Please be patient

USAGE SUMMARY

'Please be patient' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to politely ask someone to be patient when you anticipate a delay or obstacle. For example: "Please be patient while I find the correct form for you to fill out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Please be patient with me".

The New York Times

"Please be patient," he said.

The New York Times

Please be patient; delays may occur.

The New York Times

Please be patient and use common sense".

The New York Times

Please be patient in relation to this," he said.

The Guardian

"Please be patient and support Daniel during this time," the family said.

The Guardian

"Please be patient, we will be starting as soon as we can".

The Guardian

Please be patient while the video renders.

TechCrunch

Please be patient if the wiki is locked down, it just means someone is adding their name to the list.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"He would say, 'Please be patient and wait — changes will come,' " Mr. Saw Lynn Aung said.

The New York Times

Please be patient — we will be moving shortly".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Please be patient" when you anticipate a short delay or inconvenience. It's a polite way to ask for understanding and cooperation.

Common error

While versatile, "Please be patient" can sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Opt for phrases like "Kindly bear with me" or "We appreciate your understanding" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please be patient" functions as an imperative, issuing a polite request or instruction. It directs the listener or reader to exercise patience, particularly in situations where a delay or inconvenience is anticipated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please be patient" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to politely request understanding and tolerance during a delay or difficult situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, especially in news, general instructions, and everyday conversations. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required, as more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "kindly bear with me". When used appropriately, the phrase effectively manages expectations and promotes positive interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I appreciate your patience

Expresses gratitude for already demonstrated patience.

Kindly bear with me

More formal and polite; often used in professional settings.

Allow me some time

Suggests needing more time to complete a task.

Please wait

Direct and simple instruction to wait.

Hold on a moment

More casual, suggests a shorter wait time.

Be understanding

Asks for general understanding and empathy.

Give me a second

Very informal; implies a brief delay.

Just a little longer

Offers reassurance that the wait is nearly over.

Have some forbearance

Formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to ask for patience.

I crave your indulgence

Highly formal and somewhat archaic; implies a significant imposition.

FAQs

How can I use "Please be patient" in a sentence?

You can use "Please be patient" when asking someone to wait or understand a delay, such as, "Please be patient while we resolve this issue" or "Please be patient; we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes".

What's a more formal alternative to "Please be patient"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "kindly bear with me" or "we appreciate your patience".

When is it inappropriate to use "Please be patient"?

Avoid using "Please be patient" when the delay is excessive, or when you lack control over the situation. In such cases, providing a detailed explanation and an estimated resolution time is better.

What does it mean when someone tells me "Please be patient"?

When someone says "Please be patient", they are requesting your understanding and tolerance during a period of waiting or difficulty.