How to Politely Ask Someone to Wait in English: Tips & Phrases

Hello, wonderful learners!

Today, let’s go over how to ask someone to wait in English. Whether you need a few moments to finish up a task or someone is waiting for information, these phrases can help you sound polite and respectful.

Let’s explore some phrases that will help you handle it properly. For guided learning find a detailed guide on this topic here!

Casual Ways to Ask Someone to Wait

When asking friends, family, or in relaxed settings, these phrases are friendly yet effective:

• “Hang on a second, please.”

• “Just a moment, I’ll be right there.”

• “Can you give me a minute?”

• “One sec, I’m almost done.”

• “Hold on, I just need a minute to finish this.”

Polite or Formal Ways to Ask Someone to Wait

In formal or professional environments, use more courteous language to keep the tone respectful:

• “Could you please wait a moment?”

• “I’ll be with you shortly, thank you for waiting.”

• “Would you mind holding on for just a moment?”

• “Please bear with me; I’ll be right with you.”

• “Thank you for your patience; I need just a moment.”

Reassuring Someone During the Wait

If someone is waiting and you want to reassure them, these phrases help maintain a positive tone:

• “Thank you for waiting, I appreciate it.”

• “Almost done, thanks for your patience!”

• “I won’t be long; just a few more minutes.”

• “I’m nearly finished—thank you for understanding.”

• “Thanks for waiting, I’m wrapping up now.”

Tips to Use These Expressions

Here are some quick tips for asking someone to wait politely:

• Acknowledge Their Time: Thanking them for waiting shows respect.

• Use Courteous Language: Words like “please” and “thank you” go a long way.

• Provide an Estimate: If possible, mention how long they’ll need to wait.

• Check Back if Needed: In professional settings, let them know if the wait may be longer than expected.

That’s it for today! Practice these phrases, and you’ll feel confident asking someone to wait politely.

Until tomorrow, happy learning!

Warm regards,

Niaj A A Khan

ESL Expert, ESLA