as soon as

Immediately when or after something happens.

• Call me as soon as you arrive.
• As soon as it stopped raining, we went outside.
• Will you leave as soon as the meeting ends?

How to use it: as soon as + present tense for future time (I will call as soon as I arrive.); as soon as + past tense (She smiled as soon as she saw us.)

Similar words: once, the moment

Common phrases: as soon as ready, as soon as requested

At the earliest time that is possible or allowed by the situation.

• Come as soon as you can.
• We left as soon as we could.
• Can you send it as soon as possible?

How to use it: as soon as + subject + can/could (I will reply as soon as I can.)

Similar words: as early as possible

Common phrases: as soon as possible, as soon as practical

Immediately after something happens, without waiting.

• Call me as soon as you arrive.
• She smiled as soon as she saw us.
• Can we leave as soon as the rain stops?

How to use it: as soon as + clause (I will call as soon as I arrive.)

Similar words: immediately after, the moment

Common phrases: as soon as possible, as soon as ready

At an early time that may seem surprising.

• It could arrive as soon as tomorrow.
• The results may be ready as soon as noon.
• They might open the new shop as soon as next week.

How to use it: as soon as + time (The repairs could finish as soon as Monday.)

Similar words: as early as

Common phrases: as soon as noon, as soon as tomorrow