What to say instead of “hurry up”
Why it can fall flat
“hurry up”
Someone who hears “hurry up” may stall or push back, because it sounds like an order and a jab at their pace. A clear deadline and a reason let them plan and tell you what's in the way.
Say this instead
- 01
We're a day behind on the Friday report. Can you get your section to me by 3 pm today so we can still send it on time?
Coworker · Chat
Good for a slipping shared deadline, since it names the time and the reason without blaming anyone.
- 02
Hi Kelsey, The client has moved their deadline up to Thursday noon. Could you send the draft by Wednesday evening? If anything is blocking you, tell me today and I'll help clear it.
Someone you manage · Email
Fits a direct report because it gives the new date and the cause, and invites early warning about problems.
- 03
The legal review is the last step before launch and it's holding things up. Could you look at it by end of day tomorrow? I can walk you through it in 10 minutes.
Boss · Chat
Suits a message to your boss because it explains the impact and makes the request easy to act on.
- 04
Hi Mr. Rao, To keep your launch date, we need the signed approval by Tuesday. Could you send it by then? After that, the schedule would likely need to move. Thanks, Anna
Client · Email
Useful when a client's delay affects the plan, as it states the date and the honest consequence calmly.
- 05
Hi Devon, I'm hoping to decide on next steps by Friday. Could you share an update on timing by Thursday? Happy to answer anything that helps.
Recruiter / HR · SMS
Right for a hiring process that has gone quiet, since it shares your timeline and a polite date for their reply.
- 06
Hi, we need your address confirmed by 5 pm today to include your order in tomorrow's dispatch. Please reply when you can.
Customer · SMS
Helps when a customer's silence is holding up their own order, because the cutoff and the benefit are both clear.
- 07
Running tight on the deck. Can you send your slides by noon? Then I can pull it together before the 2 pm meeting.
Coworker · SMS
Handy as a quick nudge on a same-day task, giving a time and what it is needed for.
- 08
I need the figures by 4 today to hit our deadline. What do you need from me to make that happen?
Someone you manage · Chat
Pairs well with a suspected blocker, since it sets the time and turns the talk toward removing obstacles.
Examples
Hi Rohit, The supplier has asked for our final order numbers by Thursday at 10 am, and we're still missing the regional totals. Could you send yours by end of day Wednesday? If the data is hard to pull together, let me know today and we can work out a shortcut. Thanks, Kimberly
Hi Eoin, the budget sheet is due to finance at 5 today and I'm still waiting on your section. Could you send it by 3? Tell me if anything is in the way.
What to avoid
- Skip “ASAP” or “urgent” unless you attach a real time and a reason.
- Sarcasm like “whenever you get a chance” backfires when you actually need the work today.
- Chasing the same person again and again in a public channel feels like shaming.
- Guessing why they are late is risky, so ask what is blocking them instead.
- A nudge with no deadline gives the other person nothing to act on.