Have you ever found yourself typing “please be patient” one too many times—whether in an email, a customer message, or even just a casual text? It’s a kind, polite phrase, but after a while, it starts to sound dull, robotic, and, well…expected. And let’s face it—clear communication is all about tone, timing, and choosing the right words that feel sincere and human.
That’s where this list comes in. Whether you’re offering support, asking for understanding, or managing expectations during delays, it helps to have some powerful alternatives to “please be patient” that sound natural, thoughtful, and a bit more personal. In this post, you’ll find 25 creative phrases that go beyond the usual, giving your writing more flavor, empathy, and warmth. These alternatives will help you sound more human, especially in customer service emails, team chats, or friendly reminders.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a handy toolkit of phrases that not only express patience and understanding but do it in a way that feels real. Trust me—your readers, clients, and teammates will notice the difference.
👉 Ready to upgrade your communication? Let’s dive into the alternatives that will help you say what you mean—with kindness and confidence.
Alternatives to Say “Please Be Patient”
1. Thank you for your understanding
This phrase replaces “please be patient” by expressing direct appreciation for someone’s ability to empathize with the situation. It feels polite, warm, and emotionally intelligent.
Usage examples:
- “We’re experiencing high volumes—thank you for your understanding.”
- “Thank you for your understanding as we fix this issue.”
- “Delivery may take an extra day. Thank you for your understanding.“
- “We’ll get back to you shortly—thank you for your understanding.”
- “Thank you for your understanding during this busy period.”
Why it works:
This phrase appeals to the reader’s empathy and makes them feel included, not dismissed. It’s a gentle, respectful way to acknowledge a delay.
2. I appreciate your patience
A close cousin of the original phrase, but more gratitude-focused. It shifts the tone from requesting something to acknowledging what’s already being offered.
Usage examples:
- “I appreciate your patience while we process your request.”
- “Things are a little delayed—I appreciate your patience.“
- “We’re sorting it out—I appreciate your patience.“
- “I appreciate your patience as we update our system.”
- “Thank you—I appreciate your patience more than you know.”
Why it works:
It emphasizes appreciation rather than pleading, helping the speaker maintain authority and warmth at the same time.
3. Bear with me a moment
This one’s casual, friendly, and fits perfectly in conversations or quick chats. It sounds human, as if you’re right there with them.
Usage examples:
- “Can you bear with me a moment while I check?”
- “Just bear with me a moment—pulling that info up now.”
- “Almost there—bear with me a moment.“
- “If you could bear with me a moment, I’ll have an answer.”
- “Bear with me a moment, I want to get this right.”
Why it works:
It’s conversational, not corporate. It shows you’re active, involved, and committed to helping them.
4. Thanks for hanging in there
This phrase adds a touch of humor and informality. It’s a favorite for customer service and everyday exchanges when delays are unavoidable.
Usage examples:
- “We know it’s taken a while—thanks for hanging in there.“
- “Thanks for hanging in there while we fix the glitch.”
- “Almost done—thanks for hanging in there.“
- “Thanks for hanging in there, your support means a lot.”
- “We’re nearly done—thanks for hanging in there with us.”
Why it works:
It keeps the tone upbeat and genuine while acknowledging the delay with humility.
5. We’re working on it
Sometimes all someone needs to hear is that progress is happening. This phrase is direct, reassuring, and practical.
Usage examples:
- “We’re working on it—shouldn’t be much longer.”
- “Hang tight, we’re working on it right now.”
- “No worries—we’re working on it and will update you soon.”
- “We’re working on it as fast as we can.”
- “Thanks for checking in—we’re working on it.“
Why it works:
It focuses on action and transparency, assuring the other person that the issue is not forgotten.
6. Your wait means a lot to us
This phrase turns waiting into a form of value. It shows gratitude and respect while gently asking for continued patience.
Usage examples:
- “Your wait means a lot to us—thank you for being here.”
- “We know you’re waiting. Your wait means a lot to us.“
- “Your wait means a lot to us, and we’re almost done.”
- “Please know that your wait means a lot to us.“
- “You’re not forgotten—your wait means a lot to us.“
Why it works:
It transforms a delay into a meaningful moment, emphasizing that the person’s time and trust are genuinely valued.
7. This won’t take long
This is a confident and time-focused phrase. It helps reduce frustration by setting a short expectation.
Usage examples:
- “Just a few clicks—this won’t take long.“
- “Hang tight—this won’t take long at all.”
- “I’ll be right with you—this won’t take long.“
- “This won’t take long, I promise.”
- “Quick update coming—this won’t take long.“
Why it works:
It gives immediate reassurance, especially in situations where people may be growing impatient. It’s short and reassuring.
8. Thanks for your continued support
This one goes a step further than patience—it recognizes ongoing loyalty. It’s perfect for customers, colleagues, or collaborators.
Usage examples:
- “Thanks for your continued support while we work this out.”
- “We value you—thanks for your continued support.“
- “Thanks for your continued support, we’re almost there!”
- “Through the delays and all—thank you for your continued support.“
- “We couldn’t do this without you—thanks for your continued support.“
Why it works:
It shows long-term appreciation, not just for waiting—but for staying. It’s a relationship-builder.
9. I’m on it—won’t be long
Fast, confident, and solution-focused. This phrase works well in text, chat, or verbal communication.
Usage examples:
- “Got your message—I’m on it, won’t be long.“
- “I’m on it—won’t be long. Thanks for waiting!”
- “Hold tight—I’m on it. Won’t be long!“
- “Almost there! I’m on it—won’t be long.“
- “I’m on it—won’t be long. You’re next.”
Why it works:
It blends action with assurance, showing you’re responsive and in control.
10. Kindly give me a moment
Polite and soft, this phrase is perfect for more formal situations or professional communication.
Usage examples:
- “Kindly give me a moment to review your request.”
- “One sec—kindly give me a moment, please.”
- “Kindly give me a moment while I check that for you.”
- “Thank you for your message—kindly give me a moment.“
- “Kindly give me a moment, I’ll be right back with details.”
Why it works:
It’s respectful and gentle—ideal for email etiquette and customer care.
11. Appreciate your time
Time is precious. This phrase acknowledges that and thanks the person for sharing theirs with you.
Usage examples:
- “Running a bit behind—appreciate your time.“
- “Just sorting a few things—appreciate your time.“
- “Appreciate your time and understanding!”
- “Thanks for waiting—appreciate your time.“
- “We’re on it—appreciate your time today.”
Why it works:
It’s simple, warm, and puts value on the other person’s patience.
12. Your patience is appreciated
This one is direct, polished, and a more elegant way to say “please be patient.”
Usage examples:
- “Your patience is appreciated as we fix this issue.”
- “Small delay—your patience is appreciated.“
- “Your patience is appreciated, and we’re working fast!”
- “Thank you again—your patience is appreciated.“
- “We’ll notify you once it’s ready—your patience is appreciated.“
Why it works:
It sounds professional and gratitude-centered, often used in business or customer communications.
13. Just a little longer
This one is honest and easygoing. It sets a short-term expectation while keeping things light.
Usage examples:
- “Just a little longer—almost done!”
- “Thanks! Just a little longer to go.”
- “Just a little longer, and it’ll be ready.”
- “Bear with me—just a little longer.“
- “You’ve made it this far—just a little longer.“
Why it works:
It’s informal and friendly. A good choice when delays are minor but noticeable.
14. We’re almost there
This phrase gives the person hope and motivation to hold on just a bit more.
Usage examples:
- “We’re almost there—thanks for sticking with us.”
- “Few more minutes—we’re almost there.“
- “You’ve waited so patiently—we’re almost there.“
- “Hang tight—we’re almost there!“
- “We’re almost there, and it’s looking good!”
Why it works:
It’s positive, encouraging, and keeps the tone optimistic.
See Also: Other Ways to Say “I Need Your Help”
15. Thanks for sticking with us
This phrase shows appreciation for loyalty and endurance. It works especially well for email updates or delays in services.
Usage examples:
- “It’s been a long road—thanks for sticking with us.“
- “Thanks for sticking with us during this wait.”
- “We’re so close—thanks for sticking with us!“
- “Not forgotten—thanks for sticking with us.“
- “Thanks for sticking with us—we’re wrapping it up now.”
Why it works:
It’s casual, kind, and works great for ongoing communication where people may feel left behind.
16. I know it’s taking a bit—thank you
This phrase acknowledges the delay directly while showing gratitude. It’s honest and kind, and it helps the other person feel seen.
Usage examples:
- “I know it’s taking a bit—thank you for waiting.”
- “We’re doing our best—I know it’s taking a bit—thank you.“
- “Hang tight—I know it’s taking a bit—thank you for being so patient.”
- “I know it’s taking a bit—thank you for understanding.”
- “I know it’s taking a bit—thank you for sticking with us.”
Why it works:
It feels authentic and relatable. You’re not pretending everything’s perfect—you’re being real and respectful.
17. Almost done—hang tight
Short and upbeat, this is perfect for quick replies when you’re nearly finished. It adds a sense of progress.
Usage examples:
- “Almost done—hang tight!“
- “Uploading now—almost done, hang tight.“
- “One more step—almost done—hang tight.“
- “Almost done—hang tight, we’re just wrapping up.”
- “Almost done—hang tight while we finish this update.”
Why it works:
The phrase keeps the energy high and encourages trust without sounding stiff.
18. Appreciate your calm
This one’s a bit unique—it thanks someone not just for their time but for their composure and grace.
Usage examples:
- “Thanks again—appreciate your calm through this.”
- “Appreciate your calm, we know this isn’t ideal.”
- “You’ve been amazing—appreciate your calm and patience.”
- “Appreciate your calm while we work things out.”
- “It helps so much—appreciate your calm.“
Why it works:
It speaks to the emotional side of waiting, reinforcing empathy and emotional intelligence.
19. A quick moment, please
This polite phrase is ideal for real-time conversations, chats, or meetings. It feels gentle yet clear.
Usage examples:
- “A quick moment, please—almost there.”
- “One sec—a quick moment, please.“
- “A quick moment, please while I pull up your file.”
- “I’ll respond shortly—a quick moment, please.“
- “A quick moment, please and I’ll give you the update.”
Why it works:
It’s respectful and professional, showing you value the person’s time while staying efficient.
20. Won’t keep you waiting long
This one blends assurance and urgency. It shows you’re moving quickly and respectfully.
Usage examples:
- “I’ve got this—won’t keep you waiting long.“
- “Won’t keep you waiting long—thanks again.”
- “Working on it—won’t keep you waiting long!“
- “Won’t keep you waiting long, just finalizing things.”
- “Hang in there—won’t keep you waiting long.“
Why it works:
It’s direct, friendly, and assures the person that their time matters.
21. We truly value your time
This phrase is sincere and professional—great for formal messages or service-related delays.
Usage examples:
- “We truly value your time and patience during this delay.”
- “We truly value your time—thank you for staying with us.”
- “Delays are never fun—we truly value your time.“
- “We truly value your time and your business.”
- “As always, we truly value your time.“
Why it works:
It centers the other person’s importance—not your problem. This creates goodwill.
22. I’m handling it—thank you for waiting
This is great for one-on-one messages. It reassures them that you’re in control.
Usage examples:
- “Got your note—I’m handling it, thank you for waiting.“
- “I’m handling it—thank you for waiting, it means a lot.”
- “On top of it—thank you for waiting!“
- “Already working on it—I’m handling it, thank you for waiting.“
- “I’m handling it and I’ll keep you posted—thank you for waiting.“
Why it works:
It shows you’re not ignoring them—you’re actively engaged and grateful.
23. I see you—just a moment
This phrase is personal and emotionally present. It’s perfect for when someone might feel ignored.
Usage examples:
- “I see you—just a moment, I’m almost ready.”
- “Thank you for your message—I see you, just a moment.“
- “I see you—just a moment, I’ll be right with you.”
- “Don’t worry—I see you, I’ll be quick.”
- “I see you—just a moment while I finish this up.”
Why it works:
It helps people feel acknowledged and respected. It’s especially helpful in sensitive situations.
24. Almost through—stay with me
Encouraging and hopeful, this phrase is perfect when you’re resolving something live or almost done.
Usage examples:
- “We’re getting close—almost through, stay with me.“
- “Almost through—stay with me just a little longer!”
- “We’re making progress—almost through, stay with me.“
- “Thanks for your energy—almost through, stay with me.“
- “Almost through—stay with me, you’re doing great.”
Why it works:
It makes the wait feel like a shared journey, creating a sense of connection.
25. Just around the corner
This friendly phrase turns a delay into something exciting and positive.
Usage examples:
- “Hang tight—the update is just around the corner.“
- “Just around the corner! We’re nearly done.”
- “No long wait—it’s just around the corner.“
- “Big news coming—it’s just around the corner.“
- “Resolution? Just around the corner. Thanks for waiting!”
Why it works:
It’s optimistic and motivating, helping people feel that waiting will be worth it.
Conclusion
There you have it—25 creative, respectful, and empathetic ways to say “please be patient” without sounding robotic or repetitive. Each one is packed with emotional intelligence, human warmth, and semantic strength, making your messages feel more alive and meaningful.
Whether you’re answering clients, calming frustrated users, or simply keeping things polite and friendly, these alternatives will help you stand out with style and heart.
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
