Let’s be honest, “As soon as possible” (ASAP) has been overused to the point where it sometimes sounds either too demanding or completely flat. Whether you’re writing an email to a colleague, texting a client, or messaging your team, you want to sound clear, respectful, and professional not rushed or robotic.
Using the same phrase repeatedly can also make your communication feel impersonal or rushed. And in certain situations, saying “as soon as possible” might actually create confusion: Do you mean today? Within the hour? Next week?
So if you’re looking to freshen up your language, sound more polite, and tailor your urgency without losing clarity, you’re in the right place. Below are 25 powerful alternatives to saying “as soon as possible”, with examples and short explanations to help you improve your writing, emails, and conversations with ease and style.
Polite & Effective Alternatives to “As Soon As Possible”
1. At your earliest convenience
Explanation:
This is a very polite and professional phrase, especially useful in formal settings. It suggests urgency but gives the other person flexibility.
Usage Examples:
- Please send the updated file at your earliest convenience.
- Kindly respond at your earliest convenience.
- We would appreciate your feedback at your earliest convenience.
- Let me know your availability at your earliest convenience.
- Can you share the signed documents at your earliest convenience?
Why it works:
It conveys respect for the other person’s time while gently requesting timely action. It’s great for business emails.
2. As soon as you can
Explanation:
This phrase is simple and friendly. It’s slightly more casual than “ASAP” but still gets the point across.
Usage Examples:
- Please call me as soon as you can.
- Get back to me as soon as you can.
- Submit the report as soon as you can.
- Let me know your thoughts as soon as you can.
- Finish the draft as soon as you can.
Why it works:
It softens urgency while still showing that the task is important. It keeps the tone relaxed and conversational.
3. When you have a moment
Explanation:
This one is perfect when you want to sound low-pressure and respectful, especially in internal communication or with colleagues.
Usage Examples:
- Let’s discuss this when you have a moment.
- Can you check the file when you have a moment?
- Please review this draft when you have a moment.
- Respond when you have a moment.
- Ping me when you have a moment.
Why it works:
It shows empathy and allows for flexibility, making it great for building positive relationships at work.
4. At your earliest opportunity
Explanation:
This sounds slightly more formal than “at your earliest convenience” and works well when you want to politely highlight urgency.
Usage Examples:
- Please contact me at your earliest opportunity.
- Share your input at your earliest opportunity.
- At your earliest opportunity, kindly schedule the review.
- Let’s touch base at your earliest opportunity.
- Email me at your earliest opportunity.
Why it works:
It communicates priority and courtesy at the same time.
5. Promptly
Explanation:
A strong, direct, yet professional word. Best used when immediate action is genuinely necessary.
Usage Examples:
- Kindly respond promptly.
- We need this issue resolved promptly.
- Please act promptly to avoid delays.
- Deliver the goods promptly.
- We require a decision promptly.
Why it works:
It’s precise and results-focused, perfect for fast-paced environments.
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6. Without delay
Explanation:
This one is serious but still polite. Use it when time is critical.
Usage Examples:
- Please address the matter without delay.
- Kindly ship the package without delay.
- Resolve the concern without delay.
- Proceed without delay.
- Take action without delay.
Why it works:
It’s ideal for urgent requests where every second counts, and adds weight and authority.
7. As quickly as you’re able
Explanation:
This sounds personal and understanding, and it’s helpful when you want to balance urgency with kindness.
Usage Examples:
- Please review this as quickly as you’re able.
- Respond as quickly as you’re able.
- Handle the issue as quickly as you’re able.
- Complete the edits as quickly as you’re able.
- Let us know as quickly as you’re able.
Why it works:
It feels collaborative, as it respects the other person’s capacity.
8. When you get a chance
Explanation:
This is more casual and ideal when the task isn’t urgent, but still important.
Usage Examples:
- Look this over when you get a chance.
- Reply when you get a chance.
- Send me your feedback when you get a chance.
- Update the file when you get a chance.
- Review the deck when you get a chance.
Why it works:
It keeps your tone light and non-demanding, great for internal team emails.
9. In a timely manner
Explanation:
This is often used in business and service-related communication to signal urgency while staying formal.
Usage Examples:
- Please complete the task in a timely manner.
- We expect delivery in a timely manner.
- Kindly respond in a timely manner.
- Submit the report in a timely manner.
- Take appropriate action in a timely manner.
Why it works:
It’s clear, formal, and conveys a sense of professionalism.
10. As soon as practical
Explanation:
This phrase gives room for reasonable timelines, especially in complex situations where ASAP might not be realistic.
Usage Examples:
- Resolve the issue as soon as practical.
- Get back to us as soon as practical.
- As soon as practical, please review the file.
- Make the update as soon as practical.
- Please proceed as soon as practical.
Why it works:
It balances real-world expectations with urgency, making it excellent for respectful, thoughtful messaging.
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11. As soon as it’s feasible
Explanation:
This is a respectful and balanced phrase, perfect when you want to encourage speed, but also acknowledge that the person may need time.
Usage Examples:
- Please complete the update as soon as it’s feasible.
- Kindly respond as soon as it’s feasible for you.
- Share your input as soon as it’s feasible.
- I’d appreciate a reply as soon as it’s feasible.
- Schedule the call as soon as it’s feasible on your end.
Why it works:
It reflects empathy and flexibility, useful in both corporate and collaborative environments.
12. Swiftly
Explanation:
A strong, one-word option that’s more elegant and professional than just saying “fast.” It adds a touch of sophistication.
Usage Examples:
- We kindly request you act swiftly.
- Please move forward with the plan swiftly.
- Respond swiftly to avoid delay.
- Kindly address the matter swiftly.
- Take swift action if possible.
Why it works:
It’s concise and impactful, great when you want to be clear and effective without sounding demanding.
13. At your soonest availability
Explanation:
This is a slightly more urgent variation of “at your earliest convenience,” without sounding too harsh. It’s useful when something is time-sensitive.
Usage Examples:
- Please let me know at your soonest availability.
- Kindly join the call at your soonest availability.
- I’d appreciate your input at your soonest availability.
- Let’s connect at your soonest availability.
- Respond at your soonest availability so we can move forward.
Why it works:
It conveys respectful urgency, useful in client communications and formal settings.
14. With urgency
Explanation:
This phrase communicates that the matter needs serious attention. It’s professional and assertive.
Usage Examples:
- Please treat this request with urgency.
- We ask that this be handled with urgency.
- Respond with urgency as the deadline is near.
- Proceed with urgency for approval.
- Kindly escalate the issue with urgency.
Why it works:
It’s powerful without being rude — perfect when the priority level is high and you need to emphasize that.
15. At the earliest moment
Explanation:
A formal and polite way of asking for something quickly. It sounds professional and respectful.
Usage Examples:
- Please respond at the earliest moment possible.
- Join the meeting at the earliest moment that suits you.
- Kindly share the feedback at the earliest moment.
- I’d appreciate action at the earliest moment.
- Get in touch at the earliest moment you’re available.
Why it works:
It keeps the tone gracious and flexible, ideal for written communication with clients or executives.
16. When possible
Explanation:
This is a gentle follow-up phrase that allows the recipient to manage their own schedule while still encouraging action.
Usage Examples:
- Please send the file when possible.
- Kindly respond when possible.
- Share the update when possible.
- Let me know your thoughts when possible.
- Approve the invoice when possible.
Why it works:
It’s casual, flexible, and shows respect for the other person’s time constraints.
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17. At once
Explanation:
A short and direct phrase that means “right now.” It’s strong and confident — best used when urgency is critical.
Usage Examples:
- Please begin the task at once.
- Send the confirmation at once.
- Act on this request at once.
- Submit the file at once to avoid penalties.
- We must escalate this at once.
Why it works:
It conveys immediate urgency, though it should be used with care to avoid sounding too aggressive.
18. Right away
Explanation:
This is a more casual version of “at once.” It’s commonly used in spoken and written communication and feels natural.
Usage Examples:
- Please review the proposal right away.
- I’ll get back to you right away.
- Kindly send the update right away.
- We’ll address the issue right away.
- Can you look into this right away?
Why it works:
It’s friendly and familiar, perfect for internal emails and team communication.
19. In short order
Explanation:
This phrase is a bit more formal and traditional. It implies that the task will be handled efficiently.
Usage Examples:
- We’ll process your request in short order.
- Expect a response in short order.
- The team will handle the issue in short order.
- Kindly complete the task in short order.
- Let’s resolve this in short order.
Why it works:
It communicates swift action with class, making it sound polished and courteous.
20. Quickly
Explanation:
A straightforward and universally understood word. When used politely, it gets the point across efficiently.
Usage Examples:
- Please respond quickly if possible.
- Handle the request quickly.
- Kindly reply quickly so we can proceed.
- We need to act quickly.
- Submit the changes quickly.
Why it works:
Its simplicity makes it effective — though it’s best softened with other words like “please” or “kindly.”
21. With all due speed
Explanation:
This old-fashioned phrase can feel very professional and polished in the right context. It shows urgency while maintaining elegance.
Usage Examples:
- Please review the file with all due speed.
- We kindly request your decision with all due speed.
- Process the documents with all due speed.
- Respond with all due speed to avoid delays.
- Deliver the goods with all due speed.
Why it works:
It adds a touch of formality, useful in legal, medical, or government-related communications.
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22. Immediately
Explanation:
This is a firm and direct word that expresses urgency clearly. Best used in emergencies or time-sensitive situations.
Usage Examples:
- Please respond immediately.
- We need this resolved immediately.
- Act immediately to prevent issues.
- Kindly send the form immediately.
- This must be completed immediately.
Why it works:
It sets clear expectations. Use it when time truly is of the essence.
23. When time allows
Explanation:
This is a gentle, flexible phrase that’s ideal when there’s no strict deadline.
Usage Examples:
- Please look into this when time allows.
- Reply when time allows.
- Review the proposal when time allows.
- Kindly respond when time allows.
- Get back to me when time allows.
Why it works:
It shows patience and is perfect for non-urgent communication or when dealing with someone’s busy schedule.
24. As a priority
Explanation:
This phrase signals that the task should be bumped up in someone’s to-do list — respectfully and professionally.
Usage Examples:
- Kindly treat this request as a priority.
- We need to resolve this as a priority.
- Please handle the file as a priority.
- Submit the document as a priority.
- Address this issue as a priority.
Why it works:
It positions your request as important without sounding forceful or entitled.
25. As soon as it works for you
Explanation:
This one is great when you want to sound accommodating while still suggesting a quick response.
Usage Examples:
- Let’s connect as soon as it works for you.
- Please call me back as soon as it works for you.
- Respond as soon as it works for you.
- Review the file as soon as it works for you.
- Schedule the call as soon as it works for you.
Why it works:
It keeps things polite, respectful, and flexible — a winning combo for relationship-based communication.
Final Thoughts
Saying “as soon as possible” over and over can make your messages feel rushed or repetitive. But with these 25 polished alternatives, you can communicate urgency with elegance, respect with clarity, and professionalism with personality.
These phrases give you a range of tones — from formal to casual — so you can adapt your message to fit the situation, the audience, and the urgency.
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
