket. We experienced unexpected challenges that required additional time to resolve. Your patience and understanding are valued, and we are committed to providing a satisfactory resolution.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Best regards, David
35. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Product Availability
Dear Smith,
Thank you for your understanding and patience while waiting for an update on product availability. We encountered unexpected delays in restocking due to logistical challenges. Your patience is appreciated, and we are working diligently to resolve this issue.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Best regards, David
Final Thought
Expressing apologies for delays in emails is essential for maintaining professionalism and demonstrating respect for others’ time. By using a variety of polite and sincere phrases, you can convey empathy and accountability effectively.
Remember to personalize your apologies based on the situation and express gratitude for the recipient’s understanding and patience.
These strategies will help foster positive relationships and ensure effective communication in professional settings.
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