Using “as soon as possible” shows that you want something done quickly. However, is it a formal way to ask someone to complete a task?
This article will look into other ways to say “as soon as possible.”
Is It Rude to Say “As Soon as Possible”?
It is not rude to say “as soon as possible.” It’s one of the most common ways to request that someone does something quickly. We recommend using it in formal emails.
It comes with a professional and polite tone, which is why it works so well in emails. It shows that you’d like someone to get to work and complete a task within an unspecified (but quick) time frame.
Check out this example if you need help:
I’m going to need you to work on this as soon as possible. I’d appreciate it on my desk by Friday.
Pros
- It’s a good phrase in all situations to rush someone.
- It is polite and professional.
Cons
- The abbreviation (ASAP) tends to be more popular today.
- It’s a bit overused.
You can’t go wrong with “as soon as possible.” It’s one of the best phrases to use when someone has to complete a task quickly. Though, we recommend having some synonyms ready to go.
Keep reading to find out how to say “as soon as possible” politely and formally. We have included examples for each as well.
What to Say Instead of “As Soon as Possible”
- As soon as we can
- Asap
- Promptly
- Quickly
- Immediately
- At your earliest convenience
- By [deadline]
- This is time-sensitive
- As soon as you have the time
1. As Soon as We Can
Let’s start simple, shall we? “As soon as possible” certainly works well already. But “as soon as we can” is a great alternative to help you mix things up in your formal emails.
Of course, using “we” implies that you are representing a group rather than an individual. So, when does this apply?
You can use it when emailing your boss about a team project. It shows you’re still working on it as part of a team and will get around to complete it ASAP.
Here’s an email example if you’re still unsure:
Dear Mr. Hang,
We will get on this as soon as we can. I think we can get the project handed in next week if that’s okay.
Yours,
Damian Allison
2. ASAP
It wouldn’t be an “as soon as possible” alternative article without at least mentioning “ASAP.” Technically, “ASAP” isn’t an alternative to “as soon as possible.” Instead, it’s an abbreviation.
However, it still works in business emails when you want to ensure someone completes work quickly. Everyone knows what “ASAP” stands for, so it’s a useful one to include in most formal emails.
Generally, “ASAP” works best to either rush yourself or rush someone else. You could use it in the following ways:
I will get back to you ASAP.
You need to get back to me ASAP.
You may also refer to this email sample:
Dear Sean,
Of course, I will get back to you ASAP. I need to discuss a few things with the others before I have an answer, though.
All the best,
Sarah Harrison
3. Promptly
One-word alternatives also go a long way here. “As soon as possible” works well, but it’s a little too wordy if you want to be clear and effective. Try “promptly” in your next formal email to encourage someone to complete their work quickly.
Hopefully, you would have already explained the deadline to your employees, so they shouldn’t feel too rushed by it. But “promptly” shows they have no time to waste. You should use it when you need them to hand work in because the deadline is quickly approaching.
This email example should also help you with it:
Dear Carl,
I would like you to get on top of this promptly. We still need to get the rest of the projects sorted in the meantime.
Yours,
Adam Best
4. Quickly
“Quickly” is very similar to saying “as soon as possible.” However, it works well professionally when you only want to use one word. It’s very efficient, showing you expect something to happen quickly rather than waiting for it.
Most of the time, it works when emailing your boss. It shows that you will get on top of something as quickly as you can. After all, this will show your boss that you’re a diligent, hard-working individual, which will go a long way in the workplace.
We also recommend checking out this sample email:
Dear Mr. Jenkins,
We will get back to you quickly on this matter. Please bear with us while we determine our best course of action.
Kind regards,
Suzie Wallace
5. Immediately
“immediately” is a little more demanding than “as soon as possible.” It implies that you expect something done at this very moment. If someone completes a task any later than now, they’ve likely passed the deadline.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use “immediately” in similar contexts to “as soon as possible.” As a matter of fact, it works really well if you are someone’s boss.
It’s great to include in emails to employees. It shows you need them to get their tasks done ASAP. Otherwise, you may end up behind schedule.
Here’s a great email sample to help you:
Dear Bella,
Please get this project done immediately. We do not have time to waste, and I need to get all the parts compiled.
Best wishes,
Jonah Barker
6. At Your Earliest Convenience
A polite way to say “as soon as possible” is “at your earliest convenience.” It works well here because it shows that you’d like someone to get around to a task as soon as they have the ability.
This means you are not rushing the recipient. It simply shows that you’d like them to complete their work quickly, but you don’t have a specific time frame for them to complete it.
You can also refer to this example:
Dear Missy,
I would like you to complete this at your earliest convenience. Let me know if this will not be possible.
Kind regards,
Jon Russell
7. By [Deadline]
If you want to give a specific deadline, the best way to do so is with “by [deadline].” It’s a great synonym for “as soon as possible” because it clarifies when “soon” is.
You can include the date and time of the deadline to ensure that someone gets it right. We recommend this when emailing employees to let them know when you expect their work.
Giving a specific deadline is sometimes more effective than saying “as soon as possible.” After all, it shows that you expect work before a certain time expires.
This email example will help you understand more about it:
Dear Katie,
Can you please complete the project by Friday at 5 p.m.? I need to hand it to my superiors by that point.
All the best,
Freyja Casanova
8. This Is Time-Sensitive
You don’t have to tell someone to be quick or get something done “as soon as possible” in every situation. Sometimes, you can just mention that a project or task is time-sensitive.
Saying that something is time-sensitive means that there’s a deadline for it. So, it will encourage people to get to work quickly to ensure they don’t miss the deadline.
It’s quite a formal alternative. Therefore, you should use it in emails to employees to tell them that their task is really important and needs to be completed ASAP.
Check out the following example if you need more help:
Dear George,
I’m afraid this is time-sensitive, so I will need you to work on it as soon as you get the chance. Let me know if this is not possible.
Thank you so much,
Charlie Hill
9. As Soon as You Have the Time
If you don’t want to put pressure on someone, you can say “as soon as you have the time.” It’s a great way to show that you would like them to complete their work without directly hurrying them.
You can use it when emailing colleagues. After all, it shows you do not have authority over the recipient and don’t want them to feel like you’re bossing them around.
If you’re still unsure, review the following example:
Dear Sandra,
Can you complete this task as soon as you have the time? I would appreciate a bit of urgency behind it.
Kind regards,
Jonas Paulson