The phrase “As soon as possible” (often shortened to ASAP) is commonly used in both personal and professional communication to express urgency. While it’s effective, using it too often — especially in emails or requests — can sound demanding or repetitive. Depending on your tone, audience, and intent, there are many better ways to phrase it.
Here are 25 polished, polite, and powerful alternatives to “as soon as possible,” each carefully explained to help you sound more effective and thoughtful in your communication.
1. At your earliest convenience
Meaning:
As soon as you are able to without disruption.
Detailed Explanation:
This is a polite and professional way to request something, giving the recipient flexibility while still expressing importance.
Scenario Example:
Please review the attached proposal at your earliest convenience.
Best Use:
Business emails, formal requests.
Tone:
Respectful, professional.
2. As soon as you can
Meaning:
When you are able, without a strict deadline.
Detailed Explanation:
More relaxed than “ASAP,” this version is still urgent but polite.
Scenario Example:
Could you send over the updated file as soon as you can?
Best Use:
Informal emails, team chats.
Tone:
Friendly, casual.
3. As soon as you’re available
Meaning:
Whenever the person has time to respond or act.
Detailed Explanation:
This suggests you’re mindful of their schedule while still requesting priority.
Scenario Example:
Let’s meet to review the project as soon as you’re available.
Best Use:
Scheduling meetings, respectful requests.
Tone:
Considerate, cooperative.
4. At the earliest possible time
Meaning:
The first opportunity the person has.
Detailed Explanation:
A formal and clear way to express urgency without rushing the recipient.
Scenario Example:
Please return the signed document at the earliest possible time.
Best Use:
Legal communication, professional emails.
Tone:
Formal, direct.
5. As promptly as possible
Meaning:
Without delay; with quickness.
Detailed Explanation:
A slightly elevated and formal alternative to “ASAP.”
Scenario Example:
We would appreciate your feedback as promptly as possible.
Best Use:
Business writing, official communication.
Tone:
Polite, urgent.
6. Without delay
Meaning:
Immediately, or with no waiting.
Detailed Explanation:
This is more commanding in tone and best used in urgent situations.
Scenario Example:
Please address this matter without delay.
Best Use:
Urgent tasks, emergencies.
Tone:
Firm, authoritative.
7. As quickly as you’re able
Meaning:
As fast as the person can manage.
Detailed Explanation:
Respectful of the person’s time and workload while still emphasizing urgency.
Scenario Example:
Can you send the draft as quickly as you’re able?
Best Use:
Friendly yet timely requests.
Tone:
Polite, flexible.
8. As a matter of urgency
Meaning:
Something needs to be done urgently or immediately.
Detailed Explanation:
Often used in formal contexts to escalate the importance of a task.
Scenario Example:
This issue needs to be resolved as a matter of urgency.
Best Use:
Escalations, formal notices.
Tone:
Serious, professional.
9. Immediately
Meaning:
Right now; without waiting.
Detailed Explanation:
Strong and direct — use when you need instant action.
Scenario Example:
Please call me immediately upon receiving this message.
Best Use:
Time-sensitive situations.
Tone:
Direct, urgent.
10. As a priority
Meaning:
Place this task before others.
Detailed Explanation:
Clearly signals this task should be treated as most important.
Scenario Example:
Please process this invoice as a priority.
Best Use:
Work delegation, administrative tasks.
Tone:
Professional, clear.
11. When you get a chance
Meaning:
When time allows; no extreme urgency.
Detailed Explanation:
More casual, showing patience and understanding.
Scenario Example:
When you get a chance, could you review this brief?
Best Use:
Friendly follow-ups, casual tone.
Tone:
Easygoing, relaxed.
12. In a timely manner
Meaning:
Done within a reasonable time frame.
Detailed Explanation:
Emphasizes promptness without applying pressure.
Scenario Example:
We hope the request will be completed in a timely manner.
Best Use:
Reports, proposals, and customer service.
Tone:
Polite, neutral.
13. At once
Meaning:
Right away; with no delay.
Detailed Explanation:
More commanding and best used in urgent or crisis contexts.
Scenario Example:
Please submit the safety report at once.
Best Use:
Emergency protocols, high-pressure moments.
Tone:
Strict, urgent.
14. Before the deadline
Meaning:
Complete before the designated time.
Detailed Explanation:
Focuses on the timeframe without being harsh.
Scenario Example:
Ensure all edits are submitted before the deadline.
Best Use:
Project timelines, reminders.
Tone:
Firm, structured.
15. Soonest possible
Meaning:
As early as it can be managed.
Detailed Explanation:
A slight variation of ASAP that’s more polished in tone.
Scenario Example:
Kindly provide feedback at your soonest possible.
Best Use:
Workplace messages, vendor requests.
Tone:
Professional, soft urgency.
16. Kindly respond soon
Meaning:
A courteous way of requesting a quick reply.
Detailed Explanation:
Adds a respectful tone while implying time sensitivity.
Scenario Example:
Kindly respond soon so we can proceed with the plan.
Best Use:
Client communication, polite reminders.
Tone:
Courteous, polished.
17. Right away
Meaning:
Immediately; without waiting.
Detailed Explanation:
Informal and direct — useful when fast action is needed.
Scenario Example:
We need to call the supplier right away.
Best Use:
Team chats, spoken requests.
Tone:
Informal, urgent.
18. Swiftly
Meaning:
With speed; promptly.
Detailed Explanation:
A single-word option that adds elegance to urgency.
Scenario Example:
Please address the error swiftly to avoid delays.
Best Use:
Professional writing, brief instructions.
Tone:
Elegant, professional.
19. ASAP (in writing)
Meaning:
Abbreviation for “as soon as possible.”
Detailed Explanation:
Short and familiar, but best used sparingly to avoid sounding pushy.
Scenario Example:
We’ll need that signed copy ASAP.
Best Use:
Internal emails, casual tone.
Tone:
Concise, informal.
20. With urgency
Meaning:
Handle the task as high-priority.
Detailed Explanation:
A formal phrase that conveys seriousness.
Scenario Example:
Please treat this customer issue with urgency.
Best Use:
Support tickets, executive communication.
Tone:
Serious, respectful.
21. At your soonest convenience
Meaning:
Whenever you can — slightly more formal than “at your earliest convenience.”
Detailed Explanation:
Polite and flexible, yet still requests timely action.
Scenario Example:
Please confirm the delivery schedule at your soonest convenience.
Best Use:
Professional messages, client interactions.
Tone:
Polite, formal.
22. With all due speed
Meaning:
Complete it as fast as possible, respectfully.
Detailed Explanation:
A formal and slightly traditional phrase for urgency.
Scenario Example:
This task should be completed with all due speed.
Best Use:
Government, legal, or procedural writing.
Tone:
Formal, urgent.
23. By the soonest opportunity
Meaning:
As soon as a chance arises.
Detailed Explanation:
Suggests urgency without being commanding.
Scenario Example:
Please get back to me by the soonest opportunity.
Best Use:
Professional follow-ups, polite requests.
Tone:
Respectful, flexible.
24. Do not delay
Meaning:
Finish the task immediately.
Detailed Explanation:
A firmer instruction, best used when delays are unacceptable.
Scenario Example:
Do not delay in submitting the required forms.
Best Use:
Time-sensitive instructions.
Tone:
Commanding, firm.
25. Make it a priority
Meaning:
Treat this task as one of the most important.
Detailed Explanation:
Politely indicates that the request should be prioritized over other tasks.
Scenario Example:
Please make this a priority and send the update by end of day.
Best Use:
Team management, project tasks.
Tone:
Clear, assertive.
Conclusion
Using the phrase “as soon as possible” too often can make your writing sound repetitive or even a bit demanding. By choosing one of these 25 thoughtful alternatives, you can match your tone to the situation — whether you want to be polite, professional, urgent, or friendly.
