14 Professional Synonyms for “As Soon as Possible” in an Email

Expressing the need for a swift response or action is common in professional emails. However, the phrase “as soon as possible” can feel overused or vague.

This article lists 14 other ways to state urgency more clearly and appropriately, depending on your situation. Each alternative is explored with examples to help you choose the best fit for your message.

Is It Professional to Say “As Soon as Possible”?

When it comes to email communication, choosing the right words is crucial. The phrase “as soon as possible” can be considered both professional and polite, but it may lean towards being slightly informal in certain contexts. It’s a common phrase used to express urgency without coming across as too demanding. However, its appropriateness depends largely on the situation and the relationship between the sender and the recipient.

Using “as soon as possible” is most suitable when requesting something from someone with whom you have an established relationship, and there is a mutual understanding of the urgency involved. It’s less appropriate in initial communications with someone you haven’t built rapport with or in situations where a specific deadline is needed.

An example of using “as soon as possible” in an email could look like this:

Hi Emily,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request your feedback on the report I sent last week. Could you please review it and provide your insights as soon as possible? Your input is very valuable to our project's success.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,
Michael

Here are the pros and cons of using “as soon as possible”:

Pros:

• Conveys a sense of urgency without being overly demanding.
• Professional and polite if used in suitable contexts.
• Flexible, allowing the recipient some discretion on the timing.

Cons:

• Can be perceived as vague, lacking a clear deadline.
• May come across as informal in more conservative professional settings.
• Overuse can dilute its urgency, making it less effective over time.

Someone might consider using an alternative phrase to “as soon as possible” to avoid these drawbacks. Alternatives can provide clarity, show respect for the recipient’s time, and match the formality level of the communication setting better. Using synonyms or alternatives is also a way to diversify language and avoid repetition, making your emails more engaging and precise. Whether choosing a synonym or an alternative, the key is to match the urgency and formality of your message to the situation and audience.

14 Other Ways to Say “As Soon as Possible” in an Email

Finding the right words to express urgency without sounding too demanding can be tricky. Here are some professional synonyms and alternatives that you can use:

1. ASAP

The acronym ASAP, which stands for “As Soon As Possible,” is a concise way to express urgency. It’s less formal than some of the other alternatives and is great for messages where brevity is appreciated. This choice is informal yet polite, making it versatile for communication with colleagues you know well.

ASAP is better suited for fast-paced work environments where everyone understands that time is critical. It’s particularly useful when you need a quick turnaround but want to maintain a friendly tone.

Here’s a sample email using “ASAP”:

Hi Alex,

I'm finalizing the report for our client meeting next week and require your feedback. Could you review the attached document and get back to me ASAP?

Best,
Jordan

2. At your earliest convenience

This phrase is more formal and polite, suggesting that while the task is urgent, you respect the recipient’s other commitments and schedule. It is professional and shows courtesy, making it suitable for messages to superiors or new business contacts.

This alternative is better when you want to imply urgency without imposing pressure. It’s perfect for situations where you acknowledge the receiver’s busy schedule but still need to communicate the importance of your request.

Here’s a sample email:

Dear Mr. Sullivan,

I've attached the draft proposal for the upcoming project. Please review it at your earliest convenience and provide your feedback.

Thank you,
Eleanor

3. Promptly

“Promptly” suggests quick action and is a formal and polite alternative. It communicates urgency clearly without sounding too demanding. This word is great for situations where time is a factor but you still want to maintain a high level of professionalism.

When immediate action is needed but you also wish to convey respect for the recipient’s workflow, “promptly” is an excellent choice. Use this in instances where a swift response is critical to the success of a project or task.

Here’s a sample email using “promptly”:

Hello Melanie,

Could you compile the monthly sales data and send it to me promptly? We need this information for the quarterly report preparation.

Thanks,
Carlos

4. Without delay

Employing “without delay” in your message communicates a very strong sense of urgency. This phrase is formal and direct, suitable for situations where an immediate response is crucial. It falls in the professional category, emphasizing the importance of the request being addressed quickly.

This choice is ideal when a delay could have negative consequences, highlighting the need for quick action. It’s most effective in circumstances where the seriousness of the timeline cannot be underestimated.

Here’s a sample email using “without delay”:

Hi Sam,

Please process the attached invoice without delay as the payment deadline is approaching and we wish to avoid late fees.

Best regards,
Tina

5. Urgently

Using “urgently” is a clear call to action that conveys a high level of importance and immediacy. This word is informal to some extent but is polite in expressing that the matter requires immediate attention. It’s useful for conveying seriousness without sounding too commanding.

An email marked as urgent suggests that the matter should not be postponed. This alternative is best for situations with tight deadlines or when an immediate decision or action is required to move forward.

Here’s how you might use “urgently” in an email:

Hi Jackie,

We need to address the feedback from our last audit. Review the suggested changes urgently so we can discuss them in tomorrow's meeting.

Regards,
Aiden

6. In a timely manner

Compared to “as soon as possible,” “in a timely manner” sounds more formal and less urgent but still conveys the need for prompt action. It’s a synonym that suggests a balance between speed and quality of work. This alternative is well-suited for situations where deadlines are flexible but promptness is appreciated.

When you want to be polite yet convey a sense of urgency without applying too much pressure, this phrase is an excellent choice. It’s particularly effective in professional settings where you respect the other person’s time and workload.

Here’s an example of how to use “in a timely manner” in an email:

Hi Emily,

I hope this message finds you well. We are currently finalizing the report for our upcoming project and require your input on the market analysis section. Could you please review and provide your feedback in a timely manner?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,
Alex

7. Swiftly

“Swiftly” is a synonym for “as soon as possible” that emphasizes speed and efficiency. It’s more informal than some other alternatives, making it suitable for messages where a rapid response or action is crucial, yet you maintain a somewhat casual relationship with the recipient.

This alternative is better when the situation demands immediate attention, and you’re communicating with someone who appreciates directness. It’s great for internal communications or when you’re on tight deadlines.

Here’s a sample email using “swiftly”:

Hi Mark,

I hope you're doing well. We've encountered an issue with the client's website that needs immediate attention. Could you look into the problem and address it swiftly?

Thanks for your quick response.

Best,
Linda

8. Immediately

“Immediately” is a direct and formal synonym for “as soon as possible” that conveys the highest level of urgency. It is clear and leaves no room for interpretation about the need for prompt action.

Use this alternative in scenarios where delay could result in significant consequences. It’s most appropriate in formal communications where the situation requires immediate attention, such as security issues or critical project deadlines.

Here’s an example:

Hi Carol,

Your assistance is urgently needed to resolve a billing discrepancy that has arisen with one of our key clients. Please address this matter immediately to avoid further complications.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent issue.

Sincerely,
Tom

9. By [deadline]

Specifying a “by [deadline]” is a straightforward and professional way to communicate urgency. Unlike the vague “as soon as possible,” it provides a clear deadline, making it easier for the recipient to prioritize their tasks.

This alternative is most effective when you can give a specific date or time by which the task needs to be completed. It’s ideal for professional settings where timelines are critical, and there is a need for clear, concise communication.

Here’s how you might use “by [deadline]” in an email:

Hi Jordan,

We are in the final stages of preparing our presentation for next week's conference. Could you please complete your section of the report by Friday?

Your timely contribution is greatly appreciated.

Best wishes,
Sophia

10. Please expedite

The phrase “please expedite” is a formal and polite way of asking someone to make your request a priority without sounding too demanding. It suggests urgency but also respects the recipient’s capacity to manage their workload efficiently.

This alternative is suitable when you need something done quickly, but you want to maintain a professional tone. It works well when you’re aware the recipient is handling multiple tasks and you wish to highlight the importance of your request.

Here’s a sample email:

Hi Kevin,

I am reaching out to request your help with the quarterly financial report. Due to its significance in the upcoming board meeting, could you please expedite your review?

I appreciate your understanding and swift action on this matter.

Kind regards,
Rebecca

11. Time is of the essence

“Time is of the essence” is a formal phrase that communicates a critical level of urgency and importance. It’s often used in legal and business contexts to emphasize that delays could have serious consequences.

This synonym is particularly effective in situations where the timing of the response could affect the outcome, such as contract negotiations or time-sensitive projects. It conveys a serious tone, indicating that prompt action is crucial.

An example message using “time is of the essence”:

Hi Alison,

Regarding our ongoing negotiations, it has become crucial that we finalize the agreement without delay. Time is of the essence.

Your immediate attention to finalizing this agreement is highly valued.

Yours sincerely,
James

12. This is time-sensitive

Describing a task as “time-sensitive” is an effective way to highlight its urgency without applying undue pressure. It’s a more informal but still professional alternative, suitable for when you need to convey the importance of timely action in a less demanding tone.

This alternative works best in situations where there’s a specific window of opportunity or deadline that cannot be missed, but you also want to be considerate of the recipient’s workload.

Example:

Hi Maya,

I hope all is well with you. We have received a last-minute opportunity to include our project in an upcoming industry report. This is time-sensitive, and we need your insights.

Looking forward to your prompt reply.

Warm regards,
Eric

13. As soon as you can

The phrase “as soon as you can” is a more informal and gentle way of requesting swift action. It’s less demanding than “as soon as possible,” offering a softer approach while still conveying urgency.

This alternative is better suited for messages where you have a friendly or familiar relationship with the recipient. It’s ideal for situations where you want to express the need for speed without appearing too pushy.

See this example for a way to use “as soon as you can” in an email:

Hi Lucas,

Just a quick note to ask for your feedback on the project proposal. Could you take a look and get back to me as soon as you can?

Thanks in advance for your swift response.

Best,
Natalie

14. Please make this your top priority

Asking someone to “please make this your top priority” is a direct and formal way to communicate the utmost importance of a task. It explicitly requests the recipient to prioritize your need over others.

This phrase is best used in scenarios where the task at hand is of critical importance and needs immediate attention. It’s suited for professional environments where the urgency is clear and justified.

Email example:

Hi Olivia,

Due to recent developments, we need to revise our strategy for the client presentation next week. Could you please make this your top priority and update the relevant documents accordingly?

Your dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Derek

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words to express urgency in emails is important. It helps you sound professional and makes sure your message is clear. This article gave you 14 alternatives to “as soon as possible,” each with its own tone and level of formality. By using these options thoughtfully, you can improve your email communication and get the results you need more effectively.