As soon as possible
Formal business communication expression
Use it to signal urgency without sounding like you are barking orders at someone.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to request or promise quick action.
- Commonly shortened to ASAP in texts and emails.
- Polite but clear way to show urgency.
Significado
This phrase means you want something to happen as quickly as possible. It is a polite way to show that a task is urgent.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Ordering a taxi
I need a car to the airport as soon as possible, please.
I need a car to the airport as soon as possible, please.
Texting a friend about a late arrival
I'm stuck in traffic, but I'll be there as soon as possible!
I'm stuck in traffic, but I'll be there as soon as possible!
A formal office email
Please review the attached contract as soon as possible.
Please review the attached contract as soon as possible.
Contexto cultural
The phrase gained massive popularity through military radio communication in the 1950s. It reflects the fast-paced, 'time is money' attitude of Western business culture. Interestingly, while it implies urgency, it is often used to avoid giving a specific, stressful deadline.
Don't Overuse ASAP
If you mark every email as 'ASAP', people will stop taking your urgency seriously. Save it for things that actually matter!
The 'Ay-Sap' vs 'A-S-A-P' Debate
In the US, many people say 'ay-sap' as a word. In the UK, it is more common to spell out the letters 'A-S-A-P'.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to request or promise quick action.
- Commonly shortened to ASAP in texts and emails.
- Polite but clear way to show urgency.
What It Means
As soon as possible tells someone a task is a high priority. It means the moment you are able to do it, you should. It is not as aggressive as a hard deadline. It feels like a polite nudge. Think of it as 'at your earliest convenience' but with more energy.
How To Use It
You can place it at the start or end of a sentence. In emails, people often shorten it to the acronym ASAP. You can say I will call you as soon as possible. Or you can ask Please send the file as soon as possible. It is very flexible. It works for both favors and demands.
When To Use It
Use it when time is a factor but you are not the boss. It works great in office emails. It is perfect for ordering food or asking for a repair. Use it when you are waiting for a friend at a cafe. It signals that you are ready and waiting. It shows you value your time and theirs.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it in a true emergency. If the house is on fire, do not say Call the fire department as soon as possible. Just say Call them now! Also, avoid it with close family if you want to sound warm. It can sound a bit like a business transaction. Using ASAP with a romantic partner might get you a cold look.
Cultural Background
Western culture, especially in the US and UK, values speed and efficiency. This phrase became a staple of the 20th-century corporate world. The acronym ASAP actually started in the military. It was used to move troops and supplies quickly. Now, it is the heartbeat of the modern office. It reflects a culture that is always on the move.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say ASAP (pronounced A-S-A-P or ay-sap). In very formal letters, people use at your earliest convenience. If you are in a rush, you might say right away. For a more relaxed vibe, try whenever you can. Each one changes the 'temperature' of the request.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. Use the full phrase for a professional but friendly tone, and use the acronym 'ASAP' for quick internal office chats or texting friends.
Don't Overuse ASAP
If you mark every email as 'ASAP', people will stop taking your urgency seriously. Save it for things that actually matter!
The 'Ay-Sap' vs 'A-S-A-P' Debate
In the US, many people say 'ay-sap' as a word. In the UK, it is more common to spell out the letters 'A-S-A-P'.
Softening the Blow
If you want to sound extra nice, add 'if you can' at the end. 'Please call me as soon as possible, if you can.'
Exemplos
6I need a car to the airport as soon as possible, please.
I need a car to the airport as soon as possible, please.
Shows the driver that you are in a rush for a flight.
I'm stuck in traffic, but I'll be there as soon as possible!
I'm stuck in traffic, but I'll be there as soon as possible!
Reassures the friend that you aren't being lazy.
Please review the attached contract as soon as possible.
Please review the attached contract as soon as possible.
Standard professional request for a quick turnaround.
I need a cheeseburger as soon as possible or I might faint.
I need a cheeseburger as soon as possible or I might faint.
Uses urgency for dramatic, comedic effect.
Don't worry, I'm coming home as soon as possible to help.
Don't worry, I'm coming home as soon as possible to help.
Conveys a sense of care and priority.
Could we have the check as soon as possible? We have a movie starting.
Could we have the check as soon as possible? We have a movie starting.
Politely explains why you are in a hurry.
Teste-se
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional request.
The client is waiting for the report, so please finish it ___.
In a professional setting, 'as soon as possible' is the standard way to ask for quick work.
Which acronym is the short version of this phrase?
I'll send that email ___.
ASAP stands for As Soon As Possible and is very common in digital communication.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of Urgency
Used with friends or in texts.
ASAP
Standard for daily life and work.
As soon as possible
High-level business or legal.
At your earliest convenience
Where to use As Soon As Possible
Office Email
Review this file.
Doctor's Office
I need an appointment.
Pizza Delivery
Is it coming soon?
Texting
Call me back!
Perguntas frequentes
12 perguntasNot usually, but it depends on your tone. In an email like Send it as soon as possible, it can sound demanding, so adding please helps.
Yes, it is perfectly fine. It shows you are focused on getting things done quickly.
Now is an immediate command. As soon as possible allows the person a little bit of flexibility to finish what they are doing first.
It is better to say the full phrase as soon as possible in a speech. The acronym ASAP is better for casual talking or writing.
You can say it letter by letter A-S-A-P or as a single word AY-sap. Both are widely understood.
No, it is subjective. To one person it means 5 minutes; to another, it might mean by the end of the day.
Yes, as soon as possible sounds more professional. Right away is more common in casual conversation or service jobs.
You can, but it might sound a bit cold. I can't wait to see you is usually better than See you as soon as possible.
Use at your earliest convenience. It sounds very respectful and gives the client more control.
Yes, because it is an acronym, it is usually written in all capital letters.
Absolutely. It is a standard phrase across all major English dialects.
No, it is only used for future actions. You would say I did it as quickly as I could for the past.
Frases relacionadas
At your earliest convenience
The most formal way to say 'whenever you have time'.
Right away
Doing something immediately without any delay.
Stat
Medical slang for 'immediately' used in high-stress situations.
Without delay
A formal way to emphasize that no time should be wasted.
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