ASAP

ASAPabbreviation

American /ˌeɪ.ɛs.eɪˈpi/ British /ˌeɪ.es.eɪˈpiː/ also /ˈeɪ.sæp/ said as one word, especially in informal speech Said as the four letter names, with the stress on the last, or as one word; both are common.

Also spelled: asap (often written in small letters in messages)

fairly common informal

as soon as possible
ASAP is used mainly in messages and quick spoken requests at work: Send it ASAP. It can sound like an order, so with people you do not know well, as soon as possible or when you get a chance is softer.
- Please send me the file ASAP.
- Call me back ASAP; it's urgent.
- We need to fix this asap. (written in small letters, as is common in messages)
Collocations
phrase ASAP, please, get back to me ASAP, needed ASAP

Common mistakes

Please reply ASAP as possible. Please reply ASAP.
ASAP already contains as possible.

For translators

Cultural background Common in workplace email and chat wherever English is used for business, but it can sound blunt. Many writers soften it (ASAP, please) or avoid it when writing to a superior or a customer.

Pronunciation trap Two ways: the four letter names, A-S-A-P, with the stress on P, or one word, AY-sap. Both are correct and understood everywhere.

ASAPabbreviation

Collocations

Common mistakes

For translators