Don’t end an email with “thank you in advance.” Many people find this phrase rude; after all, you’re assuming they’re going to do whatever you’ve requested — essentially taking away their right to say no. And it can also seem like you can’t bother to follow up with a “thank you” after they’ve obliged you, so you’re just going to say it now.

Instead of writing “thank you in advance,” try these 16 other ways to say it.

Thank You in Advance Alternatives

1) “Thank you”

For a simple, gracious close that won’t offend anyone, sign off with “Thank you.”

2) “Thank you for any help you can offer”

Show appreciation for your recipient’s time and energy with this ending. It translates to “Even if you can’t help, I appreciate your effort.”

3) “Gratefully, [your name]”

Use this alternative when your ask is slightly out-of-the-ordinary: You’re giving the person less time than ideal, increasing the scope of your original request, or pulling them into a project they’re not a part of.

4) “Thanks for considering this”

With this sign-off, you say, “Hey, it means something you’re even thinking of doing this.” Revealing a little humility can help you win the other person to your cause.

5) “Really appreciate your time here”

Are you telling, not asking? When the other person doesn’t have a choice in the matter, you want to avoid closes that make them sound like they can opt out. This close is a polite but firm way to say “You have to do this” that won’t annoy them.

6) “In any case, thanks for your help”

After you’ve made your request, end with this tactful line. You’re essentially telling the other person, “Whether you agree or not, I value your consideration.”

7) “Let me know if this isn’t feasible by [date], and I’ll see what I can do”

I’d recommend saving this sign-off for a direct report. It’s clear your recipient can’t really say no to whatever you’ve asked — at most, you’ll let them negotiate the deadline. And you’re suggesting even that option isn’t ideal.

Why is this better than “Thanks in advance”? Because it’s straightforward and direct, while “thanks in advance” feels inauthentic and/or passive-aggressive.

8) “I hope this is possible”

#8 is an alternative to #7, but for someone who’s your peer or superior. It’s softer and leaves more room for pushback.

9) “In the meantime, thanks for your time”

Let your recipient know you recognize their attention.

10) “Thank you for doing X”

Explicitly acknowledge the help they’re providing, whether that’s “thanks for meeting with me,” “thanks for reviewing this proposal,” “thanks for introducing me to so-and-so,” or “thanks for answering these questions.”

11) “Looking forward to [discussing the results, talking about what you find, learning more about X]”

When you’re asking someone to do some work on your behalf, this close comes in handy. You’re showing your interest in the project — validating that it’s worth their effort.

12) “I’d be grateful if you could finish X by [date]”

Tactfully give the person a timeline with this sign-off.

13) “Many thanks”

This variation on the classic “thank you” is a bit more formal, making it feel more authentic.

14) “You’re the best”

When you’re emailing a close colleague who’s doing you a favor, use this heartfelt closing line. (Just make sure you save it for special occasions, or you’ll seem fake.)

15) “Thanks again”

Did you already thank your recipient once? No harm in reiterating the sentiment.

16) “Thank you for your understanding”

Sometimes, it’s necessary to appeal to your recipient’s compassionate side. Maybe you’re asking for something you know they’re not thrilled about — or giving them the heads up you can’t follow through on their request.

They’ll have a harder time denying you after you’ve expressly said thanks for their patience.

With these many options, there’s no need to end emails with “thank you in advance.” Make these swaps ASAP to sound more courteous (and increase the odds of a positive reply!)