Other ways to say hurry up include please hurry, please be quick, could you speed things up, let’s get a move on, we’re running short on time, and we need to move quickly. The best choice depends on tone and context.
Best alternatives: Please hurry, Please be quick, Could you speed things up?, Let’s get a move on, We’re running short on time.
“Hurry up” is a common English expression used when someone needs to move or finish something quickly. However, repeating it can sound impatient, especially in professional or formal situations.
Learning alternatives to hurry up gives you more control over your tone. Knowing other ways to say hurry up can help you sound polite in emails, confident in meetings, natural in conversation, and professional at work.
The key is not simply finding a synonym. You need to choose an expression that matches the urgency, relationship, and situation.
Formal Alternatives
- Could you please proceed quickly?
- We need to move forward promptly.
- Please prioritize this matter.
- I would appreciate a prompt response.
- Could you expedite this?
Pro Tip
Formal expressions work best when urgency needs to be communicated without sounding demanding. In business writing, explain the reason for the urgency when possible.
“Urgency sounds more professional when you communicate the reason behind it.”
Professional Alternatives
- Could you speed things up, please?
- We need to move quickly.
- Could we move this forward?
- Let’s keep things moving.
- We’re working against a deadline.
Pro Tip
Professional English often communicates urgency indirectly. Instead of commanding someone to hurry, explain the deadline or focus on the task.
Business Email Alternatives
- I would appreciate a prompt response.
- Could you please prioritize this request?
- Please let me know at your earliest convenience.
- Could you expedite the process?
- We would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Pro Tip
In emails, avoid sounding impatient. A clear deadline such as “Could you please send this by 3 p.m.?” is often more useful than simply saying “Hurry up.”
Academic Alternatives
- Please complete this promptly.
- We need to proceed without delay.
- Please submit your work as soon as possible.
- We have limited time remaining.
- Let’s move on to the next section.
Pro Tip
Academic English usually favors precise wording. State the required action or deadline instead of using an emotional command.
Casual Alternatives
- Come on!
- Let’s get a move on!
- Be quick!
- We need to go!
- Let’s move!
Pro Tip
These expressions are suitable for friends, family, or relaxed conversations, but some can sound impatient with strangers or coworkers.
Informal Expressions
- Chop-chop!
- Come on, hurry!
- Get moving!
- Let’s get going!
- Move it!
Pro Tip
Informal expressions can sound playful among people who know each other. Some, especially “Move it!”, can sound rude or commanding in the wrong situation.
What Does “Other Ways to Say Hurry Up” Mean?
“Other ways to say hurry up” refers to alternative English expressions that communicate the idea of doing something faster, moving sooner, or avoiding delay.
The original phrase “hurry up” is an imperative phrasal verb. It is commonly used in spoken English:
“Hurry up, or we’ll miss the bus.”
It is grammatically correct and extremely common. The issue is tone: depending on your voice and relationship with the listener, it can sound impatient.
When to Use “Hurry Up”
You can use hurry up in many everyday situations:
- Daily conversation: “Hurry up! We’re leaving.”
- With friends: “Hurry up, we’re waiting for you.”
- Family situations: “Hurry up and get ready.”
- Informal messages: “Hurry up 😂”
- Urgent situations: “Hurry up! We need to leave.”
For professional communication, consider a more specific expression:
- “Could you please prioritize this?”
- “We need to move quickly.”
- “Could you expedite the request?”
Is “Hurry Up” Professional or Polite?
| Question | Answer |
| Polite? | Sometimes |
| Professional? | Usually not ideal |
| Formal? | No |
| Natural? | Very natural |
| Common? | Very common |
“Hurry up” is not incorrect English. It is simply more direct than many workplace alternatives.
Business-style example:
Instead of “Hurry up with the report,” write: “Could you please prioritize the report? We need it by 2 p.m.”
The second version communicates the same urgency while giving the listener useful information.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to understand
- Extremely common
- Natural in conversation
- Clearly communicates urgency
- Useful in time-sensitive situations
Cons
- Can sound impatient
- May feel commanding
- Not ideal for formal emails
- Can sound rude with strangers
- Gives little information about the actual deadline
Other Ways to Say “Hurry Up” With Examples
These alternatives give you different levels of urgency and politeness. Choose according to the relationship, setting, and reason for the urgency.
1. Phrase: Please Hurry
Meaning:
A polite version of “hurry up” asking someone to move faster.
Explanation:
“Please hurry” is still direct, but adding please softens the command. It works well in everyday situations when there is a genuine reason for urgency.
Example Sentence:
“Please hurry; the train is about to leave.”
Best Use:
Daily Conversation
Avoid Using In:
Formal Business Email
Tone:
Direct, Polite
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency:
Very Common
CEFR Level:
B1
Common Collocations:
- please hurry
- hurry home
- hurry back
- hurry along
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Please hurry we’re already late.”
- Professional: “Please hurry if you can; the meeting begins shortly.”
- Casual: “Please hurry! I’m waiting outside.”
2. Phrase: Please Be Quick
Meaning:
A direct request for someone to finish or act quickly.
Explanation:
“Please be quick” is simple and natural, although it can still sound urgent. It is useful when you need someone to take action without giving a long explanation.
Example Sentence:
“Please be quick; we only have five minutes.”
Best Use:
Urgent Situations
Avoid Using In:
Formal Correspondence
Tone:
Direct, Polite
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
B1
Common Collocations:
- be quick
- be quick about it
- quick response
- quick decision
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Please be quick we need to leave.”
- Professional: “Please be quick if you need anything before the presentation.”
- Casual: “Be quick! Your food is getting cold.”
3. Phrase: Could You Speed Things Up?
Meaning:
A polite request for someone to make progress faster.
Explanation:
This is more diplomatic than “Hurry up.” It is particularly useful when speaking to a colleague about a process, project, or task.
Example Sentence:
“Could you speed things up a little? We’re approaching the deadline.”
Best Use:
Workplace Meeting
Avoid Using In:
Academic Essay
Tone:
Professional, Diplomatic
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- speed things up
- speed up the process
- speed up production
- speed up delivery
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Could you speed things up a little?”
- Professional: “Could we speed things up so the client receives the document today?”
- Casual: “Can you speed things up? We’re getting late.”
4. Phrase: Let’s Get a Move On
Meaning:
An informal way of saying that it is time to start moving or acting.
Explanation:
This phrase is common in spoken English and usually sounds natural among friends, family, or familiar coworkers. It is not suitable for formal writing.
Example Sentence:
“Let’s get a move on if we want to catch the bus.”
Best Use:
Casual Conversation
Avoid Using In:
Formal Email
Tone:
Friendly, Urgent
Formality Level:
⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- get a move on
- get a move on quickly
- need to get a move on
- better get a move on
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s get a move on.”
- Professional: Usually replace it with “Let’s move forward.”
- Casual: “Come on, let’s get a move on!”
5. Phrase: We’re Running Short on Time
Meaning:
A tactful way to explain that there is not much time remaining.
Explanation:
Instead of telling another person to hurry, this phrase focuses on the situation. That makes it especially useful in meetings, presentations, classrooms, and teamwork.
Example Sentence:
“We’re running short on time, so let’s move to the final question.”
Best Use:
Workplace Meeting
Avoid Using In:
Casual Command
Tone:
Professional, Tactful
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency:
Very Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- running short on time
- running out of time
- short on time
- limited time
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “We’re running short on time.”
- Professional: “We’re running short on time, so let’s finalize the proposal.”
- Casual: “We’re running short on time let’s go.”
Native Speaker Tip
Among these expressions, “We’re running short on time” often sounds more tactful than directly telling someone to hurry. “Let’s get a move on” is much more informal and conversational.
6. Phrase: We Need to Move Quickly
Meaning:
A clear professional statement that fast action is necessary.
Explanation:
This phrase communicates urgency without sounding like a command directed at one person. It works well in business discussions, project planning, and workplace communication.
Example Sentence:
“We need to move quickly if we want to meet the client’s deadline.”
Best Use:
Business Meeting
Avoid Using In:
Casual Greeting
Tone:
Professional, Direct
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency:
Very Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- move quickly
- move forward
- move ahead
- act quickly
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “We need to move quickly.”
- Professional: “We need to move quickly to meet the launch date.”
- Casual: “We need to move quickly or we’ll miss it.”
7. Phrase: Let’s Keep Things Moving
Meaning:
A friendly professional way to encourage continued progress.
Explanation:
This expression is useful when a group is already working on something and you want to maintain momentum. It sounds less confrontational than “Hurry up.”
Example Sentence:
“Let’s keep things moving so we can finish before lunch.”
Best Use:
Team Meeting
Avoid Using In:
Formal Contract
Tone:
Positive, Professional
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- keep things moving
- keep the project moving
- keep moving forward
- keep the process moving
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s keep things moving.”
- Professional: “Let’s keep things moving and review the next item.”
- Casual: “Let’s keep things moving we’ve got places to be.”
8. Phrase: Could We Move This Forward?
Meaning:
A polite request to make progress on a task or decision.
Explanation:
This is particularly useful in workplace English. It focuses on progress rather than criticizing someone for being slow.
Example Sentence:
“Could we move this forward before the end of the day?”
Best Use:
Business Communication
Avoid Using In:
Casual Conversation
Tone:
Polite, Professional
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- move this forward
- move the project forward
- move the discussion forward
- move the proposal forward
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Could we move this forward?”
- Professional: “Could we move this forward once the client approves the changes?”
- Casual: “Can we move this forward today?”
9. Phrase: I Would Appreciate a Prompt Response
Meaning:
A formal way to request a response soon.
Explanation:
This expression is especially useful in professional emails. It communicates urgency politely without directly telling the recipient to hurry.
Example Sentence:
“I would appreciate a prompt response so we can finalize the arrangements.”
Best Use:
Business Email
Avoid Using In:
Friendly Text
Tone:
Formal, Respectful
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
C1
Common Collocations:
- prompt response
- prompt reply
- prompt attention
- prompt action
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Possible but formal.
- Professional: “I would appreciate a prompt response.”
- Casual: Use “Please get back to me soon.”
10. Phrase: Could You Expedite This?
Meaning:
A professional request for a process or task to be completed faster.
Explanation:
“Expedite” is common in business and administrative English. It means to speed up a process, particularly when someone has control over how quickly it is handled.
Example Sentence:
“Could you expedite the review so we can submit the application tomorrow?”
Best Use:
Business Email
Avoid Using In:
Casual Text
Tone:
Formal, Professional
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency:
Occasional
CEFR Level:
C1
Common Collocations:
- expedite the process
- expedite the request
- expedite delivery
- expedite approval
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Could you expedite this?”
- Professional: “Could you expedite the approval process?”
- Casual: Usually use “Can you speed this up?”
Native Speaker Tip
“Could you expedite this?” is useful but more specialized than everyday alternatives. Native speakers are more likely to use it in business, administrative, shipping, customer-service, or procedural contexts.
11. Phrase: Please Prioritize This
Meaning:
A professional request asking someone to treat a task as especially important or urgent.
Explanation:
This phrase is stronger than simply asking someone to work quickly. It tells the listener that the task should receive attention before less urgent work.
Example Sentence:
“Please prioritize this request because the client needs an answer today.”
Best Use:
Workplace Email
Avoid Using In:
Casual Conversation
Tone:
Direct, Professional
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- prioritize this request
- prioritize the task
- prioritize urgent work
- prioritize customer needs
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Please prioritize this.”
- Professional: “Please prioritize this request before the afternoon meeting.”
- Casual: “Can you deal with this first?”
12. Phrase: We Need to Proceed Without Delay
Meaning:
A formal way to say that action needs to begin immediately.
Explanation:
This expression is considerably more formal than “Hurry up.” It suits official communication, formal discussions, and serious situations where delay has consequences.
Example Sentence:
“We need to proceed without delay to meet the submission deadline.”
Best Use:
Formal Communication
Avoid Using In:
Friendly Chat
Tone:
Formal, Serious
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency:
Occasional
CEFR Level:
C1
Common Collocations:
- proceed without delay
- proceed immediately
- proceed with caution
- proceed as planned
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Formal but understandable.
- Professional: “We need to proceed without delay.”
- Casual: Replace it with “We need to get going.”
13. Phrase: Let’s Get Going
Meaning:
A natural way to say that it is time to start or leave.
Explanation:
“Let’s get going” is friendly and flexible. Unlike “Hurry up,” it does not necessarily suggest that another person is moving too slowly.
Example Sentence:
“Let’s get going before traffic becomes heavier.”
Best Use:
Everyday Conversation
Avoid Using In:
Formal Email
Tone:
Friendly, Natural
Formality Level:
⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency:
Very Common
CEFR Level:
B1
Common Collocations:
- get going
- get going now
- get going early
- get going soon
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s get going.”
- Professional: “Let’s get started” is usually better.
- Casual: “Come on, let’s get going!”
14. Phrase: We Have Limited Time
Meaning:
A neutral statement emphasizing that only a small amount of time remains.
Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you want to encourage faster work without directly ordering anyone to hurry. It works particularly well in presentations, classrooms, meetings, and group tasks.
Example Sentence:
“We have limited time, so let’s focus on the main points.”
Best Use:
Presentation
Avoid Using In:
Casual Command
Tone:
Neutral, Professional
Formality Level:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency:
Very Common
CEFR Level:
B1
Common Collocations:
- limited time
- limited time available
- limited time remaining
- within a limited time
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “We have limited time.”
- Professional: “We have limited time, so let’s address the priority issues.”
- Casual: “We don’t have much time.”
15. Phrase: Get a Move On
Meaning:
An informal command telling someone to move or act faster.
Explanation:
This expression is natural but direct. It can sound playful with friends and impatient when used with strangers, customers, or coworkers.
Example Sentence:
“Get a move on, or we’ll miss the beginning of the movie.”
Best Use:
Casual Conversation
Avoid Using In:
Professional Communication
Tone:
Informal, Urgent
Formality Level:
⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency:
Common
CEFR Level:
B2
Common Collocations:
- get a move on
- better get a move on
- need to get a move on
- really get a move on
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Get a move on!”
- Professional: Avoid it; say “Let’s move forward.”
- Casual: “Get a move on we’re already late.”
“The most natural alternative depends on who you are speaking to, not just what you want to say.”
Expert Insight
In professional communication, indirect urgency often sounds more constructive than a direct command. Instead of focusing on someone’s speed, mention the deadline, priority, or limited time.
Avoid These in Formal Situations
1. “Hurry up!”
It can sound commanding or impatient.
Better: “Could you please prioritize this?”
2. “Come on!”
This is natural among friends but can sound frustrated at work.
Better: “We need to move quickly.”
3. “Move it!”
This is highly direct and may sound rude.
Better: “Could we move this forward?”
4. “Chop-chop!”
It is playful and informal.
Better: “Could you please complete this promptly?”
5. “Get a move on!”
It can sound impatient with colleagues or customers.
Better: “Let’s keep things moving.”
Best Phrases by Situation
| Situation | Best Phrase |
| Business Email | I would appreciate a prompt response. |
| Client Meeting | Could we move this forward? |
| Academic Essay | We need to proceed without delay. |
| Presentation | We have limited time. |
| Workplace Discussion | Let’s keep things moving. |
| Job Interview | We need to move quickly. |
| Team Collaboration | Please prioritize this. |
| Everyday Conversation | Let’s get going. |
Top 10 Alternatives Compared
| Phrase | Tone | Formality | Best Use | Frequency |
| Please hurry | Polite, direct | Neutral | Daily conversation | Very Common |
| Please be quick | Direct, polite | Neutral | Urgent situations | Common |
| Could you speed things up? | Diplomatic | Formal | Workplace | Common |
| Let’s get a move on | Friendly, urgent | Casual | Casual conversation | Common |
| We’re running short on time | Tactful | Formal | Meetings | Very Common |
| We need to move quickly | Professional | Formal | Business | Very Common |
| Let’s keep things moving | Positive | Formal | Team meetings | Common |
| Could we move this forward? | Professional | Formal | Business | Common |
| I would appreciate a prompt response | Respectful | Very Formal | Emails | Common |
| Could you expedite this? | Formal | Very Formal | Business processes | Occasional |
Which One Should You Use?
Best Overall
We need to move quickly works across many professional contexts because it communicates urgency without sounding unnecessarily aggressive.
Best Professional
Could you speed things up, please? is a clear workplace request that remains relatively conversational.
Best Academic
We have limited time works naturally in classrooms, presentations, and group academic activities.
Best Business Email
I would appreciate a prompt response communicates urgency while maintaining a respectful email tone.
Best Everyday Conversation
Let’s get going is natural when you want to encourage someone to start or leave.
Most Natural
Please hurry is simple, common, and easy to understand in everyday English.
Most Polite
I would appreciate a prompt response is particularly appropriate when requesting action from someone in a formal professional context.
Commonly Confused Phrases
“Hurry up” vs. “Please hurry”
Hurry up is direct. Please hurry softens the command but still communicates urgency.
“Hurry up” vs. “I would appreciate a prompt response”
The first is conversational and direct. The second is designed for formal written communication.
“Hurry up” vs. “Could you speed things up?”
Both request faster action, but could you speed things up? is more diplomatic in workplace situations.
“Hurry up” vs. “I support your view”
These phrases do not have the same meaning. “Hurry up” concerns speed, while “I support your view” expresses agreement.
Scenario Practice
Scenario 1: Business Meeting
Your team is discussing a project, but the deadline is approaching.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “We’re running short on time.”
It focuses on the shared situation rather than blaming someone for working slowly.
Scenario 2: Job Interview
You are explaining how your team responded to an urgent project.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “We needed to move quickly.”
It sounds professional and shows awareness of urgency.
Scenario 3: Presentation
You have five minutes left and several points to cover.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “We have limited time, so let’s focus on the key points.”
It is clear, professional, and useful for managing an audience.
Scenario 4: Class Discussion
Your teacher wants the group to finish an activity before the lesson ends.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “We’re running short on time.”
It communicates urgency without sounding unnecessarily harsh.
Scenario 5: Email Reply
A colleague needs your response before an important deadline.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “I would appreciate a prompt response.”
It is formal and appropriate for professional correspondence.
Mini Quiz
1. Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal business email?
A. Move it!
B. Chop-chop!
C. I would appreciate a prompt response.
D. Come on!
2. Which phrase is most natural with friends?
A. We need to proceed without delay.
B. Let’s get going.
C. I would appreciate a prompt response.
D. Could you expedite this?
3. Which expression focuses on a lack of remaining time?
A. We’re running short on time.
B. Get a move on!
C. Please hurry.
D. Move it!
4. Which phrase is especially suitable for speeding up a professional process?
A. Could you expedite this?
B. Come on!
C. Chop-chop!
D. Get a move on!
5. Which expression is most likely to sound commanding?
A. We have limited time.
B. Let’s keep things moving.
C. Move it!
D. Could we move this forward?
Answer Key
- C It is respectful and suitable for formal correspondence.
- B “Let’s get going” is natural and conversational.
- A It directly communicates that little time remains.
- A “Expedite” is commonly used for processes and requests.
- C “Move it!” is highly direct and can sound rude.
FAQs
What is the most formal way to say “hurry up”?
There is no single formal replacement for every situation. “We need to proceed without delay” is highly formal when immediate action is required. In a business email, “I would appreciate a prompt response” is often more natural when requesting a reply. Choose the expression according to the specific action you need.
Which phrase is best for professional emails?
“I would appreciate a prompt response” is a strong choice when you need someone to reply soon. For a task, “Could you please prioritize this request?” may be clearer. If there is a specific deadline, include it because a precise deadline is usually more useful than simply asking someone to hurry.
What is the difference between “hurry up” and “could you speed things up”?
“Hurry up” is a direct command and is common in everyday speech. “Could you speed things up?” is more diplomatic and can work in professional conversations. Both communicate urgency, but the second expression gives you more control over your tone when speaking with colleagues or clients.
Which alternative sounds most natural?
For everyday English, “please hurry,” “let’s get going,” and “we’re running short on time” are natural choices. The best expression depends on the situation. Native speakers generally do not choose a formal phrase simply because it sounds sophisticated; they choose language that fits the relationship and context.
Can I use these expressions in business meetings?
Yes. Professional meetings commonly use phrases such as “We need to move quickly,” “Let’s keep things moving,” “We’re running short on time,” and “Could we move this forward?” These expressions communicate urgency while keeping the discussion constructive. Very direct commands such as “Move it!” are better avoided in professional settings.
Conclusion
Learning different ways to say hurry up helps you communicate urgency without relying on the same direct command every time. “Please hurry” works naturally in everyday situations, while expressions such as “Could you speed things up?” and “We’re running short on time” provide more diplomatic options for professional communication. Formal expressions such as “I would appreciate a prompt response” are especially useful in business emails.
The best expression depends on your audience, relationship, and purpose. Practice these alternatives in conversations, emails, meetings, presentations, and workplace situations. As your vocabulary grows, you will gain more control over tone and your English will sound clearer, more natural, and more confident.
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