When you have a moment

You can place this phrase at the start or end of a sentence. In an email, it often starts the request. For example, 'When you have a moment, could you sign this?' In person, it acts as a soft interruption. You might walk up to a desk and say it quietly. It signals that you are willing to wait. It makes your request feel like an invitation rather than an order.

This is your go-to phrase for the office. Use it with your manager to show respect. Use it with colleagues to stay friendly. It is also great for customer service. If you are texting a friend about something non-urgent, use it there too. It works perfectly when you want to be polite but firm. It is the 'gold standard' for professional etiquette.

Do not use this if the kitchen is on fire. Emergency situations require direct language. If a deadline is in five minutes, skip the politeness. Also, avoid using it sarcastically if you are actually angry. It can sound passive-aggressive if the tone is wrong. If someone is clearly doing nothing, it might sound a bit silly. Use it only when there is actual work happening.

English-speaking cultures, especially in business, love 'softening' language. We often avoid direct commands like 'Do this now.' Instead, we use 'hedging' to sound more collaborative. This phrase is a classic example of 'negative politeness.' This means you are trying not to impose on the other person. It became a staple of office culture in the mid-20th century. It reflects a shift toward flatter hierarchies and mutual respect.

If you want to be more casual, try When you get a sec. For a slightly more formal vibe, use At your earliest convenience. If you are talking to a close friend, When you can works well. In the UK, you might hear When you have a spare minute. All of these serve the same purpose: respecting the other person's time.