20 Better Ways to Say “Please Advise”: Making Your Work Emails Better

As someone who writes a lot for work, I often look for new ways to ask for help or ideas. I recently saw “20 Better Ways to Say “Please Advise”” and it made me want to learn more ways to ask nicely for things. In our busy work world, it’s important to write clearly and politely without using the same words over and over.

Learning new ways to ask for things helps us use better words and make our messages fit different situations, so they work well and keep people interested.

This article looks at what “please advise” means and tries to explain it in different ways, giving new ideas for this common phrase.

20 Better Ways to Say “Please Advise”

Here are 20 different ways to say “Please advise”:

Asking for Help: Getting Expert Ideas

When you want advice or opinions from coworkers or bosses, it’s good to ask in a way that shows you think they’re smart. Here are some ways to do that:

I’d like to hear what you think. I’ve used this a lot to show I care about someone’s ideas. When working on a big project, I might say, “We’re thinking about different ways to do the next part of the project. I’d like to hear what you think.” This asks for advice and makes the person feel good about their smarts.

Your thoughts would really help. This is a great way to ask for input while showing it’s important. I once used this when finishing a big report: “Before I send in the final version, your thoughts would really help.” It shows the person’s answer is really important for the job.

Could you tell me what you think? Sometimes, asking straight out works best. When faced with a hard choice, I’ve asked, “We’re not sure what to do with our marketing plan. Could you tell me what you think?” This asks for an opinion and shows it could help make the decision.

Good things about these phrases:

• Show respect for the person’s smarts
• Make people want to give thoughtful answers
• Create a feeling of working together

Asking for Information: Making Things Clear

Sometimes you need more details or to understand something better. Here are some nice ways to ask for more information:

Could you tell me more about… This phrase is perfect for asking about specific things you need more info on. “About the new rule, could you tell me more about how it changes things for our team?” It shows what you want to know without sounding pushy.

Could you explain more about…? When something seems confusing or hard, I use this phrase. I once used it like this: “The project schedule seems really fast. Could you explain more about when things need to be done?” It asks for more details about one part of something.

Can I have more information about…? This is a polite way to ask for more facts or details about something interesting. For example, “The changes to the computer program sound cool. Can I have more information about how they’ll change things?” It shows you’re interested and want to understand everything.

Tips for asking for information:

• Be clear about what you need
• Say why the information is important
• Thank the person for their time

Asking for a Decision: Moving Things Along

When you need someone to make a choice or tell you what to do, these different ways can help you get the decision you need:

What do you think we should do next? This phrase is great for asking what to do next. I’ve used it in situations like this: “We’ve looked at all the ideas. What do you think we should do next?” It shows that what the person thinks will help decide what to do.

Could you suggest what to do? This direct way can work well when you need someone to choose or suggest something. “Since we don’t have much money, could you suggest which project we should do first?” It shows that a decision needs to be made.

I need your decision on… Sometimes, you need a clear answer. I used this phrase when time was running out: “With the event coming soon, I need your decision on the final theme by tomorrow.” It clearly asks for a choice about something specific, often with a deadline.

Good ways to ask for decisions:

• Give all the important information
• List choices if there are any
• Be clear about any deadlines

Asking for Quick Answers: When Time is Short

In busy work places, getting answers quickly is important. Here are some ways to ask for fast feedback without sounding bossy:

Your quick advice would help a lot This phrase shows that a fast answer is needed while still being polite. I’ve used it in situations like this: “To keep the project on time, your quick advice would help a lot.” It shows why a fast answer is important without being pushy.

As soon as you can This phrase works well when you need an answer soon but want to be nice about the person’s time. “Could you look at the plan as soon as you can? We need to send it in by Friday.” It shows it’s urgent without being mean.

I’d like your thoughts by… Setting a specific time can be helpful when you have a deadline. I’ve used this way: “I’d like your thoughts on the budget by the end of Thursday, because we need to finish it for the big meeting.” It tells the time limit while still sounding nice.

Good ways to ask for quick answers:

• Explain why it’s urgent
• Be clear about deadlines
• Say thanks for the quick help

Asking for Approval: Getting the OK

When you need someone to say yes to a project or idea, these different ways can help you ask:

Would you be okay with… This phrase is great for sharing an idea while letting the person say if they’re worried about anything. “Would you be okay with us starting the new ad campaign?” It shows respect for their opinion and authority.

Can I go ahead with…? This direct way can work well when you need clear approval. I’ve used it like this: “Can I go ahead with ordering the new equipment?” It asks for permission while being short and clear.

Are you okay with…? This casual but professional phrase is perfect for team settings. “Are you okay with the suggested timeline for the project?” It asks for agreement while making people feel like they’re working together.

Good tips for asking for approval:

• Give all the important information up front
• Be clear about what you’re asking for
• Show that you’ve thought about what might happen

Giving Choices: Helping Make Decisions

Sometimes, giving choices can make it easier for someone to tell you what to do. Here are some ways to show choices:

Which of these do you like best? This is great when you have several good solutions. I’ve used it like this: “We’ve picked three companies to work with. Which of these do you like best?” It makes it easier for the person to decide.

Would you pick A or B? This phrase can work really well when you have two clear choices. “Would you pick the mountain cabin or the beach house for the company trip?” It makes the decision simpler while still asking for their input.

Should we do X, or do you have another idea? This phrase lets the person suggest something different. I’ve used it in situations like this: “Do you think we should do the online marketing plan, or do you have another idea?” It shows that you’re open to ideas besides the ones you suggested.

Good ways to give choices:

• Show clear, different options
• Give short good and bad points if you can
• Be open to ideas not on your list

Asking for a Look: Making Sure It’s Good

When you need someone to check your work, these phrases can help you ask without sounding unsure:

Could you look at…? This casual but professional phrase works well for coworkers to check each other’s work. “Could you look at the draft of the presentation when you have time?” It’s a friendly way to ask for feedback.

I’d really like you to review… This phrase is perfect when you want to show how important someone’s input is. I’ve used it like this: “I’d really like you to review the plan before we send it to the client.” It shows that you respect their opinion and smarts.

Could you quickly check…? This phrase can work for less formal situations or quick checks. For example, “Could you quickly check this email before I send it to everyone?” It asks for a review without making it seem like a big job.

Good tips for asking for reviews:

• Be clear about what parts you want checked
• Explain why the document is important
• Say if there’s a deadline for the review

Asking to Work Together: Teaming Up

When you want to invite someone to work with you on a project or problem, these phrases can help:

Would you like to work together on…? This is a great way to invite someone to join a project. I’ve used it like this: “Would you like to work together on the new client proposal?” It shows that you value their help and skills.

I’d love to hear your ideas on… This phrase works well when you want someone to help think of ideas or solve problems. “I’d love to hear your ideas on how to make our customer service better.” It asks for their ideas and shows that you care what they think.

Can we think about this together…? This casual phrase is perfect for team settings or when working with coworkers. I’ve used it in situations like this: “Can we think about this production problem together?” It encourages working together to solve problems.

Good ways to ask to work together:

• Explain why you think their help would be good
• Be clear about what you’re asking them to do
• Show that you’re excited to work together

Saying You’re Not Sure: Asking for Help

When you’re not sure about something and need help, these phrases can help you say it professionally:

I’m not sure how to handle… This honest approach can work well when you’re facing a challenge. “I’m not sure how to handle the client’s unusual request. Could you help?” It shows that you’re asking for help without putting yourself down too much.

I need help understanding how we should do this… This phrase works well when rules or ways of doing things aren’t clear. I’ve used it like this: “I need help understanding how we should follow the new data privacy rules. Can you give me some advice?” It points out a specific area where you need help.

Do you have any ideas for…? This open question asks for advice without saying you’re unsure. “Do you have any ideas for making our team work better?” It shows that you’re open to ideas and want to improve things.

Good tips for saying you’re not sure:

• Be clear about what you’re unsure about
• Explain what you’ve already thought about or tried
• Show that you want to learn and get better

Checking Back: Keeping Things Moving

When you need to remind someone about a request or decision, these phrases can help you check back politely:

I wanted to ask again about… This is a gentle way to bring up a topic again. I’ve used it like this: “I wanted to ask again about our talk about the project schedule. Have you had time to look at it?” It shows that you’re still interested in the topic without being pushy.

Just checking on… This phrase works well for casual follow-ups. “I’m just checking on how the report is going. Do you need any more information from me?” It shows that you’re ready to help if needed.

Have you thought about…? This phrase can work well when waiting for a decision or feedback. I’ve used it in situations like this: “Have you had time to think about the plan I sent last week? I’m happy to talk about any questions you might have.” It gently asks for an answer while offering more help.

Good ways to check back:

• Mention the first request or conversation
• Offer more help or information if needed
• Be patient and understanding about how busy others are

Sharing Thoughts: Adding Your Ideas

When you need someone to share what they think about a discussion, especially when people might have different views, these phrases can help:

Please share what you think This direct approach is great for group talks. I’ve used it like this: “We’ve heard different opinions on this. Please share what you think.” It encourages the person to share their thoughts and join the conversation.

We’d really like to hear what you think about this. This phrase works well when you want to show how important someone’s input is. “We’d really like to hear what you think about this new marketing plan.” It shows that you respect their opinion and want to include it in making decisions.

Do you want to share your thoughts on this? This casual but professional phrase is perfect for team settings. I’ve used it in situations like this: “Do you want to share your thoughts on this suggested timeline?” It invites input without putting too much pressure on the person.

Good things about asking others to share thoughts:

• Encourages different viewpoints
• Helps everyone agree
• Shows that you value what others think

Asking for Quick Action: When Time is Short

When you need a fast response because of tight deadlines or urgent situations, these phrases can help show it’s urgent without sounding demanding:

A quick answer would be great This polite but direct phrase works well when time is short. I once said, “Since the deadline is soon, a quick answer would be great.” It shows the situation is urgent while still being professional.

Could you get back to me really soon on this? This phrase can work for more urgent matters. “Could you get back to me really soon on what the client asked? They’re expecting an answer today.” It shows the need for a quick response.

This is urgent – your quick input is really important When you need to show how urgent something is, this phrase works well. I’ve used it in situations like this: “This is urgent – your quick input is really important for us to finish the project on time.” It explains why a fast answer is needed.

Good tips for asking for quick action:

• Explain why it’s urgent
• Be clear about deadlines
• Say thanks for their quick attention

Asking for Approval: Getting the Green Light

When you need someone to formally agree or say yes, these phrases can help you ask:

Would this be okay with you? This phrase is perfect for asking for formal agreement. I’ve used it like this: “I’ve written the contract based on what we talked about. Would this be okay with you?” It shows respect for their authority while asking for their approval.

Are you okay with doing it this way? This phrase works well when you want to give the person a chance to say if they’re worried about anything. “Are you okay with doing the client presentation this way?” It asks for their honest opinion while seeking their approval.

Do you see any problems with doing it this way? This phrase allows for helpful feedback. I’ve used it in situations like this: “Do you see any problems with doing the project this way?” It shows that you’re open to their input while asking for their go-ahead.

Good ways to ask for approval:

• Give all the necessary information up front
• Be clear about what you’re asking them to approve
• Show that you’ve thought about what might happen

Getting Permission: Moving Forward

When you need clear permission to go ahead with an action or plan, these phrases can help:

Can I get your okay on this? This direct approach works well when you need clear permission. I’ve used it like this: “We’ve planned a small change to what the project covers. Can I get your okay on this?” It asks for their permission to go ahead.

Are we good to go ahead with this? This phrase can work in more casual situations or team settings. “Are we good to go ahead with the new marketing campaign?” It asks for agreement while making people feel like they’re working together.

Do I have your permission to go ahead? This more formal phrase can be helpful in certain work situations. I’ve used it in situations like this: “Do I have your permission to go ahead with hiring the new team member?” It shows respect for their authority while asking for permission.

Good tips for getting permission:

• Give a clear summary of what you’re suggesting
• Explain how it might help or change things
• Be ready to answer any questions they might have

Supporting Ideas: Getting Backing

When you’re looking for someone to formally support or agree with a suggested plan or method, these phrases can help:

Do you support this approach? This direct question works well when asking for formal support. I’ve used it like this: “After looking at the information, this seems to be our best option. Do you support this approach?” It asks if they agree with the suggested plan.

Would you back this plan? This phrase can work well when you want to show you need their support. “Would you back this plan for entering the new market?” It shows that you value their support and are asking for their commitment.

Are you okay with this plan? This phrase works well for more casual or team-oriented situations. I’ve used it in contexts like this: “Are you okay with this plan for making customers happier?” It asks for their agreement while making people feel like they’re part of a team.

Good ways to get support:

• Clearly explain the approach or plan
• Explain why you think it’s a good idea
• Be open to questions or suggestions to make it better

Asking for Guidance: Getting Help from Experts

When you need help or advice, especially from someone with more experience, these phrases can help you ask:

Your advice on this would really help This phrase shows respect for the person’s expertise. I’ve used it like this: “Since I’m new to this process, your advice on this would really help.” It asks for help while showing you know they have experience.

Could you point me in the right direction? This phrase works well for more general guidance requests. “Could you point me in the right direction for researching market trends?” It asks for help without expecting them to do the work for you.

I could use your insights on this. This phrase can work well when you want to show how valuable their view is. I’ve used it in situations like this: “I could use your insights on handling this talk with the client.” It shows that you value their experience and ideas.

Good tips for asking for guidance:

• Be clear about what you need help with
• Explain what you’ve already done or thought about
• Show thanks for their time and smarts

Using Expert Knowledge: Asking Specialists

When you need to use someone’s specific area of knowledge, these phrases can help you ask:

I could use your expert help. This direct approach works well when you need special knowledge. I’ve used it like this: “This problem is in your area of expertise. I could use your expert help to solve it.” It shows you know their skills and asks for their help.

Your special knowledge would be really helpful here This phrase can work well when you want to show how important their specific skills are. “Your special knowledge in data analysis would be really helpful here.” It shows that you know and value their unique expertise.

We’d really benefit from your expert opinion on this. This phrase works well in team settings or when dealing with complex issues. I’ve used it in situations like this: “We’d really benefit from your expert opinion on this technical challenge.” It asks for their input while showing you know their expertise.

Good ways to ask for expert help:

• Clearly explain why their specific expertise is needed
• Give background about the problem or situation
• Be ready with specific questions or areas where you need their input

Showing Importance: Crucial Contributions

When you need to stress that someone’s input is essential to the success of a project or decision, these phrases can help:

Your input is really important. This direct statement shows how important their contribution is. I’ve used it like this: “As we finish the product design, your input is really important.” It shows that their involvement is essential.

We can’t move forward without your insight. This phrase works well when you want to show how much you depend on their input. “We can’t move forward without your insight on the legal issues.” It shows that their contribution is a critical part of the process.

Your feedback is key to this project’s success. This phrase shows the impact of their input. I’ve used it in situations like this: “Your feedback is key to this project’s success. Could you look over our proposal?” It shows the importance of their contribution while making a specific request.

Good tips for showing importance:

• Explain why their input is crucial
• Be specific about what you need from them
• Show how their contribution fits into the bigger picture

Trusting the Experts: Relying on Expertise

When you need to show a high level of trust in someone’s skills and knowledge, these phrases can help:

We’re counting on your expertise. This phrase shows reliance on their specialized knowledge. I’ve used it like this: “Given how complex this is technically, we’re counting on your expertise to guide us.” It shows trust in their skills and the importance of their input.

Your special knowledge is key here. This phrase works well when you want to show the unique value of their expertise. “Your special knowledge in international tax law is key here. Could you look over our strategy?” It acknowledges their specific skills and asks for their involvement.

We’re relying on your professional judgment. This phrase shows trust in their decision-making abilities. I’ve used it in situations like this: “We’re relying on your professional judgment to help us handle this situation.” It shows confidence in their ability to provide valuable guidance.

Good ways to rely on expertise:

• Clearly explain the complex or specialized nature of the issue
• Show how their expertise directly relates to the problem at hand
• Express confidence in their ability to help

Asking for Wise Advice: Valuing Experience

When you want to compliment the person while asking for their guidance, these phrases can help:

Waiting for your wise advice This phrase not only asks for guidance but does so in a way that implies wisdom. I’ve used it like this: “Before we start the negotiation, we’re waiting for your wise advice.” It shows respect for their experience and judgment.

Your wisdom would really help. This phrase works well when you want to show the value of their long-term experience. “In this tough situation, your wisdom would really help.” It acknowledges their accumulated knowledge and insights.

We could use your experienced view. This phrase recognizes the value of their experience. I’ve used it in situations like this: “As we enter this new market, we could use your experienced view to avoid potential problems.” It shows respect for their years of experience while asking for their input.

Good tips for asking for wise advice:

• Acknowledge their years of experience or depth of knowledge
• Be specific about the type of advice you’re seeking
• Show genuine appreciation for their willingness to share their insights

7 Pro Tips for Better Work Emails: Alternatives to “Please Advise”

Overusing “please advise” can make your emails feel generic and impersonal. Here are some more engaging and effective alternatives:

• Be specific: Instead of asking for general advice, provide context. For example, instead of “Please advise on the next steps,” say “Please advise on the best approach for addressing the client’s concerns about [specific issue].”
• Use action verbs: Rephrase your request using a more active verb. For example, instead of “Please advise,” you could say “Please provide your input,” “Please share your thoughts,” or “Please recommend.”
• Ask a direct question: Sometimes, a straightforward question is the most effective way to get the information you need. For example, “What is your preferred deadline for completing this project?”
• Frame it as a request for help: Express your need for assistance in a way that highlights the value of their input. For example, “I could really use your expertise on [topic]. Could you please share your thoughts?”
• Offer a choice: If you’re unsure about the best course of action, present options and ask for their preference. For example, “Do you prefer to meet in person or via video call to discuss this?”
• Use a call to action: Clearly state what you want the recipient to do. For example, “Please let me know if you agree with this proposal.”
• Express gratitude: A simple “thank you” can go a long way in fostering a positive and collaborative relationship. For example, “Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter.”

By incorporating these tips into your email communication, you can create more engaging, effective, and professional messages.

What is another word for “please advise”?

There are several alternatives to “please advise” that can be used to request guidance or recommendations. Some options include “kindly provide your advice,” “I’d appreciate your feedback,” or “please offer your direction.” The phrase “please advise how to proceed” can be replaced with “please suggest next steps” or “kindly provide assistance on moving forward.

” In more formal contexts, one might use “I seek your consultation” or “your guidance would be valuable.” The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific support needed. It’s important to note that while “please advise” is commonly used, some consider it overused in professional communication.

Using varied alternatives can make your requests for advice more engaging and precise, tailoring the language to the specific guidance or recommendation you’re seeking.

Is “please be advised” formal?

“Please be advised” is indeed considered a formal phrase, often used in professional and official communications. It serves as a polite way to introduce important information or guidance. The phrase is frequently employed in business emails, legal notices, and official announcements where a formal tone is appropriate.

When using “please be advised” in a sentence, it typically precedes critical information or a recommendation, such as “Please be advised that the meeting has been rescheduled.” While formal, some writers consider it somewhat stilted or overused. Alternatives like “kindly note” or “for your information” can serve similar purposes.

The level of formality in “please be advised” makes it more suitable for situations requiring official direction or when delivering significant advice. It’s less commonly used in casual conversations or when seeking feedback or assistance in a more collaborative setting.

Conclusion

Getting better at professional communication is an ongoing process. These 20 alternatives to “Please advise” give you many options for different work situations. Choosing the right phrase for each situation can improve your communication skills, show respect for colleagues’ expertise, and create more engaging interactions.

It’s important to adjust your language to fit the context and your relationship with the person you’re talking to. With practice, these alternatives become natural, leading to more effective and nuanced professional communication.

This exploration offers “another way to say please advise” in various settings, expanding your options beyond the standard phrase and enabling more detailed communication at work.

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