As soon as possible three words that pack urgency into a single phrase. It’s a go-to line in emails, texts, and workplace requests. But let’s be honest: overusing it can come off as demanding, robotic, or even careless in tone. Whether you’re emailing a colleague, messaging a client, or sending a polite reminder to your boss, switching it up with thoughtful alternatives can make all the difference.
People appreciate clarity and consideration, especially in professional communication. And while “ASAP” gets the point across, using more nuanced phrases like “at your earliest convenience” or “when you have a moment” adds a touch of respect and tone balance. These alternatives can be softer, more diplomatic, and just as effective—if not more so.
In this guide, you’ll discover 35 professional, polite, and smart ways to say ‘as soon as possible’each with real-world examples to help you use them effortlessly. You’ll also learn how to say as soon as possible politely, what it means in a workplace setting, and when it’s better to reach for a synonym instead.
What to say instead of ‘As Soon As Possible’
With urgency and care
At your earliest convenience
At your convenience
When you have a moment
As soon as you’re able
When you get a chance
At your discretion
At the earliest opportunity
At your soonest opportunity
Whenever you can
When it’s convenient for you
At your leisure
When you have the opportunity
In your own time
In due course
As quickly as possible
At your first opportunity
When it’s appropriate
At the next available moment
As fast as you can
Whenever you have time
When you’re ready
At your discretion, as soon as possible
Promptly
When you have a free moment
At your soonest convenience
When you have the capacity
When it works for you
As soon as possible for the task at hand
At your first convenience
In a reasonable time frame
When it fits into your schedule
At the right time for you
At your earliest opportunity
At your convenience, but soon
What Does “As Soon As Possible” Mean?
The phrase “as soon as possible” implies that a task or response should be completed urgently—but not always immediately. It leaves room for interpretation, which can sometimes create confusion or pressure.
Example: “Please review the attached proposal as soon as possible.”
This could mean within the hour or by end of day, depending on context.
When to Use “As Soon As Possible”
You should use this phrase when time sensitivity matters—but without pushing someone too hard. It’s often used in:
- Business emails
- Customer service replies
- Task assignments
- Follow-ups
However, consider your relationship with the recipient. In formal settings or first-time communications, it’s often better to choose a more polished expression like “at your soonest opportunity”.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “As Soon As Possible”?
While it’s acceptable, it can sometimes sound abrupt or overly insistent. In professional communication, tone matters. That’s why knowing how to say as soon as possible professionally can elevate your writing.
Pro Tip:
The most important part of your message is often the closing request or call-to-action. Instead of defaulting to “ASAP,” replace it with a tone-matching alternative. For instance:
“Please submit the design draft at your earliest convenience so we can proceed to the next step.”
Pros and Cons of Saying “As Soon As Possible”
Pros:
- Clear urgency
- Familiar to most readers
- Easy to understand
Cons:
- Can feel pushy
- Lacks specificity
- Sounds overused or robotic
35 Polite and Professional Alternatives to “As Soon As Possible” (With Examples)
Below are thoughtful substitutes with real-world examples to help you sound more human, more professional, and more effective.
1. At Your Earliest Convenience
Email Example:
Hi Thomas,
Please send over the finalized budget at your earliest convenience so we can begin reviewing internally.
Thanks in advance!
2. At Your Convenience
Email Example:
Hi Sofia,
Could you please review the attached files at your convenience and let me know your thoughts?
3. When You Have a Moment
Slack Message:
Hey Greg,
When you have a moment, could you check the figures in tab three? Something seems off.
4. As Soon as You’re Able
Project Update:
Let me know as soon as you’re able if you can take over the copyediting for the final draft.
5. When You Get a Chance
Team Chat:
Hi Ali,
When you get a chance, could you upload the meeting notes from yesterday?
6. At Your Discretion
Email to Supervisor:
Feel free to review the training materials at your discretion before Friday’s meeting.
7. At the Earliest Opportunity
Follow-Up Email:
Hi Vanessa,
Please confirm the delivery address at the earliest opportunity so we can ship your order today.
8. At Your Soonest Opportunity
Email Reminder:
Hi James,
I’d appreciate it if you could forward the signed documents at your soonest opportunity.
9. Whenever You Ca
Text Message:
No rush—just get back to me whenever you can about the travel dates.
10. When It’s Convenient for You
Client Email:
Let’s schedule a call when it’s convenient for you to walk through the new features.
11. At Your Leisure
Casual Email:
Here’s the PDF. Look through it at your leisure and let me know if anything stands out.
12. When You Have the Opportunity
Colleague Request:
Please review the onboarding checklist when you have the opportunity.
13. In Your Own Time
Friendly Note:
Take care of this in your own time—no pressure!
14. In Due Course
Formal Reply:
Your inquiry has been received and will be addressed in due course.
15. As Quickly as Possible
Task Assignment:
Please send the draft over as quickly as possible so we can meet the deadline.
16. At Your First Opportunity
Meeting Reminder:
Kindly send your availability at your first opportunity.
17. When It’s Appropriate
Professional Request:
Feel free to forward the offer letter when it’s appropriate.
18. At the Next Available Moment
Workflow Handoff:
I’ve completed my section. Pick it up at the next available moment.
19. As Fast as You Can
Urgent Email:
We need that invoice cleared as fast as you can to avoid delays.
20. Whenever You Have Time
Polite Reminder:
Just give the form a quick glance whenever you have time.
21. When You’re Ready
Support Ticket:
We’re happy to assist when you’re ready to move forward.
22. At Your Discretion, as Soon as Possible
Formal Project Request:
Please review the implementation plan at your discretion, as soon as possible.
23. Promptly
Short Email:
Can you promptly update the timeline before today’s call?
24. When You Have a Free Moment
Team Message:
Check out the campaign ideas when you have a free moment—I’d love your feedback.
25. At Your Soonest Convenience
Client Follow-Up:
Kindly provide your feedback at your soonest convenience.
26. When You Have the Capacity
Work Delegation:
Let me know when you have the capacity to take on the new case.
27. When It Works for You
Scheduling Note:
Let’s schedule a walkthrough when it works for you.
28. As Soon as Possible for the Task at Hand
Task Clarification:
Please provide the login details as soon as possible for the task at hand.
29. At Your First Convenience
Internal Request:
We’d appreciate it if you could send the updated numbers at your first convenience.
30. In a Reasonable Time Frame
Email Request:
Please complete the form in a reasonable time frame to keep things on track.
31. When It Fits into Your Schedule
Manager’s Request:
Let’s meet when it fits into your schedule—no pressure.
32. At the Right Time for You
Team Update:
Tackle the new onboarding tasks at the right time for you.
33. At Your Earliest Opportunity
Polite Follow-Up:
Please review the attached proposal at your earliest opportunity and confirm your thoughts.
34. At Your Convenience, but Soon
Gentle Nudge:
We’d appreciate a response at your convenience, but soon so we can finalize our plans.
35. With Urgency and Car
Professional Urgency:
We ask that you handle this with urgency and care, as timelines are tight.
Conclusion
The phrase “as soon as possible” has its place, but relying on it too often can blur the tone and dilute urgency. By using these 35 thoughtful alternatives, you not only improve your communication but also build more positive relationships, whether in your emails, reports, or quick chats.
Understanding how to say as soon as possible politely or choosing an at your earliest convenience synonym makes your message sound more professional and human. Use these phrases flexibly, and choose based on your audience and the situation.
Emma Olivia is an experienced blogger and the creative mind behind Grammar Scope. With a passion for language and years of writing expertise, she crafts engaging, informative content that simplifies grammar and writing tips for readers worldwide. Emma’s dedication to clear communication and love for the written word shine through every article she publishes, making Grammar Scope a trusted resource for language enthusiasts and learners alike.
