When it comes to professional communication, the phrase “as soon as possible” is often overused, leaving emails, messaging, and writing feeling either flat or demanding. I’ve noticed in my experience that colleagues, clients, and teams sometimes misinterpret this phrase, creating confusion about whether a task is expected today, within an hour, or by next week. Using the same words repeatedly can make emails or correspondence feel impersonal or robotic, which is far from the considerate, warm, and genuine tone most professionals aim for. To freshen your language and tailor your urgency without losing clarity, there are 25 powerful alternatives, complete with examples, short explanations, and tips to improve writing and conversations with ease and style. This paragraph highlights Other Ways to Say “As Soon As Possible” to help you communicate clearly and professionally every time.
Communicating thoughtfully is essential in corporate environments, academic settings, or client-facing correspondence. Choosing the right words can make a message feel personal, polite, and professional, while avoiding vague, abrupt, or pushy tone. This article explores 35 synonyms and alternatives, offering guidance, templates, usage notes, and expressions that communicate urgency with clarity, confidence, and politeness.
From formal, semi-formal, to informal settings, these options help friends, colleagues, and recipients get the message across in a way that feels thoughtful, considerate, and genuinely caring. Trying to make your writing sound less rushed or robotic, while still conveying urgency, ensures your emails, conversations, and communication stand out as polished, precise, and respectful.
Did You Know “As Soon As Possible”?
The phrase “as soon as possible”, often abbreviated as ASAP, is commonly used in English to indicate the need for quick action or response. Its origins trace back to the mid-20th century in business and military correspondence, reflecting a need for efficiency and timeliness.
Using this phrase can sometimes appear demanding, especially in formal or sensitive contexts. Therefore, knowing alternative expressions allows you to adjust tone and clarity, making your message feel more polite, professional, or urgent depending on the situation.
What Does “As Soon As Possible” Mean?
“As soon as possible” literally means to do something at the earliest possible opportunity, without unnecessary delay. It emphasizes urgency but leaves the exact timeframe flexible, relying on the recipient’s judgment.
In communication, the phrase conveys the need for action while still being open-ended enough to account for practical constraints. It’s important to pair it with context so the recipient understands priority and expectation clearly.
Professional or Political Way to Say “As Soon As Possible”
In professional or political settings, expressing urgency requires diplomacy and precision. Phrases like “at your earliest convenience” or “with immediate attention” communicate urgency without sounding pushy.
For example, in a corporate email, saying “Please review the document at your earliest convenience” is polite yet emphasizes priority, making it suitable for sensitive or hierarchical relationships.
When to Use “As Soon As Possible”
You should use “as soon as possible” or its alternatives when:
- Deadlines are tight: Projects, submissions, or responses.
- Immediate action is required: Emergencies or urgent matters.
- Prioritizing tasks: Clarifying importance in team communications.
- Polite urgency is needed: When you want to request action without offending.
Synonyms for “As Soon As Possible”
- Immediately
- At once
- Without delay
- Promptly
- Straightaway
- Right away
- As quickly as possible
- Urgently
- At your earliest convenience
- Without further delay
- Pronto
- Swiftly
- Posthaste
- Immediately upon receipt
- Directly
- Expeditiously
- Quick
- Instantaneously
- Forthwith
- On the double
- Rapidly
- Expeditively
- Posthaste (reinforced/alternative)
- On the spot
- Instantly
- Without hesitation
- On the fly
- Precisely now
- Instanter
- Without a moment’s delay
1. Immediately
Definition Refers to taking action without any delay whatsoever, emphasizing instant response or execution.
Meaning Act without waiting; instantly respond or execute tasks.
Tone Formal, urgent, and commanding.
Examples
- Please respond immediately.
- Action is required immediately.
- Call me immediately.
- Submit the report immediately.
- Resolve this issue immediately.
Detailed Explanation Using “immediately” communicates the highest level of urgency. It is suitable for both professional and emergency situations. Unlike ASAP, it leaves no room for procrastination, ensuring the task is prioritized above all others.
Additional Notes Avoid overuse in casual contexts, as it may seem harsh or demanding.
2. At Once
Definition Indicates that something should be done right now without delay, similar to “immediately.”
Meaning Do it now, with urgency and no waiting time.
Tone Direct, firm, slightly formal.
Examples
- Attend to this at once.
- Fix the error at once.
- Come to my office at once.
- Start the process at once.
- Address this matter at once.
Detailed Explanation “At once” is commonly used in formal settings or emergencies. It is slightly less rigid than “immediately” but still conveys strong urgency, making it ideal for professional instructions.
Additional Notes Perfect for workplace instructions but may feel authoritative in casual conversations.
3. Without Delay
Definition Refers to completing an action promptly without waiting or procrastinating.
Meaning Do something promptly; no waiting or postponement.
Tone Professional, formal, polite.
Examples
- Please review without delay.
- Take action without delay.
- Submit your forms without delay.
- Respond without delay.
- Address complaints without delay.
Detailed Explanation “Without delay” balances politeness and urgency. It is widely used in emails, business correspondence, and official instructions, ensuring clarity while remaining respectful to the recipient.
Additional Notes Works well in formal contexts, less common in casual texting.
4. Promptly
Definition Indicates immediate attention within the shortest reasonable time.
Meaning Act quickly and efficiently, without unnecessary lag.
Tone Professional, courteous, business-friendly.
Examples
- Respond promptly to emails.
- Submit documents promptly.
- Attend meetings promptly.
- Resolve issues promptly.
- Acknowledge messages promptly.
Detailed Explanation “Promptly” emphasizes both speed and efficiency, making it ideal for professional communication. It suggests urgency but maintains a polite, approachable tone.
Additional Notes Suitable for formal emails, project management, and polite reminders.
5. Straightaway
Definition Means to act immediately without hesitation or delay, common in informal British English.
Meaning Do something now, instantly, without pausing.
Tone Casual, friendly, conversational.
Examples
- Send me the files straightaway.
- Start the work straightaway.
- Call him straightaway.
- Fix it straightaway.
- Respond straightaway.
Detailed Explanation “Straightaway” conveys urgency in a casual or informal tone. It’s commonly used in spoken English and is slightly friendlier than “immediately,” making it ideal for informal workplace or personal communication.
Additional Notes Avoid in formal business emails; better suited for conversational contexts.
6. Right Away
Definition Indicates that an action should be taken immediately without waiting or hesitation.
Meaning Act immediately, without any delay.
Tone Casual, friendly, direct.
Examples
- Send me the report right away.
- Call her right away.
- Fix the issue right away.
- Start the project right away.
- Reply to the message right away.
Detailed Explanation “Right away” is a versatile phrase used in both casual and semi-formal contexts. It communicates urgency clearly while remaining approachable and less rigid than “immediately.”
Additional Notes Great for emails, texts, or verbal instructions in informal or friendly settings.
7. As Quickly as Possible
Definition Refers to completing a task as fast as circumstances allow, emphasizing efficiency and speed.
Meaning Do something quickly; prioritize rapid action.
Tone Polite, professional, clear.
Examples
- Please complete this as quickly as possible.
- Respond as quickly as possible.
- Deliver the files as quickly as possible.
- Resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
- Update me as quickly as possible.
Detailed Explanation This phrase softens the urgency slightly compared to “immediately” and is useful when you want speed without imposing harsh pressure.
Additional Notes Effective in professional emails and polite requests.
8. Urgently
Definition Used to convey that immediate attention is required for a situation or task.
Meaning Requires prompt attention or action.
Tone Formal, commanding, serious.
Examples
- Please respond urgently.
- This matter must be addressed urgently.
- Handle this request urgently.
- Send the documents urgently.
- Contact the client urgently.
Detailed Explanation “Urgently” communicates a high level of priority. It’s often seen in professional, medical, or emergency contexts, making the recipient aware that time is critical.
Additional Notes Avoid overuse in casual conversations as it may sound dramatic.
9. At Your Earliest Convenience
Definition Polite phrase indicating the task should be completed as soon as the recipient is able.
Meaning Do something when possible without rushing.
Tone Professional, courteous, formal.
Examples
- Please review the document at your earliest convenience.
- Submit your report at your earliest convenience.
- Respond to this request at your earliest convenience.
- Schedule the meeting at your earliest convenience.
- Sign the contract at your earliest convenience.
Detailed Explanation This phrase is excellent for professional communication, balancing urgency with politeness. It allows the recipient some flexibility while still implying priority.
Additional Notes Ideal for emails to clients, colleagues, or superiors.
10. Without Further Delay
Definition Indicates that action should be taken immediately without postponing any longer.
Meaning Act now, do not wait any longer.
Tone Formal, professional, urgent.
Examples
- Let’s start the project without further delay.
- Submit the proposal without further delay.
- Resolve the complaint without further delay.
- Approve the request without further delay.
- Take action without further delay.
Detailed Explanation This phrase emphasizes removing procrastination. It’s formal and suitable for business or official contexts where prompt action is required.
Additional Notes Often used in written communication like emails, memos, and announcements.
11. Pronto
Definition Informal term meaning immediately or very quickly, often used in casual speech.
Meaning Act immediately; no waiting.
Tone Casual, friendly, conversational.
Examples
- Send me the files, pronto.
- Come here, pronto.
- Fix it, pronto.
- Call me, pronto.
- Pack your things, pronto.
Detailed Explanation “Pronto” adds a casual, energetic tone to urgency. It’s widely used in spoken English or informal writing, often adding a playful or lively sense of immediacy.
Additional Notes Avoid using in professional emails unless the tone is intentionally informal.
12. Swiftly
Definition Indicates completing an action quickly and efficiently, emphasizing smooth execution.
Meaning Act fast, smoothly, and efficiently.
Tone Formal, professional, courteous.
Examples
- Respond to the inquiry swiftly.
- Implement the changes swiftly.
- Approve the plan swiftly.
- Deliver the goods swiftly.
- Resolve the issue swiftly.
Detailed Explanation “Swiftly” conveys urgency while maintaining elegance and professionalism. It’s ideal for reports, business communication, and instructions requiring speed with composure.
Additional Notes More formal than “right away” and adds a professional flair.
13. Posthaste
Definition An old-fashioned term meaning with great speed and urgency.
Meaning Do it immediately; very quickly.
Tone Formal, slightly archaic, elegant.
Examples
- Send the letter posthaste.
- Complete the project posthaste.
- Address the problem posthaste.
- Submit the report posthaste.
- Take action posthaste.
Detailed Explanation “Posthaste” carries a historical, formal tone, often seen in literary or traditional contexts. It emphasizes urgency while sounding refined and authoritative.
Additional Notes Rare in modern casual usage but excellent for historical, formal, or literary styles.
14. Immediately Upon Receipt
Definition Specifies that action should occur as soon as the item, message, or information is received.
Meaning Act as soon as something is received.
Tone Formal, professional, precise.
Examples
- Respond immediately upon receipt of this email.
- Process the payment immediately upon receipt.
- Review the document immediately upon receipt.
- Begin the work immediately upon receipt.
- Sign the form immediately upon receipt.
Detailed Explanation This phrase is precise and professional, commonly used in official letters, contracts, and business correspondence, emphasizing exact timing.
Additional Notes Perfect for legal, corporate, or procedural communication.
15. Directly
Definition Indicates that action should be taken without intermediary steps or delay.
Meaning Act immediately, without detours or waiting.
Tone Formal, professional, neutral.
Examples
- Send the payment directly.
- Contact the client directly.
- Start the task directly.
- Deliver the message directly.
- Address the complaint directly.
Detailed Explanation “Directly” emphasizes both speed and avoiding unnecessary steps, making it suitable for professional or official instructions.
Additional Notes Also works in informal contexts for clear, concise communication.
16. Expeditiously
Definition Means performing an action efficiently and promptly, emphasizing organized speed.
Meaning Act efficiently and promptly; prioritize action.
Tone Formal, professional, business-like.
Examples
- Resolve the issue expeditiously.
- Review the application expeditiously.
- Complete the task expeditiously.
- Approve the request expeditiously.
- Dispatch the shipment expeditiously.
Detailed Explanation “Expeditiously” conveys urgency along with professional competence. It is common in corporate or legal communication and emphasizes both speed and efficiency.
Additional Notes Avoid casual usage; best for official or formal communication.
17. Quick
Definition Informal term meaning fast or prompt action.
Meaning Act fast, promptly, and efficiently.
Tone Casual, friendly, informal.
Examples
- Send me a quick response.
- Make a quick decision.
- Finish the work quick.
- Respond quick.
- Fix it quick.
Detailed Explanation “Quick” is versatile and widely used in casual spoken or written English. It communicates urgency but is informal, making it suitable for colleagues, friends, or casual messages.
Additional Notes Avoid in formal emails; replace with “promptly” or “swiftly.”
18. Instantaneously
Definition Refers to performing an action in an instant or immediately.
Meaning Act instantly; immediate effect or response.
Tone Formal, precise, technical.
Examples
- Respond instantaneously to alerts.
- Confirm receipt instantaneously.
- Process data instantaneously.
- Notify the team instantaneously.
- Resolve the issue instantaneously.
Detailed Explanation “Instantaneously” emphasizes immediate action and is often used in technical, scientific, or high-stakes professional contexts.
Additional Notes More formal and less common in casual conversation.
19. Forthwith
Definition Indicates immediate action without delay or hesitation, often in legal contexts.
Meaning Act now, without any delay.
Tone Formal, authoritative, legal.
Examples
- Please respond forthwith.
- Deliver the documents forthwith.
- Address the issue forthwith.
- Complete the task forthwith.
- Send the payment forthwith.
Detailed Explanation “Forthwith” is formal and authoritative. Common in legal, governmental, or formal notices where urgency must be clear and decisive.
Additional Notes Avoid casual usage; may seem overly stiff in informal settings.
20. On the Double
Definition Informal expression meaning very quickly or immediately, often military in origin.
Meaning Do something very quickly; right away.
Tone Casual, energetic, motivational.
Examples
- Move on the double!
- Finish this on the double.
- Respond on the double.
- Pack your bags on the double.
- Attend the meeting on the double.
Detailed Explanation “On the double” adds urgency with a motivational, energetic tone. It’s ideal for spoken instructions or informal communication.
Additional Notes Not suitable for formal emails; best in conversations or casual writing.
21. Rapidly
Definition Indicates performing an action with high speed or efficiency, emphasizing quick results.
Meaning Do something fast and efficiently without unnecessary delay.
Tone Professional, formal, neutral.
Examples
- Respond rapidly to customer inquiries.
- Implement changes rapidly.
- Approve the proposal rapidly.
- Deliver services rapidly.
- Resolve complaints rapidly.
Detailed Explanation “Rapidly” conveys urgency and speed while maintaining a professional tone. It’s ideal for business or operational contexts where efficiency is essential.
Additional Notes Works well in formal emails, reports, and operational instructions.
22. Expeditively
Definition Refers to completing an action promptly with careful attention to efficiency, slightly synonymous with “expeditiously.”
Meaning Act quickly, efficiently, and systematically.
Tone Formal, professional, precise.
Examples
- Handle requests expeditively.
- Review documents expeditively.
- Resolve technical issues expeditively.
- Dispatch orders expeditively.
- Address client concerns expeditively.
Detailed Explanation “Expeditively” emphasizes organized urgency. It is often used in corporate, administrative, or procedural communication to ensure timely results.
Additional Notes A polished alternative in formal, professional communication.
23. Posthaste (Reinforced Alternative)
Definition Means immediately or with great speed, an old-fashioned but formal term.
Meaning Act instantly with urgency.
Tone Formal, literary, authoritative.
Examples
- Send the payment posthaste.
- Begin the task posthaste.
- Submit documents posthaste.
- Respond to the message posthaste.
- Complete the assignment posthaste.
Detailed Explanation “Posthaste” adds an elegant, literary tone to urgent instructions. Suitable for professional communication with a slightly formal flair.
Additional Notes Rare in casual contexts; adds stylistic emphasis in written communication.
24. On the Spot
Definition Indicates immediate action exactly at that moment, often in informal or conversational contexts.
Meaning Do something immediately, without waiting.
Tone Casual, friendly, energetic.
Examples
- Make the decision on the spot.
- Fix the error on the spot.
- Respond on the spot.
- Approve requests on the spot.
- Handle complaints on the spot.
Detailed Explanation “On the spot” conveys immediacy with a casual or energetic tone. It’s great for spoken English, team interactions, or dynamic environments.
Additional Notes Best for conversational or casual workplace settings, not formal emails.
25. Instantly
Definition Refers to action occurring immediately without any lapse of time.
Meaning Act right now; no waiting at all.
Tone Neutral, formal or informal depending on context.
Examples
- Respond instantly to alerts.
- Confirm receipt instantly.
- Fix issues instantly.
- Approve applications instantly.
- Send notifications instantly.
Detailed Explanation “Instantly” is a clear and straightforward way to convey urgency. It works well in both professional and casual contexts and emphasizes no delay.
Additional Notes Ideal for technical, operational, and everyday communication.
26. Without Hesitation
Definition Encourages immediate action without pausing, questioning, or delaying.
Meaning Act immediately and decisively.
Tone Professional, motivational, firm.
Examples
- Address the complaint without hesitation.
- Approve the request without hesitation.
- Start the work without hesitation.
- Contact the client without hesitation.
- Execute the plan without hesitation.
Detailed Explanation “Without hesitation” emphasizes decisiveness along with urgency, adding a motivational or authoritative tone to instructions.
Additional Notes Great for leadership, training, or team communication.
27. On the Fly
Definition Indicates action while in progress or immediately without prior planning, often informal.
Meaning Do something immediately as circumstances require.
Tone Casual, dynamic, conversational.
Examples
- Make adjustments on the fly.
- Respond on the fly.
- Solve problems on the fly.
- Adapt plans on the fly.
- Handle requests on the fly.
Detailed Explanation “On the fly” is commonly used in informal or creative professional contexts. It conveys urgency with adaptability and spontaneity, useful in fast-paced environments.
Additional Notes Avoid in highly formal or legal communication; perfect for startup, tech, or casual workplace culture.
28. Précisely Now
Definition Emphasizes that action should occur exactly at this moment without delay.
Meaning Act immediately; timing is critical.
Tone Formal, precise, urgent.
Examples
- Begin the procedure precisely now.
- Submit the forms precisely now.
- Start the meeting precisely now.
- Address the concern precisely now.
- Deliver the message precisely now.
Detailed Explanation “Precisely now” is a formal and exact phrase, suitable for professional or official settings where timing is critical.
Additional Notes Adds clarity and precision, especially in instructions requiring punctuality.
29. Instanter
Definition Formal or archaic term meaning immediately or at once, often used in legal or historical contexts.
Meaning Act without delay; immediately.
Tone Formal, authoritative, traditional.
Examples
- Deliver the payment instanter.
- Respond instanter to the notice.
- Complete the task instanter.
- Submit the report instanter.
- Address the issue instanter.
Detailed Explanation “Instanter” conveys urgency with a formal and authoritative tone, commonly appearing in legal documents or official decrees.
Additional Notes Rare in casual use; perfect for historical, legal, or formal written instructions.
30. Without a Moment’s Delay
Definition Refers to taking action immediately, without wasting even a single moment.
Meaning Act instantly; do not wait even briefly.
Tone Formal, professional, emphatic.
Examples
- Attend to this without a moment’s delay.
- Send the report without a moment’s delay.
- Resolve the complaint without a moment’s delay.
- Begin the project without a moment’s delay.
- Respond to this email without a moment’s delay.
Detailed Explanation “Without a moment’s delay” is emphatic, formal, and clear. It strongly communicates urgency while remaining polite and professional.
Additional Notes Highly effective in emails, instructions, and professional directives.
Conclusion
Mastering Other Ways to Say “As Soon As Possible” allows you to communicate urgency effectively without sounding rushed, robotic, or demanding. By using considerate, polite, and personal alternatives, your emails, messages, and correspondence will feel professional, warm, and genuine.
Tailoring your words to the context, whether in corporate environments, academic settings, or client-facing situations, improves clarity, builds confidence, and ensures your communication stands out as polished and respectful. Using these 25-35 alternatives, along with examples, templates, and guidance, makes it easier to express urgency while maintaining professionalism and care for the recipient.
FAQs
Q1: Why should I avoid using “as soon as possible” repeatedly?
Using as soon as possible repeatedly can make your writing or emails feel flat, robotic, and impersonal, which may create confusion about deadlines.
Q2: How many alternatives can I use for “as soon as possible”?
You can explore 25-35 alternatives including formal, semi-formal, and informal synonyms, allowing you to tailor your urgency with clarity and politeness.
Q3: Can these alternatives be used in both professional and personal settings?
Yes, these alternatives are versatile for corporate, academic, and client-facing correspondence, as well as personal messages to friends or colleagues.
Q4: How do I choose the right alternative for my message?
Consider the context, tone, and relationship with the recipient. Use polished, respectful, and genuine words to ensure your message conveys urgency without being pushy.
Q5: Will using these alternatives improve my overall communication?
Absolutely. Using thoughtful words enhances clarity, confidence, and the professionalism of your emails, conversations, and correspondence, making your communication more effective and considerate.
Amelia Clarke is a skilled writer and English language expert who brings clarity and creativity to every lesson. At Grammar Schooling, she simplifies complex grammar concepts into easy-to-understand guides that inspire confident communication. Her mission is to help learners worldwide master English with passion and purpose.