“Miss” (meaning “fail to find” or “missing”) dates back to the 12th century. “I miss you” is a phrase that you’ve probably used and have had it said to you more times than you could count. “I miss you” gets the job done at home. But when it comes to formal communications the phrase “I miss you” doesn’t really seem like one that you can use.
Maybe you want to learn how to convey “I miss you” in your professional and casual life. Our favorite formal alternative is “Your presence is missed.” And our favorite informal alternative is, “Missing you!”
Other ways to say “I miss you”
- Your absence is poignant.
- I long for you.
- I crave your company.
- I feel your absence deeply.
- You’re always on my mind.
- I wish you were here.
- Your presence is sorely missed
- The days feel longer without you.
- I eagerly anticipate your return.
- I’m low-key missing you right now.
- Missing you.
- Your presence is missed.
Key Takeaways
- “Your presence is sorely missed” is a great formal acknowledgment of someone’s absence you can use in professional settings.
- “Eagerly anticipating your return” is another formal alternative you can use to express a more formal longing for the person’s presence.
- “I’m low-key missing you right now” is a very informal yet casual way to express longing while not coming off as particularly needy or crossing certain boundaries.
I am eagerly awaiting your return (Formal)
“Eagerly anticipate your return” and any variation of it can be used when communicating with co-workers, business partners, and the like.
Using “Eagerly anticipate your return” communicates the other party’s valued presence to the workforce and is a positive closer to your emails.
For the formal usage of “Eagerly anticipate your return” you should be cautious not to use the phrase with the subject “I” at the beginning “I eagerly anticipate your return” because it instantly becomes informal and would be improper to use in your professional communications.
Some references on how to use the phrase “Eagerly anticipate your return” are:
Dear Howard,
As you settle into your new role, please know that I am here to support you in any way possible. If you need anything or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Eagerly anticipating your return to the office and looking forward to the valuable contributions you’ll make to our team.
Best regards,
Steven Paili
Human Resources
Dear Mr. Clae,
Thank you for informing us of your team’s vacation for the following week. We will have the storyboard ready for your review by then and shared.
Eagerly anticipate your return.
Thank you,
Chris Hayley
Note that we use “I eagerly anticipate your return”, most often when concluding an email. “I miss you” would not be used when beginning a professional message/email and similarly, the synonyms of “I miss you”, should be used in the conclusion part of the message.
I wish you were here (Informal)
“I wish you were here” is a phrase to use instead of “I miss you”, though it comes off as more indirect; it gives the same message while also expressing longing for the other person’s presence.
“I wish you were here” is an effective synonym and when it comes to usage, we recommend using it with people who are closer to you.
Remember that “I wish you were here” is an informal phrase and should not be used for any professional communications whether it be emails or more casual-like chats/messages.
- The Alps are beautiful, I wish you were here to share a laugh and enjoy the view.
- The vacation with the family is great but it’s not as fun without you. Wish you were here with the family.
Is it correct to say “I miss you”?
Yes, “I miss you” is a correct phrase you can use with friends and close co-workers.
It is an informal phrase that should be reserved for intimate relationships. “I miss you” is usually employed for affectionately expressing your longing for the person.Since “I miss you” is very pointedly informal, even if it is correct to use the phrase, it is not appropriate to use it in your more professional exchanges and certainly not when the subject “I” suggests a personal investment in the other person’s absence.
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.