Better ways to say “please expedite this”
Why it can fall flat
“please expedite this”
“Expedite” makes “Please expedite this” sound like an order, and it hints the other person has been slow even when they haven't. A better approach is to explain why the timing matters and ask for agreement on a specific date.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Fiona, could this move up your list? The client call is Thursday and I need it by Wednesday noon to prepare. Is that doable?
Coworker · Chat
Peers who control their own timing respond well here because you give a reason and a clear deadline and let them answer honestly.
- 02
Could we prioritize this ahead of other items this week? It's now due Friday and needs sign-off before then. If something else has to wait, I'm happy to talk through what.
Boss · Email
Use this with a boss who must rebalance priorities, since it names the trade-off instead of just asking for speed.
- 03
Could you send the signed form by Tuesday? That lets us keep your launch date on track and avoid pushing the next steps back.
Client · Email
When a client's input is holding things up, tying their action to their own launch date shows why it matters to them.
- 04
Can you make this your first task today? I need it by 3 pm for the review. Tell me if anything is blocking you and I'll help clear it.
Someone you manage · Chat
For someone you manage, being direct about priority while offering to clear blockers keeps the request supportive.
- 05
Hi Marlowe, I have an offer deadline on Friday. Would it be possible to hear back about my application by Thursday? Thanks for your help.
Recruiter / HR · SMS
A real offer deadline suits this text, because a stated date lets the recruiter decide what is possible.
- 06
Hi Mr. Ghosh, we need a photo of your ID to process your request. Could you send it today? Then we can finish by Friday.
Customer · SMS
Customers stuck on a missing item get a clear action and a payoff, which makes it easy to do right away.
- 07
Could your team look at this request by end of day Wednesday? It's holding up the next step, and I can send anything you need to make it quicker.
Coworker · Email
Another team is more likely to help when you give a date, explain the impact and offer to make their job easier.
Examples
Hi Wesley, The supplier contract is now the last item before we can confirm the March start date. Could you review it by Thursday afternoon? If any clauses need more time, tell me which ones and I'll ask legal to look at them first. Thanks, Zainab
Hi Dev, could you take a quick look at the invoice batch today? Finance closes the books at 5 pm and these are still missing. Let me know if you need anything from me.
What to avoid
- Don't use ASAP or URGENT without saying why or by when, because a date and a reason do the real work.
- Hinting that the other person is slow or careless backfires, so describe the deadline instead.
- Asking for speed with no context leaves people unable to reprioritize, since they can't see the stakes.
- Repeating the request in several messages in a row feels like pressure, so follow up once, politely, after the date you set.