- The correct phrase is "are you available?" as it follows the standard subject-verb agreement.
- "Do you available?" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in professional communication.
☎️ Are you available for a brief phone call later this afternoon to go over the details of the upcoming client presentation?
🖊️ Hello Mark, are you available for a brief discussion tomorrow morning regarding the changes in the project timeline?
When to use the phrase "are you available?"
Scheduling a Meeting or Appointment
- "Are you available for a meeting tomorrow?"
- "I'd like to schedule a call with you. Are you available this afternoon?"
Making Social Plans
- "We're planning a dinner this weekend. Are you available to join us?"
- "There's a movie night on Friday. Are you available to come?"
Checking Work Commitments
- "I need your assistance on a project. Are you available to help this week?"
- "We have a client meeting on Thursday. Are you available to attend?"
Inviting Someone to an Event
- "We're hosting a party next month. Are you available to come?"
- "There's a conference next week. Are you available to attend with us?"
To differentiate between "are you available?" and the incorrect "do you available?" remember to use "are" for questions about someone's state or condition, and avoid pairing "do" with adjectives. The correct form uses "are" with the subject "you."
Example sentences
- Hey, are you available for a quick chat later this afternoon?
- I wanted to discuss the project with you. Are you available for a meeting tomorrow?
- We're planning a team outing this weekend. Are you available to join us?
- I have a job interview scheduled. Are you available to provide a reference?
- The client wants to discuss the proposal. Are you available for a conference call?
Examples from the web
"Hey, Tyra Banks, are you available for an afternoon of Vulcan mind- meld?" - The New York Times - Tech
"They won't be magnanimous winners and say, 'What days are you available?' Whatever the reasons, Mr. McCain and Mr. Bush often seem like boats passing in the night." - The Guardian
Usage of "are you available?"
Looking at the graph below, we can see that the use of the phrase "are you available?" started to increase in the 1930s.
FAQ
Are you available or are you free?
"Are you available or are you free?" are polite inquiries about someone's schedule or willingness to engage. "Available" is often used formally, while "free" is more casual. Both seek to determine if the person can participate in an activity or meeting.
What does it mean "are you available?"
"Are you available?" inquires about someone's readiness or willingness to participate in a particular activity or meet. It seeks to ascertain if the person has the time or is open to engaging in the proposed event or conversation.
Summary
In conclusion, the subtle difference between "Are you available?" and the incorrect "do you available?" highlights the importance of precision in language. Choosing the right phrase not only ensures effective communication but also contributes to a polite and professional conversational tone. So, the next time you inquire about someone's schedule, remember to use "Are you available?" for clear and courteous communication.
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