Other Ways to Say "Hurry up"

Updated 2026-10-04 · Other Ways to Say It editorial team

Quick answer: Searching for other ways to say hurry up is a smart move to improve your daily interactions. Telling people to speed up can often sound demanding or rude. This guide provides better alternatives that convey urgency while maintaining respect. You will find options for formal settings, casual chats, and professional emails.

Formal Alternatives

Please expedite this matter.: The manager asked the team to please expedite this matter before the deadline.
Your prompt attention is required.: The notification stated that your prompt attention is required regarding the account status.
Kindly prioritize this request.: The director advised the staff to kindly prioritize this request over minor tasks.
We appreciate your swift response.: The email concluded by noting that we appreciate your swift response to the inquiry.
Please proceed with urgency.: The protocol dictates that please proceed with urgency when safety is involved.
Time is of the essence.: The project lead reminded everyone that time is of the essence for the launch.
We require immediate action.: The security alert indicated that we require immediate action from all personnel.
Please accelerate the process.: The client requested that please accelerate the process to meet their schedule.
Your timely cooperation is valued.: The survey note mentioned that your timely cooperation is valued by our team.
Please attend to this promptly.: The supervisor noted that please attend to this promptly to avoid delays.

Professional and Email Alternatives

Please prioritize this task.: Subject: Update: Please prioritize this task by end of day for the report.
Could you speed this up?: Hi Team, could you speed this up so we can send the draft to legal?
We need this ASAP.: The boss wrote: We need this ASAP to catch the morning meeting slot.
Please move this forward.: Can you please move this forward? I want to avoid any bottlenecks.
Let us accelerate this.: Given the new deadline, let us accelerate this phase of the project.
Kindly handle this urgently.: Kindly handle this urgently as the client is waiting for a response.
Please expedite the review.: Please expedite the review so we can approve the budget on time.
Your quick help is needed.: Your quick help is needed to resolve this technical issue before closing.
Please advance this agenda.: Please advance this agenda item so we can discuss the results today.
Let us fast-track this.: Let us fast-track this approval to ensure we meet the shipping date.

Casual Alternatives

Let us get moving.: The sun is setting, so let us get moving before it gets dark.
Make haste.: The coach yelled make haste because the game was about to start.
Scramble a bit.: We need to scramble a bit if we want to catch the last bus.
Beat the clock.: We have ten minutes left, so we must beat the clock to finish.
Push the pace.: The runner told her friend to push the pace for the final lap.
Step it up.: You need to step it up if you want to finish the chores early.
Pick up the pace.: Pick up the pace! We are going to be late for the movie.
Move along quickly.: The security guard asked the crowd to move along quickly to the exit.
Do not dawdle.: Do not dawdle at the door; we have a long drive ahead of us.
Get a move on.: Get a move on! The ice cream truck is leaving soon.

Warm and Friendly Alternatives

Let us wrap this up.: I know you are tired, so let us wrap this up and go home.
Could you quicken your pace?: Could you quicken your pace? I want to see the sunset with you.
Let us make time.: Let us make time to finish so we can celebrate together later.
Please try to be quick.: Please try to be quick so we do not miss the start of the show.
Let us not linger.: Let us not linger here; the weather is turning quite chilly outside.
Can you speed along?: Can you speed along? I want to show you the new park nearby.
Let us be prompt.: Let us be prompt so we can enjoy a relaxed dinner afterward.
Please help us stay on track.: Please help us stay on track so we finish early and have fun.

When the Original Phrase Is Still Fine

The phrase hurry up remains acceptable in casual settings with close friends or family. It works best when everyone shares the same urgency and understands the context. Using it with strangers or in formal environments can seem rude. Always consider your relationship with the listener before choosing this direct approach.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Select an alternative based on your audience and the level of urgency. Formal settings require polite and professional language to show respect. Casual situations allow for direct and energetic phrases. Always aim to balance speed with courtesy. Clear communication builds trust and ensures everyone understands the timeline without feeling pressured or offended.

Short and Simple Alternatives

Beat time: We need to beat time to finish the project by noon.
Get cracking: Everyone should get cracking on their assigned tasks now.
Press ahead: Let us press ahead with the next phase of the plan.
Hurry along: The guide told the group to hurry along the path.
Speed things up: We must speed things up before the store closes.
Move briskly: Please move briskly through the checkout line today.
Act swiftly: The team decided to act swiftly to resolve the issue.

Alternatives for Text Messages

Running late: Hey, just a heads up that I am running late.
Need a quick reply: Need a quick reply on this before I head out.
Time is ticking: Time is ticking so please send the files soon.
Let us go: I am in the lobby, let us go now.
Wrap it up: Wrap it up when you can so we can eat.
Hurry up: Please hurry up if you want to make the show.
Move it: Move it a bit faster, the bus is coming.

Phrases to Avoid

Stop wasting time: This sounds accusatory and rude; use please proceed promptly instead.
What are you doing: This implies incompetence; ask for an update on the timeline instead.
Hurry the hell up: This is aggressive and unprofessional; request immediate attention politely.
You are too slow: This attacks the person; focus on the deadline needing attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is hurry up considered rude?

It can sound demanding and dismissive. People may feel pressured or undervalued when told to speed up without context. Polite alternatives show respect for their time and effort while still conveying the need for urgency.

What is the most polite way to ask someone to hurry?

Using phrases like please expedite this or could you prioritize this? adds respect. These options acknowledge the person's workload while clearly stating the need for speed. It maintains a positive tone and professional relationship.

Can I use hurry up in a business email?

It is generally best to avoid it in professional emails. It can seem too casual or abrupt. Instead, use phrases like please proceed with urgency or your prompt attention is required to maintain a respectful and professional tone.

How do I tell kids to hurry up nicely?

Try using playful or encouraging phrases like let us get moving or beat the clock. These options create a sense of fun and teamwork rather than pressure. It helps children feel motivated rather than scolded.