16 Ways to Express Urgency
Knowing how to express urgency clearly and appropriately is essential in English—whether you’re handling a work deadline, dealing with an emergency, or just trying to catch a bus. These 16 ways to express urgency help you communicate that something is time-sensitive without sounding panicked or rude. Use the right phrase for the right situation, and get your message across effectively.
Common Ways to Say ‘This Is Urgent!’
Strong & Immediate
- This is urgent! Clear, direct, and appropriate in emergencies or critical work. This is urgent—we need the file before the client call!
- ASAP (As Soon As Possible) Very common in work and casual settings—implies top priority. Please send the report ASAP.
- Time is running out! Creates a sense of a closing window or deadline. Time is running out—we have 10 minutes to leave!
- We need this right away. Polite but firm—good for professional requests. We need this right away for the board meeting.
- It can’t wait. Emphasizes that delay is not an option. This bug is crashing the app—it can’t wait.
Professional & Polite
- Your immediate attention is required. Formal phrase often used in emails or official notices. Your immediate attention is required regarding the security alert.
- This requires prompt action. Professional and neutral—common in business writing. This requires prompt action to avoid penalties.
- At your earliest convenience… (but soon!) Polite on the surface, often used with gentle urgency. Please review the contract at your earliest convenience—by tomorrow, if possible.
- Priority: High Used in task lists, emails, or project management tools. Priority: High—finalize budget before Friday.
Casual & Conversational
- I need this like yesterday! Humorous, emphatic—common in U.S. workplace slang. I need this like yesterday—the client’s already here!
- Stat! Short for “immediately” (from Latin *statim*); used in medical or high-pressure settings. Get me those results—stat!
- Don’t delay! Friendly but firm—good for reminders. Register now—don’t delay! Spots are filling fast.
Time-Based Expressions
- Before it’s too late. Adds emotional or serious weight to urgency. You should talk to her before it’s too late.
- In the next [timeframe]. Specific and actionable—great for clear expectations. We need your feedback in the next hour.
- By [time/day] at the latest. Sets a firm but polite deadline. Please submit expenses by Friday at the latest.
Real-Life Dialogues
Manager: The client wants the proposal ASAP.
Team Member: Got it. This is urgent, right?
Manager: Yes—we need it right away. Time is running out!
Friend: Did you sign up for the workshop?
You: Not yet!
Friend: Don’t delay! Registration closes by tonight at the latest.
You: Oh no—I’ll do it right away!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Work email to a colleague | Please send this ASAP. | Clear, common, and professional in most workplaces. |
| Official or formal notice | Your immediate attention is required. | Respectful and conveys seriousness without panic. |
| Emergency or crisis | This is urgent! or Stat! | Immediate, unambiguous, and action-oriented. |
| Gentle but firm deadline | By [day] at the latest. | Sets clear expectations while remaining polite. |
Practice Tip
Next time you need something quickly—at work or with friends—try using “ASAP” or “We need this right away” instead of just “Now!” You’ll sound more polished and effective.
Why This Matters
- Using these 16 ways to express urgency helps you be understood quickly in time-sensitive situations—without causing confusion or stress.
- It shows professionalism in work settings and emotional awareness in personal ones.
- Native speakers adjust their urgency phrases based on context—learning these helps you do the same.
Urgency isn’t about shouting—it’s about clarity with care. Try using one of these 16 ways to express urgency in your next request, and get the response you need—quickly and respectfully. Happy learning! 😊
