The phrase “as soon as possible” (often shortened to ASAP) is widely used in both personal and professional communication to indicate urgency or promptness. However, using it too often can sound demanding or impersonal, especially in formal contexts like emails or business messages.
To sound more polite, professional, or natural, it helps to use alternative expressions that convey urgency while maintaining respect and tone.
Here are 25+ professional and friendly alternatives to “as soon as possible”, complete with meaning, example, best use, and tone.
1. At Your Earliest Convenience
Meaning: Politely asks someone to do something when they can, without sounding pushy.
Example: Please send the updated report at your earliest convenience.
Best Use: Formal emails or professional requests.
Tone: Polite, professional.
2. As Soon As You Can
Meaning: A softer, conversational version of ASAP.
Example: Please review the file as soon as you can.
Best Use: Friendly or semi-formal communication.
Tone: Respectful, neutral.
3. At Your Earliest Opportunity
Meaning: Encourages prompt action while being courteous.
Example: Kindly respond at your earliest opportunity.
Best Use: Formal and business contexts.
Tone: Professional, diplomatic.
4. When You Get a Chance
Meaning: Suggests urgency without pressure; casual and friendly.
Example: Please look over the proposal when you get a chance.
Best Use: Informal chats or internal team messages.
Tone: Relaxed, friendly.
5. When Possible
Meaning: Asks for something to be done whenever it’s feasible.
Example: Let me know your feedback when possible.
Best Use: Business or professional communication.
Tone: Considerate, polite.
6. As Promptly As You Can
Meaning: Requests quick action with a sense of professionalism.
Example: Please submit your input as promptly as you can.
Best Use: Workplace emails or reports.
Tone: Professional, courteous.
7. At Your Soonest Convenience
Meaning: Similar to “at your earliest convenience,” slightly more urgent.
Example: Please arrange a meeting at your soonest convenience.
Best Use: Formal business correspondence.
Tone: Polite, formal.
8. As Quickly As You’re Able
Meaning: Expresses urgency with empathy and understanding.
Example: Kindly review the document as quickly as you’re able.
Best Use: Professional or team communication.
Tone: Respectful, professional.
9. Without Delay
Meaning: Directly communicates urgency and importance.
Example: Please deliver the package without delay.
Best Use: Time-sensitive or urgent requests.
Tone: Firm, authoritative.
10. At Your Earliest
Meaning: Shortened form of “at your earliest convenience.”
Example: Please confirm at your earliest.
Best Use: Professional messages or reminders.
Tone: Formal, concise.
11. As Soon As Practicable
Meaning: Indicates action should be taken quickly but realistically.
Example: The issue should be resolved as soon as practicable.
Best Use: Legal, policy, or business writing.
Tone: Formal, precise.
12. When You Have a Moment
Meaning: Gentle way to request something without imposing urgency.
Example: Could you review this file when you have a moment?
Best Use: Polite workplace communication.
Tone: Courteous, friendly.
13. As a Priority
Meaning: Highlights importance while staying professional.
Example: Please treat this request as a priority.
Best Use: Professional or managerial communication.
Tone: Direct, respectful.
14. When Time Allows
Meaning: Encourages action when it’s convenient for the recipient.
Example: Please check this over when time allows.
Best Use: Non-urgent professional messages.
Tone: Polite, flexible.
15. At the Earliest Possible Moment
Meaning: A formal and urgent variation of ASAP.
Example: We need to finalize the deal at the earliest possible moment.
Best Use: Business or official correspondence.
Tone: Formal, serious.
16. Without Further Delay
Meaning: Stresses urgency while maintaining professionalism.
Example: Let’s move forward without further delay.
Best Use: Project management or team updates.
Tone: Motivational, assertive.
17. At the Soonest Possible Time
Meaning: Requests immediate action politely.
Example: Please provide your confirmation at the soonest possible time.
Best Use: Formal business writing.
Tone: Professional, diplomatic.
18. As Soon As Feasible
Meaning: Requests prompt action that’s still realistic.
Example: Please address this matter as soon as feasible.
Best Use: Legal, technical, or administrative communication.
Tone: Formal, careful.
19. As Soon As You’re Available
Meaning: Ties urgency to the recipient’s availability.
Example: Please schedule the call as soon as you’re available.
Best Use: Professional and scheduling contexts.
Tone: Polite, flexible.
20. As Swiftly As Possible
Meaning: Suggests urgency with a slightly formal tone.
Example: We’ll need your approval as swiftly as possible.
Best Use: Business or operational settings.
Tone: Formal, efficient.
21. As Early As Possible
Meaning: Encourages completion before a specific or expected time.
Example: Please arrive as early as possible tomorrow.
Best Use: Meetings, deadlines, or event coordination.
Tone: Direct, clear.
22. As Soon As Reasonably Possible
Meaning: Urgent but considerate of realistic timing.
Example: The task should be completed as soon as reasonably possible.
Best Use: Corporate, legal, or formal writing.
Tone: Balanced, professional.
23. When You’re Free
Meaning: Friendly and informal way to ask for action soon.
Example: Let’s catch up when you’re free.
Best Use: Personal or casual workplace messages.
Tone: Relaxed, approachable.
24. When Convenient for You
Meaning: Shows flexibility and respect for the recipient’s schedule.
Example: Please share your input when convenient for you.
Best Use: Professional but courteous communication.
Tone: Polite, accommodating.
25. In a Timely Manner
Meaning: Implies action should be taken promptly but not hastily.
Example: Please complete the task in a timely manner.
Best Use: Business or project contexts.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
26. When You Have the Opportunity
Meaning: Suggests a gentle and respectful sense of timing.
Example: Please send the details when you have the opportunity.
Best Use: Semi-formal writing or communication.
Tone: Courteous, flexible.
Conclusion
While “as soon as possible” is effective, it can sometimes sound too abrupt or overused. Substituting it with alternatives like “at your earliest convenience,” “as promptly as you can,” or “in a timely manner” helps you convey urgency with professionalism. Choosing the right phrase depends on your audience, relationship, and tone — formal, friendly, or urgent.
