What is the context? If I forgot, I simply say "I am so sorry for the delay in my response", if it got caught in junk mail I tell them, "So sorry for the delay, it seems your email went to my junk mail and I am only seeing it now".
If I am intentionally ignoring it (and plan to continue to), "My apologies, I need additional time to ruminate on the issue".
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2 Replies
Talitha Rieken
17
12/29/20 at 2:41PM UTC
"Thank you for you patience in my response"
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Reply
Barbara Novak
12
12/29/20 at 4:45PM UTC
"Thank you for your patience...."
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Reply
Stacey Smith
21
Digital Evangelist
12/29/20 at 2:22PM UTC
Over time I've shifted my response away from "I'm sorry" to "Thank you for your patience..." and then either answer the question, or if I feel additional context is needed on the delay, I'll say, "Thank you for your patience, I needed to...think this through a bit / gather more data or information / check in with a team member / close out a few priority projects...before I could respond."
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Jacqueline Cutler
68
Journalist
12/29/20 at 6:45PM UTC
I would apologize without going into details. Just a quick: "I am sorry it has taken me a little while to respond." Then get to the business of the email.
Personally, I am always put off by people thanking me for patience because it assumes I have any.
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Whitnee Hawthorne
15
12/29/20 at 7:41PM UTC
I agree "Thank you for your patience" is a better response than an apology in most instances. Another way might be to say
"Thank you for understanding my delayed response due to XXX" if there were some extenuating circumstances or if you were on PTO.
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Aparajita (AJ) Jeedigunta
30
Making the Invisible Visible for A Better Life
12/29/20 at 8:24PM UTC
It really depends on why there was a delay in your email response. Unless someone else's work got drastically affected by your delay, I wouldn't necessarily apologize. I second Whitnee's suggestion of "Thank you for understanding my delayed response due to XXX." I'd keep it brief and tactful and I'd also try to set up some notifications or reminders in place so that I can minimize delays with that person in the future.
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Sandra Trolinger
91
Contracts Administrator in Texas
12/30/20 at 3:12AM UTC
Also, I have sent an email and it actually hangs up in the sent folder and didn't go through. Technology glitches happen. I have even called a client to make contact after getting an email that required more than just a few well written sentences. Never underestimate the power of picking up the phone.
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Krista Coutts
292
Marketing Professional, Cross-Functional Leader
12/31/20 at 4:47PM UTC
One lesson I have learned recently that I (and most women) do all the time is apologize! Sometimes it is necessary, but sometimes it is not. Think about starting your response with, "thank you so much for your patience in receiving...." this way you acknowledge the delay, without falling on your sword! Good luck!!
Reply
Keila Alvarado
111
Creative Director skilled in writing & marketing
12/31/20 at 10:52PM UTC
It depends on the situation. If you are not exactly obligated or responsible for giving a reply...then what the others mentioned below about “thank you for your patience” is a good alternative rather than apologizing. But if you really feel badly and the situation calls for a pressing response, feel free to say something like: “Sincerest apologies for the delay.” Then change the subject to the task at hand as one must not dwell neither on the excuses for the delay nor on the apology.
Reply
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