When you want something done fast, “ASAP” is the universal go-to phrase. It stands for “as soon as possible”, and it’s widely used in emails, workplaces, texting, and professional communication.
But here’s the truth: using “ASAP” too often can sound demanding, rushed, or even impolite—especially in professional settings.
That’s why having a list of polite, professional, creative, and clearer alternatives helps you communicate urgency without sounding harsh.
Below, you’ll find 20+ powerful substitutes for “ASAP,” including meaning, usage, tips, and examples. These options fit workplaces, business emails, academic settings, and daily communication.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “ASAP” when:
- You want to express urgency without sounding aggressive
- You’re writing to a boss, client, coworker, or teacher
- You need a phrase that sounds more professional and respectful
- You want to specify urgency more clearly than “ASAP”
- You’re trying to avoid repeating the same word in emails
- You want to set a clear deadline instead of a vague request
Avoid harsh urgency phrases with clients or in sensitive situations.
25+ Other Ways to Say “ASAP” (Meaning, Usage, Tips, Examples)
1. As soon as you can
Meaning: Whenever you’re able to — no pressure.
Usage: Casual or semi-formal.
Tip: Softer than ASAP.
Example: Please send me the updated file as soon as you can.
2. As soon as possible
Meaning: Same meaning as ASAP, but more formal.
Usage: Emails, professional requests.
Tip: Use this instead of the abbreviation.
Example: Kindly review the report as soon as possible.
3. At your earliest convenience
Meaning: Urgent, but politely expressed.
Usage: Professional communication.
Tip: Great for respectful tone.
Example: Please respond at your earliest convenience.
4. When you get a moment
Meaning: When you have time.
Usage: Polite, non-rushed.
Tip: Works well with colleagues.
Example: Can you look over this when you get a moment?
5. As soon as you’re available
Meaning: When you’re free.
Usage: Meetings or calls.
Tip: Shows respect for someone’s schedule.
Example: Let’s discuss this as soon as you’re available.
6. As quickly as you can
Meaning: Fast, but flexible.
Usage: Urgent tasks.
Tip: Softer than “I need this now.”
Example: Please finish the draft as quickly as you can.
7. As soon as it’s possible for you
Meaning: Urgent but considerate.
Usage: Friendly or formal.
Tip: Good for teamwork.
Example: Send the details as soon as it’s possible for you.
8. As soon as you get the chance
Meaning: When you have free time.
Usage: Casual, friendly.
Tip: Not ideal for strict deadlines.
Example: Please update the spreadsheet as soon as you get the chance.
9. When you can
Meaning: Flexible timing.
Usage: Calm, friendly tone.
Tip: Good for low-pressure asks.
Example: Let me know your feedback when you can.
10. At the earliest opportunity
Meaning: As early as possible.
Usage: Formal emails.
Tip: Adds professionalism.
Example: Please submit the form at the earliest opportunity.
11. As a priority
Meaning: Handles this before other tasks.
Usage: Workplace tasks.
Tip: Clear but polite.
Example: Please process this request as a priority.
12. I’d appreciate it if you could do this soon
Meaning: Polite urgency.
Usage: Respectful requests.
Tip: Adds gratitude.
Example: I’d appreciate it if you could update this soon.
13. As soon as humanly possible
Meaning: Very urgent, slightly humorous.
Usage: Friendly tone.
Tip: Avoid with clients/bosses.
Example: Please send the file as soon as humanly possible!
14. When possible
Meaning: No rush implied.
Usage: Flexible communication.
Tip: Good for low-stress situations.
Example: Review the document when possible.
15. As soon as you’re done with your current task
Meaning: After they finish what they’re doing.
Usage: Work prioritization.
Tip: Shows fairness.
Example: Please take care of this as soon as you’re done with your current task.
16. As soon as you have a moment to spare
Meaning: When you’re free.
Usage: Polite and gentle.
Tip: Great for busy teammates.
Example: Let’s talk about this as soon as you have a moment to spare.
17. Urgently
Meaning: Needs immediate attention.
Usage: High-priority issues.
Tip: Use when it’s truly urgent.
Example: We need this resolved urgently.
18. Without delay
Meaning: Right away.
Usage: Formal and serious.
Tip: Use sparingly to avoid sounding harsh.
Example: Please send the confirmation without delay.
19. At the soonest
Meaning: As soon as possible.
Usage: Friendly and modern.
Tip: Good for quick messages.
Example: Please reply at the soonest.
20. Whenever it’s possible for you
Meaning: Flexible and kind.
Usage: For non-urgent requests.
Tip: Avoid when deadlines matter.
Example: Complete the task whenever it’s possible for you.
21. As soon as you can manage
Meaning: When you’re able to fit it in.
Usage: Respectful tone.
Tip: Good for balancing workloads.
Example: Please send the updates as soon as you can manage.
22. Before the end of the day
Meaning: Clear deadline.
Usage: Urgent workplace tasks.
Tip: Great for productivity.
Example: Please return the form before the end of the day.
23. As soon as you’re ready
Meaning: When you’ve prepared.
Usage: Work reviews, discussions.
Tip: Allows flexibility.
Example: Let’s begin as soon as you’re ready.
24. At your soonest availability
Meaning: When you can attend to it.
Usage: Scheduling and emails.
Tip: Polite, professional.
Example: Kindly send the update at your soonest availability.
25. The sooner, the better
Meaning: Earlier is preferred.
Usage: Semi-formal.
Tip: Clear but friendly.
Example: Please complete the task—the sooner, the better.
Bonus: Professional Email-Friendly Replacements for “ASAP”
Here are polished alternatives perfect for business communication:
- “Could you update me on this at your earliest convenience?”
- “Please treat this as a priority.”
- “Kindly share this when possible today.”
- “I’d appreciate a quick update when you’re able.”
- “Please send this over before the end of the working day.”
Final Writing Tips (How to Choose the Right Alternative)
- Use polite options (e.g., “at your earliest convenience”) when writing to superiors or clients.
- Use clear timeframes (e.g., “before the end of the day”) when deadlines matter.
- Avoid harsh urgency phrases unless absolutely necessary.
- Match the tone to the situation—formal for business, casual for texting.
- Don’t overuse urgency terms; they can stress the recipient.
- Choose clarity over pressure—good communication beats speed.
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