“As soon as possible” is useful, but it can be vague. Depending on the situation, you may want wording that is softer, more formal, more urgent, or tied to a clear deadline.
Match the Urgency to the Situation
- At your earliest convenience
- As soon as you can
- When you get a chance
- At the earliest opportunity
- Without delay
- Promptly
- As a priority
- As quickly as possible
- At the first available opportunity
- As a matter of urgency
- At your earliest opportunity
- By [date/time]
- Immediately
At your earliest convenience
Polite and formal, but it signals convenience rather than genuine urgency.
Example: Please send the signed form at your earliest convenience.
As soon as you can
A natural and slightly softer alternative.
Example: Please call me as soon as you can.
When you get a chance
Informal and low-pressure, so do not use it for urgent requests.
Example: Could you check the figures when you get a chance?
At the earliest opportunity
A formal phrase meaning as soon as circumstances allow.
Example: The issue should be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.
Without delay
Stronger wording for something that requires prompt action.
Example: Any suspected breach should be reported without delay.
Promptly
Concise and professional when a quick response or action is expected.
Example: Please return the completed form promptly.
As a priority
Useful when the task should take precedence over less urgent work.
Example: Please treat this request as a priority.
As quickly as possible
A direct alternative emphasizing speed.
Example: The fault needs to be repaired as quickly as possible.
At the first available opportunity
A formal choice when timing depends on availability.
Example: We will arrange a follow-up at the first available opportunity.
As a matter of urgency
Strong formal wording for genuinely urgent matters.
Example: Please contact the duty manager as a matter of urgency.
At your earliest opportunity
Polite but still asks for relatively prompt action.
Example: Please review the attached draft at your earliest opportunity.
By [date/time]
The clearest choice when you need action by a specific deadline.
Example: Please send your comments by 3 p.m. on Friday.
Immediately
Use only when action is required now, not merely soon.
Example: Leave the building immediately if the alarm sounds.