When you say “sorry for the short notice,” you’re acknowledging that you’re asking something last-minute and showing respect for the other person’s time.
But honestly—using the same phrase again and again can feel boring, stiff, or rushed.
So here are 35 fresh, modern, natural-sounding alternatives you can use in emails or messages—whether you’re writing to a colleague, client, boss, or friend.
Each phrase comes with realistic 2025-style conversations and a clear tip so you know exactly when to use it.
Let’s get into it 👇
1. “Apologies for the late heads-up”
Example 1 — Alex (A) & Bella (B)
A: Apologies for the late heads-up—I just found out about the meeting.
B: No worries, thanks for telling me now.
Example 2 — Jack (A) & Sophie (B)
A: Hey Sophie, apologies for the late heads-up on this task.
B: All good, I’ll take a look.
Example 3 — Ryan (A) & Emily (B)
A: Apologies for the late heads-up, I know it’s sudden.
B: I appreciate you saying that, Ryan.
💡 Tip: Great for professional emails that still sound human.
2. “Sorry for the last-minute message”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Sorry for the last-minute message—totally slipped my mind earlier.
B: Haha, happens. What’s up?
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Sorry for the last-minute message about tomorrow.
B: Thanks for letting me know.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Sorry for the last-minute message, I hope it’s okay.
B: Yeah, I can manage.
💡 Tip: Simple, safe, and very common in casual emails.
3. “I hope this isn’t too sudden”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I hope this isn’t too sudden, but could we reschedule?
B: It’s okay, I get it.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: I hope this isn’t too sudden—I need the file today.
B: I’ll try my best.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I hope this isn’t too sudden, just wanted to ask.
B: Thanks for being considerate.
💡 Tip: Sounds polite without directly apologizing.
4. “Thanks for your flexibility on this”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for your flexibility on this—it’s a bit last minute.
B: Sure, I’ll adjust.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for your flexibility, I know the timing isn’t ideal.
B: No problem.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for your flexibility today, Emily.
B: Happy to help.
💡 Tip: Flip the apology into appreciation.
5. “I appreciate your understanding on short notice”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I appreciate your understanding on short notice.
B: Of course, I understand.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Appreciate your understanding—this came up suddenly.
B: Thanks for saying that.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I really appreciate your understanding here.
B: That means a lot.
💡 Tip: Works well with clients or senior colleagues.
6. “Apologies for the timing”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Apologies for the timing—I know it’s late.
B: It’s okay, go ahead.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Apologies for the timing of this request.
B: Thanks for acknowledging it.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Apologies for the timing, Emily.
B: No stress.
💡 Tip: Short and respectful.
7. “I know this is short notice”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I know this is short notice, but could you help?
B: I’ll try.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: I know this is short notice—sorry about that.
B: It’s fine.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I know this is short notice, and I appreciate you.
B: Thanks for being upfront.
💡 Tip: Honest and direct.
8. “Sorry for the quick turnaround”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Sorry for the quick turnaround on this task.
B: I’ll see what I can do.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Sorry for the quick turnaround—deadline moved.
B: Got it.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Sorry for the quick turnaround, I owe you one.
B: Haha, noted.
💡 Tip: Perfect for deadlines and work requests.
9. “I just got this update”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I just got this update and wanted to loop you in.
B: Thanks for sharing.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Just got this update—thought I’d tell you right away.
B: Appreciate it.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I just got this update, sorry it’s sudden.
B: No worries.
💡 Tip: Shifts responsibility away from you.
10. “This came up unexpectedly”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: This came up unexpectedly—can we talk?
B: Sure.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: This came up unexpectedly, so plans changed.
B: Thanks for explaining.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: This came up unexpectedly, hope it’s okay.
B: I understand.
💡 Tip: Explains urgency without sounding careless.
11. “Thanks for bearing with the short notice”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for bearing with the short notice.
B: It’s okay.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for bearing with this timing.
B: No worries.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for bearing with the short notice, Emily.
B: Anytime.
💡 Tip: Polite and appreciative.
12. “I didn’t mean to rush you”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I didn’t mean to rush you—it just came up.
B: I get it.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Didn’t mean to rush you with this.
B: All good.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I didn’t mean to rush you, honestly.
B: Thanks for saying that.
💡 Tip: Softens the request emotionally.
13. “Sorry for the sudden request”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Sorry for the sudden request.
B: It’s fine.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Sorry for the sudden request—I need feedback.
B: I’ll check.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Sorry for the sudden request, appreciate you.
B: No problem.
💡 Tip: Very clear and respectful.
14. “I know the timing isn’t ideal”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I know the timing isn’t ideal.
B: Yeah, but we’ll manage.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: I know the timing isn’t ideal—sorry.
B: Thanks for acknowledging it.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I know the timing isn’t ideal, Emily.
B: I appreciate that.
💡 Tip: Shows empathy and awareness.
15. “Thank you for accommodating this”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thank you for accommodating this.
B: Sure thing.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for accommodating such short timing.
B: Happy to help.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thank you for accommodating this request.
B: You’re welcome.
💡 Tip: Strong professional tone.
16. “I appreciate your quick support”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I appreciate your quick support on this.
B: Anytime.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Appreciate your quick support today.
B: Glad I could help.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I appreciate your quick support, Emily.
B: Of course.
💡 Tip: Positive and encouraging.
17. “Thanks for making time on short notice”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for making time on short notice.
B: No problem.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for making time today.
B: You’re welcome.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for making time—it means a lot.
B: Happy to.
💡 Tip: Excellent for meetings.
18. “I know this is a quick ask”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I know this is a quick ask.
B: Go ahead.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: I know this is a quick ask—sorry.
B: That’s okay.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I know this is a quick ask, Emily.
B: I can help.
💡 Tip: Casual and modern.
19. “Appreciate the short-notice help”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Appreciate the short-notice help.
B: Anytime.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Appreciate the short-notice help today.
B: No worries.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Appreciate the short-notice help, seriously.
B: Happy to support.
💡 Tip: Friendly and warm.
20. “Sorry this came up so late”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Sorry this came up so late.
B: It’s okay.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Sorry this came up so late—just found out.
B: Thanks for telling me.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Sorry this came up so late, Emily.
B: All good.
💡 Tip: Honest and natural.
21. “I wanted to flag this as soon as I could”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I wanted to flag this as soon as I could.
B: Appreciate that.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Flagging this as soon as I found out.
B: Thanks.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Wanted to flag this early.
B: Good call.
💡 Tip: Shows responsibility.
22. “Thanks for your patience”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for your patience with this.
B: No problem.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for your patience today.
B: Anytime.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for your patience, Emily.
B: Happy to help.
💡 Tip: Soft and respectful.
23. “Apologies for the tight timing”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Apologies for the tight timing.
B: It’s okay.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Apologies for the tight timing on this.
B: Understood.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Apologies for the tight timing, Emily.
B: Thanks for letting me know.
💡 Tip: Great for deadlines.
24. “Thanks for being flexible”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for being flexible today.
B: Sure thing.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for being flexible with this change.
B: No problem.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for being flexible, Emily.
B: Always.
💡 Tip: Positive reinforcement.
25. “I realize this is last minute”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I realize this is last minute.
B: Yeah, but it’s fine.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: I realize this is last minute—sorry.
B: I understand.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I realize this is last minute, Emily.
B: Thanks for saying that.
💡 Tip: Honest and mature.
26. “Thanks for understanding the timing”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for understanding the timing.
B: Of course.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for understanding the timing here.
B: No worries.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for understanding, Emily.
B: Anytime.
💡 Tip: Professional and kind.
27. “Appreciate you rolling with this”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Appreciate you rolling with this.
B: Haha, no problem.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Appreciate you rolling with the change.
B: All good.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Appreciate you rolling with this, Emily.
B: Happy to.
💡 Tip: Casual and modern.
28. “Sorry for the quick change”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Sorry for the quick change.
B: It happens.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Sorry for the quick change in plans.
B: Thanks for telling me.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Sorry for the quick change, Emily.
B: No stress.
💡 Tip: Great for reschedules.
29. “I know this came in fast”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I know this came in fast.
B: Yeah, but I got it.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: I know this came in fast—thanks.
B: No worries.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I know this came in fast, Emily.
B: Appreciate you saying that.
💡 Tip: Friendly and conversational.
30. “Thanks for jumping on this”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for jumping on this.
B: Anytime.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for jumping on this so quickly.
B: Happy to help.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for jumping on this, Emily.
B: Of course.
💡 Tip: Encouraging tone.
31. “Apologies for the sudden update”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Apologies for the sudden update.
B: Thanks for letting me know.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Apologies for the sudden update today.
B: Understood.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Apologies for the sudden update, Emily.
B: No problem.
💡 Tip: Clear and professional.
32. “I appreciate you adjusting so quickly”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: I appreciate you adjusting so quickly.
B: No problem.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Appreciate you adjusting on short notice.
B: Happy to.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: I appreciate you adjusting, Emily.
B: Anytime.
💡 Tip: Great for teamwork emails.
33. “Sorry for the late update”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Sorry for the late update.
B: Thanks for telling me.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Sorry for the late update today.
B: All good.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Sorry for the late update, Emily.
B: Appreciate the heads-up.
💡 Tip: Simple and effective.
34. “Thanks for the quick turnaround”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Thanks for the quick turnaround.
B: Happy to help.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Thanks for the quick turnaround on this.
B: No problem.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Thanks for the quick turnaround, Emily.
B: Anytime.
💡 Tip: Perfect after the task is done.
35. “Really appreciate your support on this”
Example 1 — Alex & Bella
A: Really appreciate your support on this.
B: Of course.
Example 2 — Jack & Sophie
A: Really appreciate your support today.
B: Glad I could help.
Example 3 — Ryan & Emily
A: Really appreciate your support, Emily.
B: Always here.
💡 Tip: Warm and relationship-building.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Let’s be real—last-minute emails happen. Deadlines shift, plans change, and life gets messy.
What truly matters is how you communicate.
Using these phrases helps you sound thoughtful, human, and respectful, not rushed or careless.
Mix them into your emails, trust me—you’ll feel the difference, and so will the reader.
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