Language is a vibrant tapestry woven with phrases and expressions that convey meaning beyond the literal words. Idioms, in particular, add color and depth to communication, often conveying sentiments that transcend their literal interpretations.
One such commonly used phrase is “At your earliest convenience,” a polite way of requesting prompt action or response. However, language is rich with alternatives to this phrase, offering various shades of urgency and politeness.
In this article, we’ll explore 25 other idiomatic expressions that can effectively convey the same message, each with its own unique flair and tone.
Is It Professional To Say “At Your Earliest Convenience”
Yes, “at your earliest convenience” is generally considered a professional and polite way to request someone’s attention or action. It conveys respect for the other person’s time while also indicating the urgency or importance of the matter.
This phrase is commonly used in business communications, especially in emails and formal letters.
List Of 25 Other Ways to Say “At Your Earliest Convenience”
- At your soonest
- When it’s most convenient
- Promptly
- With urgency
- Without delay
- When it’s expedient
- As promptly as possible
- At the earliest possible time
- Without undue delay
- At your earliest opportunity
- Without hesitation
- Without procrastination
- At the first chance
- With all due haste
- Swiftly
- As soon as you’re able
- Speedily
- At the first available moment
- At your earliest convenience
- With alacrity
- Without lingering
- With dispatch
- Pronto
- At your earliest possible convenience
- With the utmost urgency
1. At your soonest
This phrase is a concise way of asking for prompt action, suggesting a sense of urgency without being overly formal. It’s commonly understood to mean “as soon as possible” and is suitable for both formal and informal settings.
Example: Could you please return the document to me at your soonest?
2. When it’s most convenient
This expression acknowledges the recipient’s schedule while still indicating a desire for prompt attention. It’s polite and can be used in various contexts, both professional and casual.
Example: Please call me back when it’s most convenient for you.
3. Promptly
“Promptly” is a straightforward way of requesting immediate action or response. It’s formal enough for professional settings but can also be used casually.
Example: We expect the payment to be made promptly.
4. With urgency
This phrase emphasizes the importance of a timely response or action, conveying a sense of urgency and importance. It’s more suitable for formal contexts.
Example: Please handle this matter with urgency.
5. Without delay
“Without delay” leaves no room for procrastination, indicating a need for immediate action. It’s direct and can be used in various settings.
Example: Please submit your report without delay.
6. When it’s expedient
This expression suggests acting at the most opportune moment, considering efficiency and practicality. It’s suitable for formal communication.
Example: We’ll proceed with the project when it’s expedient.
7. As promptly as possible
Similar to “promptly,” this phrase stresses the importance of acting quickly while allowing for some flexibility. It can be used formally or informally.
Example: Please respond to the email as promptly as possible.
8. At the earliest possible time
This phrase emphasizes the desire for the soonest available opportunity without being overly urgent. It’s appropriate for both formal and informal situations.
Example: We’ll schedule the meeting at the earliest possible time.
9. Without undue delay
“Undue delay” implies that any delay would be excessive or unnecessary, urging for immediate action. It’s more formal in tone.
Example: Please complete the task without undue delay.
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10. At your earliest opportunity
This phrase politely requests action whenever it’s convenient for the recipient. It’s suitable for various contexts, both formal and informal.
Example: Please review the proposal at your earliest opportunity.
11. Without hesitation
“Without hesitation” suggests acting promptly and decisively, without any delay or reluctance. It’s more commonly used in formal communication.
Example: Please accept the offer without hesitation.
12. Without procrastination
Similar to “without delay,” this phrase emphasizes the need for immediate action, without putting it off. It’s straightforward and suitable for both formal and informal situations.
Example: Let’s address the issue without procrastination.
13. At the first chance
This expression indicates a willingness to act as soon as an opportunity arises, without specifying urgency. It’s suitable for informal communication.
Example: I’ll call you back at the first chance I get.
14. With all due haste
“Due haste” implies a necessary speed or urgency, without being overly urgent or formal. It’s more commonly used in formal communication.
Example: Please proceed with all due haste.
15. Swiftly
“Swiftly” simply means quickly or promptly, without any unnecessary delay. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example: Please handle the matter swiftly.
16. As soon as you’re able
This phrase acknowledges the recipient’s schedule while still urging prompt action. It’s suitable for various contexts, both formal and informal.
Example: Please provide feedback as soon as you’re able.
17. Speedily
Similar to “swiftly,” this term emphasizes the need for quick action or response. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Example: Please complete the task speedily.
18. At the first available moment
This expression suggests acting as soon as an opportunity presents itself, without specifying urgency. It’s suitable for both formal and informal communication.
Example: We’ll discuss the matter at the first available moment.
19. With alacrity
“Alacrity” conveys eagerness and promptness in response to a request. It’s more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
Example: He responded to the request with alacrity.
20. Without lingering
This phrase suggests acting promptly and without unnecessary delay or hesitation. It’s suitable for various contexts, both formal and informal.
Example: Let’s finish the project without lingering.
21. With dispatch
“Dispatch” implies promptness and efficiency in carrying out a task or request. It’s more formal and commonly used in professional settings.
Example: Please handle the shipment with dispatch.
22. Pronto
“Pronto” is an informal way of requesting immediate action or response, commonly used in casual conversation.
Example: Could you send me the file pronto?
23. At your earliest possible convenience
Similar to “at your earliest opportunity,” this phrase politely requests prompt action whenever it’s convenient for the recipient. It’s suitable for various contexts, both formal and informal.
Example: Please provide feedback at your earliest possible convenience.
24. With the utmost urgency
This expression emphasizes the highest level of urgency and importance, indicating that immediate action is required. It’s more formal and commonly used in professional communication.
Example: We need your response with the utmost urgency.
Final Thoughts
Idioms are essential components of language, offering nuanced ways to express ideas and communicate effectively.
Understanding and using idioms like those listed above can enhance clarity, politeness, and efficiency in communication, whether in professional or casual settings.
By incorporating these expressions into your vocabulary, you can convey your intentions with precision and style, enriching your interactions with others.
I’m Noah Wilson, the test-prep pro at “English WRAP Up.” I’ve been helping students navigate the challenges of TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG, making the learning process a whole lot of fun. Over at English WRAP Up, we’re here to make your test prep incredible. Let’s wrap up your English exams with confidence and skill together!
