If it has been a while since you last saw someone, you might want to express that when you greet them next.
However, you’re also worried that long time no see is too informal and overly friendly in an email, right?
Well, this article has gathered the best synonyms, showing you other ways to say long time no see.
8 Alternative Ways to Say “Long Time No See”
Feel free to review these alternatives to learn other ways to say long time no see in an email:
- It’s been a while
- We haven’t talked to each other in ages
- It’s been ages since we last spoke
- We haven’t crossed paths in a long time
- It’s been quite some time since our last meeting
- We’ve been out of touch
- I can’t believe how long it’s been since we met
- How long has it been now?
1. It’s Been a While
You can use it’s been a while as a formal synonym for long time no see. It’s incredibly effective in most professional emails because it shows you haven’t met someone for a long time.
We highly recommend it when emailing old colleagues. It shows you’re keen to hear from them and hope they’re doing well.
Generally, this is a great way to keep up to date with someone. It also draws attention to the idea that you’ve missed them.
You can also refer to this email example:
Dear Mathew,
It’s been a while, and I hope you’re well. When would you like to meet to discuss these issues further?
Kind regards,
Damian Rutherford
2. We Haven’t Talked to Each Other in Ages
Feel free to use we haven’t talked to each other in ages as a slightly more friendly alternative.
It’s still effective in formal emails, but it’s better when emailing coworkers from other departments.
For instance, if you don’t cross paths with a coworker often, this will draw attention to that. It’s a great way to show you miss them and that you’d like to catch up with them soon.
Here’s a great sample email to help you with it:
Dear Carla,
We haven’t talked to each other in ages. I’d like to run a few things by you when you’re free, though.
Yours,
Kylie Austen
3. It’s Been Ages Since We Last Spoke
You can use it’s been ages since we last spoke as a polite way to say long time no see. Not only is it polite, but it’s also formal.
Therefore, it’s a great way to show that you haven’t reached out to discuss something in a while.
You can generally use it when emailing clients. If it’s the first time you’ve reached out for a while, this is a great way to let them know you’ve been thinking of them.
If you’re still unsure, you can review this email example:
Dear Mr. Cricket,
It’s been ages since we last spoke. Please let me know when you’re free to meet to discuss matters further.
Best wishes,
Aimee Langford
4. We Haven’t Crossed Paths in a Long Time
Try we haven’t crossed paths in a long time. It’s a great formal synonym that shows just how long it’s been since you last spoke to someone.
We highly recommend using it to email former clients. It shows you’re happy to check in and see what they’re getting up to.
Generally, this will help you to build a stronger working relationship with them. Try it if you’re looking to develop a better bond.
Check out this email sample if you’re still stuck:
Dear Mr. Potter,
We haven’t crossed paths in a long time. I’m so keen to hear how you’ve been getting on lately.
All the best,
Suzanna Peaches
5. It’s Been Quite Some Time Since Our Last Meeting
Feel free to use it’s been quite some time since our last meeting. It’s formal and polite and lets someone know just how long it’s been since you last spoke.
You can use it when emailing your employer. If you haven’t had a meeting with them for a while, this is a great way to let them know you’re ready for another one.
We also recommend reviewing the following example:
Dear Adam,
It’s been quite some time since our last meeting. Do you have any updates for me regarding this issue?
All the best,
Holly Hazelton
6. We’ve Been Out of Touch
You should try we’ve been out of touch for a more friendly touch in emails, too.
It’s great when emailing coworkers you haven’t spoken to for a while. It shows you’d like to reconnect with them and find out what they’re getting up to.
Here’s a great example to help if you’re still unsure:
Dear Berry,
We’ve been out of touch, and I’d like to change that. When are you free for a coffee?
Yours,
Melissa Chartham
7. I Can’t Believe How Long It’s Been Since We Met
Another way to say long time no see is I can’t believe how long it’s been since we met.
This implies you haven’t met the recipient for a long time and want to meet them again soon.
Try it when emailing old clients. It shows you’re still thinking of them and would like to keep on top of your business contract with them.
Perhaps this example will also help you with it:
Dear Miss Adams,
I can’t believe how long it’s been since we met. Do you have any availability for a meeting soon?
All the best,
Sarah Tiding
8. How Long Has It Been Now?
As a final synonym, you can use how long has it been now?
This one works in a completely different way.
It’s a polite and friendly question. Therefore, it encourages the recipient to start a conversation with you.
This could be a good way to find a time to meet with them again. It’s highly effective when emailing an old employer and showing you’d like to discuss something with them.
You can also review the following example:
Dear Mr. Pattinson,
How long has it been now? I’m happy to hear from you and hope we can talk through these issues.
Best regards,
Don Walter
Is It Correct to Say “Long Time No See”?
Long time no see is correct to use in friendly situations.
It is informal, so it does not work well in most professional email settings. Instead, you should use it when meeting with friends.
It is proper English because it’s a fixed expression. You’ll hear a lot of native speakers and writers using it, even though it doesn’t appear to be syntactically correct at first.
Generally, it doesn’t work in emails because you are not seeing the person. Therefore, it only tends to work when meeting someone in person and seeing them.
Feel free to refer to this example to show you how to use long time no see in a sentence:
Hey Mack! Long time no see! I hope you finally managed to get that job you were after.
Generally, there aren’t many other situations when long time no see makes sense. It’s not good in most written formats like letters or emails.
Stick to using it conversationally and in text messages. That tends to be the best place to put it.
