phrase

as soon as possible

az SOON az POSS-uh-buhl

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As soon as possible (phrase) means At the earliest moment that circumstances allow; without any avoidable delay. Example: “Please send the signed contract back as soon as possible.”

phrase

At the earliest moment that circumstances allow; without any avoidable delay.

"Please send the signed contract back as soon as possible."

"We will get someone out to look at the boiler as soon as possible."

How to use as soon as possible

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDo it at the first chance you get.

When to use it

Neutral and very common in business email. The initialism ASAP is more casual and can read as pushy in formal writing.

Memory tip

Write out the full phrase in formal letters and use ASAP in messages and internal notes.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ASAP → at your earliest convenience as soon as

Common pairings

reply as soon as possible as soon as possible please get back to me as soon as possible

Vocabulary Flow

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “as soon as possible” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Please send the signed contract back _____.

Etymology

A fixed phrase; its initialism ASAP is now a word in its own right.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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ASAP at your earliest convenience without delay immediately promptly

Related words

now soon quickly immediately directly eventually instantly readily

Rhymes for as soon as possible

Bible edible legible visible audible fungible feasible tangible possible flexible gullible sensible

See all rhymes for as soon as possible →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between as soon as possible and immediately?

Immediately means right now, with no delay at all. As soon as possible allows for real constraints, so it means the earliest point at which the person can realistically act, which might be later today or tomorrow.

Is ASAP rude?

It can be. Because it is short and urgent it often reads as a demand, especially without a please or a deadline. Naming an actual date and time is usually clearer and lands better than ASAP.

What is the meaning of as soon as possible?

"as soon as possible" (phrase) means at the earliest moment that circumstances allow; without any avoidable delay.

What is another word for as soon as possible?

Other words for "as soon as possible" include ASAP, at your earliest convenience, without delay, immediately, promptly.

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