As quickly as possible vs As soon as possible

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

As quickly as possible

Top 2,000 (common)

As soon as possible

Top 2,000 (common)
 As quickly as possibleAs soon as possible
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //əz ˈkwɪkli əz ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //əz ˈkwɪkli əz ˈpɑsəbl//🇬🇧 //æz suːn æz ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //æz suːn æz ˈpɑːsəbl//
MeaningDo something as fast as you can.Do something quickly or without delay.
ExamplePlease finish the report as quickly as possible.Please submit your report as soon as possible so we can review it.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsact as quickly as possible, respond as quickly as possible, complete as quickly as possiblesend information as soon as possible, complete the task as soon as possible, respond as soon as possible
Common mistakesSaying 'as quick as possible' instead of 'as quickly as possible'., Using it in overly casual settings, where a simpler phrase may be better., Misplacing it in the sentence's structure, confusing the flow.Omitting 'as' and saying 'soon possible'., Using in overly casual situations., Translating directly into other languages leading to awkward phrasing.
Usage notesUse this phrase in both spoken and written English when emphasizing urgency. It's appropriate in most contexts but can sound slightly formal in casual conversations.Commonly used in both spoken and written English to indicate urgency; appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

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As quickly as possible
As soon as possible

Frequently asked questions: As quickly as possible vs As soon as possible

What's the difference between As quickly as possible and As soon as possible?

As quickly as possible: Do something as fast as you can. As soon as possible: Do something quickly or without delay.

Can you show an example of each?

As quickly as possible: Please finish the report as quickly as possible. As soon as possible: Please submit your report as soon as possible so we can review it.

Can I use As quickly as possible and As soon as possible interchangeably?

Not always. As quickly as possible and As soon as possible are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.