What Does 'ASAP' Mean?

"ASAP" is an acronym for "Every bit Presently as Possible." It is often used in business correspondence to request the timely return of a deliverable such as a contract, an email response, or a piece of information. For example, "Could you please return the signed understanding ASAP?"

"Can you ship me that contract ASAP?" "Will y'all share your feedback ASAP?" "I'll become back to you as soon as possible."

You lot've likely read these sentences in your inbox a hundred times. And, if y'all're like me, you cringe every time.

There are several problems with this phrase: Starting time, it'south vague. Do you need the contract by the cease of the week or by the terminate of the day? "As soon as possible" leaves a lot to the imagination.

Too, the request is often urgent for the other person, but non for me; it makes them seem cocky-of import and enervating; and if the timing doesn't align with my work schedule, I feel stressed and anxious.

That'southward a pretty potent reaction to 4 simple words.

Fortunately, you lot can use 12 alternatives to communicate a sense of urgency without resorting to "ASAP."

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'Equally Presently As Possible' Synonyms

1. "... past [appointment and time] because [reason]"

Do you have a specific deadline past which this task needs to be washed? Apply that instead. If the other person has an exact time, they tin can prioritize their other piece of work appropriately. Plus, you'll seem less pushy since you have a clear reasoning for your due date.

two. "When you have a chance [in the next day, before tomorrow, this week]"

Saying "when you have a risk" gives the other person a little breathing room, so you don't come beyond equally demanding. However, the deadline ensures they'll still finish your request on time.

iii. "I apologize for the urgency, but could you please [exercise X, send me Y, consummate Z] at your soonest possible convenience?"

This politely worded question communicates the same level of urgency every bit "ASAP" but in a far more considerate way.

4. "EOD"

All just the most pressing requests tin typically wait eight hours. "EOD" shows y'all'd like the asking fulfilled soon, but you're not asking the other person to drop everything to tackle it.

5. "I'd be grateful if y'all got to this [before Ten and Y]."

Show the other person where this asking falls in terms of importance on their to-do list.

6. "Since this is a relatively urgent inquire, allow'south put a concur on [X project, Y meeting, Z deliverable] until you're finished."

When you're talking to a direct report, employ this line. It helps them stay on acme of their workload and shows you're not arbitrarily assigning them work.

vii. "Is [date and time] viable for [reviewing the contract, arranging a coming together with Procurement, getting the agreement through Legal]?"

Desire to ensure your prospect doesn't elevate their feet too much? Pick a deadline that's earlier than your optimal one. For case, if you want them to sign the dotted line in the next four weeks, you'd choose a mean solar day 2 weeks away.

If your prospect says, "I need more time," reply, "Okay, would it be feasible for you to send me any initial comments past that date?"

Your request seems more than reasonable because you've "modified" information technology to conform their timeline. In practice, you've actually gotten them to commit to making progress before your platonic deadline.

And if your prospect says, "Certain, we can do that"? The deal is at present endmost even sooner than yous'd hoped for.

8. "ASAP, or by [engagement and time]."

"Equally shortly equally possible" is pretty vague, so if you must utilise it, add a date and time to show how of import your ask is. For instance, you might write, "Please submit your specs ASAP, or by Thursday at iv p.m."

9. "I normally wouldn't ask for such a quick turnaround, but [reason for urgency]. Information technology would be bang-up if you could address this past [date and time]."

Giving an caption for the tight deadline proves you lot understand it might be inconvenient for the other person. A little empathy will go a long style.

x. "This is time-sensitive."

Communicate the need for speed in four unproblematic words.

xi. "[Timely enquire]"

Want to really get someone's attention? Add "[timely inquire]" to the end of your e-mail subject line. Non but will it stand up out in their inbox, but they'll be curious to know what's and then pressing.

Merely make certain the affair actually is timely -- and not just for you, but for them besides. If yous're trying to become them to buy in the next six hours so you lot make quota, rushing them to the cease line volition make you lot await pushy and could backfire.

12. "Your quick response would be appreciated."

When you're trying to become a swift reply, try this line. It can see every bit passive-agressive, nevertheless, so I'd use information technology sparingly.

thirteen. "EOW"

If you utilise "EOW" to draw your desired delivery date, make sure you add that it means by "Terminate of Week" so at that place's no defoliation over the acronym.

14. "I'll get you lot an reply before long -- past the end of the solar day"

If you do tell your prospect yous'll get them a response "shortly" this is another case when information technology'due south important to add a timeframe to explain what "soon" ways to yous.

15. "This is our top priority. Could you have it washed by [appointment and fourth dimension]."

Prospects aren't mind readers. If yous need them to prioritize a task, merely inquire. Be willing to negotiate -- after all, they're not necessarily bound or answerable to your timeline, merely most of the time they'll work with y'all.

16. "Would y'all listen prioritizing this above X and Y?"

Again, when appropriate, don't be afraid to inquire your prospect to prioritize i job over another during your deal.

17. "I wanted to bump this up in your inbox. Would you mind replying by [engagement and time]? [Reason]."

Sometimes, the reason a prospect hasn't gotten you an answer or returned a deliverable is because they've simply forgotten. Politely remind them and include a reason for this task's timely completion.

Adjacent time speed is of the essence, try these alternatives to "ASAP" to avoid annoying your recipient.

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Originally published Aug 5, 2018 10:43:00 PM, updated June 10 2021