20 Other Ways to Say “As Soon As Possible”

20 Other Ways to Say “As Soon As Possible” opens the door to better, clearer, and more human communication in today’s fast-paced world. Using the same phrase repeatedly can weaken your message—especially in business. With fresh alternatives, you can sound professional, polite, or even fun, all while keeping the urgency intact.

Whether you’re crafting an urgent email, leaving a Slack message, or talking face-to-face, this guide gives you efficient communication tools that match the tone and context. Packed with real-world examples and business communication phrases, these expressions boost clarity and response rates—without sounding robotic or rushed.

Promptly

Promptly is a direct and professional word that means “without delay.” It works especially well in formal business settings.

Example Email:

Subject: Approval Needed for Q3 Budget

Hi Daniel,

Could you please review and sign off on the Q3 budget promptly so we can stay on schedule for next week’s financial review?

This is one of the most effective professional phrases for urgency, and it’s commonly used in business communication phrases.

At your earliest convenience

This is a softer, more respectful way to suggest urgency without pressuring the recipient.

Example Email:

Subject: Request for Updated Contract

Hello Samantha,

I’d appreciate it if you could send the updated version of the contract at your earliest convenience. We’re aiming to finalize details with the client soon.

It falls under polite request language and is a staple among polite ways to request action.

Without delay

Without delay is slightly more urgent than “promptly” and works well when something is time-critical.

Example Email:

Subject: URGENT: Server Outage Logs

Hi Alex,

Please provide the server logs without delay so our tech team can begin diagnostics immediately.

This phrase is perfect for expressions of immediate need and urgency in writing.

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Pronto

Pronto adds a casual tone while still implying speed. It works great in spoken communication or informal emails.

Example Message (Slack or Teams):

Hey Tina, could you review this design file pronto? The client’s asking for a preview in 15 minutes.

A great choice when you need casual expressions of urgency or creative urgency phrases.

Stat

Originally a medical term, stat has crossed into casual and even business slang. It means immediately.

Example Email:

Subject: Need Update on Shipment

Hi Reggie,

The retailer just called about their missing order. Can you send me the status update stat?

This works especially well when writing time-sensitive language that demands immediate attention.

In a jiffy

“In a jiffy” is a light-hearted way to say “very soon.” It adds charm while still signaling urgency.

Example Message:

I’ll get those notes over to you in a jiffy, Jessica—just wrapping up one last edit!

Ideal for friendly conversations or non-demanding language.

By [specific time/date]

Using a specific deadline is the most straightforward way to request urgency.

Example Email:

Subject: Slides Needed for Client Call

Hi Emily,

Please send over the updated slide deck by 3 PM today, so I can include it in our client briefing.

This belongs to specific time-based requests and helps communicate timelines clearly.

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Within [time frame]

This one gives a window rather than a hard deadline. It’s useful when you want flexibility but still need results soon.

Example Email:

Subject: Content Edits for Review

Hello Jordan,

Could you review the draft and share your feedback within the next 48 hours?

It fits well with request timing alternatives and professional alternatives for setting expectations.

When you get a chance

This phrase is useful when you’re giving the recipient control over timing, while still hinting it should be soon.

Example Message:

Hey Lena, when you get a chance, can you take a look at the new campaign tags?

Part of the polite and softened phrases category, this phrase uses non-demanding language effectively.

If you could please

This softens the request further, adding a layer of courtesy.

Example Email:

Subject: Feedback Request

Hi Victor,

If you could please share your comments by Friday, I’d be able to incorporate them before the team meeting.

It’s a solid choice for email etiquette urgency without sounding harsh.

When possible

This is an even more relaxed way of indicating urgency—great when you’re aware the recipient is busy.

Example Email:

Hey Tasha, just a reminder to check the product specs when possible—no rush if you’re swamped today.

Good for demonstrating awareness and being tactful while keeping things on track—perfect polite request language.

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Posthaste

Posthaste is an old-school term that means “with great speed.” It adds flair and urgency.

Example Email:

Subject: Marketing Deck Required

Hi Charles,

Please finalize the marketing deck posthaste, as the client has unexpectedly moved up the pitch meeting.

This is one of those formal expressions that adds drama and gravity.

Expeditiously

This formal word means “quickly and efficiently.” It’s often used in corporate, legal, or administrative settings.

Example Email:

Subject: Vendor Compliance Documents

Hello Denise,

Kindly handle the attached forms expeditiously to meet the audit timeline.

Among formal expressions of speed, this signals both urgency and precision.

At once

Simple and direct, at once tells the reader the task shouldn’t wait.

Example Email:

Subject: Payroll Issue

Hi Nina,

Please escalate this payroll discrepancy at once to avoid delay in salary disbursements.

Ideal for urgent workplace communication situations.

Immediately

This is the most direct substitute for “as soon as possible.” Use it when time is absolutely of the essence.

Example Email:

Subject: Crisis Comms Plan

Hi Mark,

I need you to update the crisis communications plan immediately—the media inquiry came in 10 minutes ago.

This is the definition of expressions of immediate need.

As a priority

This signals urgency while keeping the tone professional.

Example Email:

Subject: Customer Refund Case

Hello Claire,

Could you handle the refund case for Mr. Lewis as a priority? He’s reached out three times this week.

Fits perfectly into professional phrases for urgency and efficient communication.

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Quickly

A casual and commonly accepted word that still gets the point across.

Example Message:

Hey Chris, could you push the dev fix live quickly? QA signed off already.

This can be part of creative urgency phrases depending on context.

Before end of day

This deadline-based phrase is clear and widely understood in the professional world.

Example Email:

Subject: Timesheet Submission

Hi Derek,

Just a heads-up—HR needs the completed timesheet before end of day to process payroll on time.

It’s one of the ways to say ASAP with specific time-based requests.

When time permits

Similar to “when you get a chance,” but slightly more formal.

Example Email:

Subject: Website Feedback

Hi Jasmine,

I’d love your thoughts on the homepage layout when time permits.

Works well when you want to show you’re not imposing—excellent polite ways to request action.

Soon

“Soon” is straightforward and friendly. Pair it with a timeframe if needed for clarity.

Example Message:

Let me know your availability soon, Brandon, so I can lock in the meeting time.

It keeps things light while signaling action is expected—great for casual and creative expressions.

20 Alternatives to “As Soon As Possible”

Alternative Phrase	Style	Scenario Example Type
Promptly	Professional	Email request
At your earliest convenience	Polite	Contract follow-up
Without delay	Formal/Urgent	Tech incident
Pronto	Casual/Creative	Quick task request
Stat	Casual/Urgent	Status update
In a jiffy	Light-hearted	Friendly message
By [specific time/date]	Precise/Deadline	Deadline clarification
Within [time frame]	Flexible/Planned	Feedback request
When you get a chance	Polite/Flexible	Informal task
If you could please	Very polite	Soft request
When possible	Considerate/Flexible	Low-pressure ask
Posthaste	Formal/Emphatic	Executive request
Expeditiously	Formal/Business	Compliance/legal
At once	Direct/Urgent	Critical error
Immediately	Most urgent	Emergency situation
As a priority	Balanced/Urgent	Customer issue
Quickly	Simple/Fast	Casual fix
Before end of day	Time-based/Business	Workplace deadline
When time permits	Polite/Flexible	Feedback or opinion request
Soon	Simple/Friendly	Follow-up or response request

FAQs

Can I use these alternatives in text messages or chat apps?

Yes, many alternatives like “pronto” or “in a jiffy” work well in casual chats and texting.

Are these phrases suitable for international business communication?

Absolutely, but choose expressions that fit the cultural tone and formality of your audience.

How can I make my urgent requests sound less demanding?

Use polite phrases like “when you get a chance” or “if you could please” to soften the request.

Should I follow up if I don’t get a response after using these phrases?

Yes, a polite follow-up can reinforce urgency without sounding pushy.

Can these alternatives help improve team collaboration?

Definitely—clear and respectful urgency encourages timely responses and better teamwork.

Conclusion

20 Other Ways to Say “As Soon As Possible” gives you more than just a new way to talk—it helps you sound clear, human, and confident. These options improve urgency in writing while keeping your tone polite and effective.

Choose from formal expressions of speed, creative urgency phrases, or polite request language depending on your audience. Every phrase in this guide can sharpen your message and get results faster. Next time you write, skip “ASAP” and say it better.