What "In a Timely Manner" Really Means (+ Alternative Phrases)

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How much time you have when you hear "in a timely manner"
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If you've ever received an email from someone who asks you to do something "in a timely manner," you may be wondering what that means and just how quickly they want you to get the job done. Wonder no more and come with us to explore what "timely manner" means in professional, casual, and legal contexts. Plus, we'll cover some "timely manner" synonyms you can use to convey the same meaning, but in a clearer and more direct way.

Timely Manner Meaning

People use the phrase "timely manner" or "in a timely manner" when they're talking about finishing a task as quickly as possible or by a certain deadline. More modern ways to convey the same meaning are, "on time," "as soon as possible," and "immediately."[1]

Section 1 of 4:

What does "timely manner" mean?

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  1. Doing a task "in a timely manner" means doing it as soon as possible.
    "Timely manner" is a polite term people use to ask someone to perform a task right away. The level of urgency it carries changes slightly based on the context and setting in which you use it.[2] [3]
    • At work or school, "in a timely manner" typically means "before the deadline." It's often used in professional communications – such as phone calls, e-mails, and Slack messages – to emphasize that a specific task should get done quickly.
    • In casual conversation, "timely manner" means "as soon as possible." When used outside of a professional setting, "timely manner" doesn't carry as much urgency – but it's still a signal to the listener that an action was either completed quickly (in reference to past events) or needs to be completed shortly (in reference to future events).
    • In legal terms, "timely manner" means completing an action by a legal deadline. It applies to contracts between different people or entities, as well as to people who have been court-ordered to complete an action or appear before a judge by a specific time.[4]
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Section 2 of 4:

How long is a "timely manner"?

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  1. A "timely manner" is the shortest time it takes to complete a task.
    The amount of time you'll need to complete a given task varies widely. So when someone like your boss, a teacher, or a friend says, "Please do this in a timely manner," the rule of thumb is they want you to finish the task as quickly as you can.
    • To answer emails and other communications – whether at work, school, or talking casually to friends and family – "in a timely manner," send your response within 24 hours and no later than 48 hours past the time you received it.[5]
Section 3 of 4:

How to Use "Timely Manner" Based on Context

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  1. Step 1 "Timely Manner" in a Professional Context
    When you want someone at work or school to complete a task or deliver something – like a report or slideshow – at a fast rate, use "in a timely manner" to hammer the point home.
    • "Please have your report on my desk in a timely manner, so I can present it to the board at our next meeting."
    • "Let's get this outline finished in a timely manner. I don't want to work late again."
    • "Respond to all emails and phone calls from the teacher in a timely manner, as these are time-sensitive communications."
  2. Step 2 "Timely Manner" in a Casual Conversation
    Say "in a timely manner" to politely tell someone outside of work that you or they need to get something done soon and without delay. You can also say this phrase when you're describing a past situation where you should have done something quickly. [6]
    • "I need to get our marriage license in a timely manner. The wedding is only three months away!"
    • "I tried to get ready in a timely manner, but something happened to make me late."
    • "I expect my Amazon orders to arrive in a timely manner. It's now 3 days past the delivery date!"
  3. Step 3 "Timely Manner" in Legal Matters
    When you're speaking to a lawyer or a judge, listen carefully in case they tell you to do something "in a timely manner." When legal professionals use this phrase, they typically want you to complete a specific action before a legal deadline. Legal deadlines are specified in official documents, such as contracts and court orders.[7]
    • "The lease needs to be signed in a timely manner."
    • "Please pay your legal fees in a timely manner."
    • You must complete your community service hours in a timely manner or you'll be subject to a greater fine."
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Section 4 of 4:

"Timely Manner" Alternative Phrases

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  1. Step 1 "By the deadline."
    This alternative phrase is short, direct, and to the point. Say it to leave no room for confusion as to how quickly you want something done. As long as it's completed by or before the deadline, that's an acceptable outcome.
    • "I need to turn this essay in by the deadline."
    • "Will we be able to finish this rocket prototype by the deadline?"
  2. Step 2 "On-time."
    This phrase is useful for situations where there isn't a deadline, but there is a specific time you're supposed to be somewhere. For example, if you're going to a wedding, you can say, "We need to get there on-time," meaning by the start time on the invitation.
    • "It's hard for me to get to work on-time after I stay up late the night before."
    • "I need to make it to my doctor appointment on-time or they'll cancel it."
  3. Step 3 "Promptly."
    The definition of promptly is "quickly, without delay, or at the arranged time." When you say this word to someone else, you're saying it because you want something done right away. There's no faraway deadline; you or the other person must start or complete the task immediately.[8]
    • "This advertisement is really important, so let's get it made promptly!"
    • "Please bring the package to my office promptly."
  4. Step 4 "As soon as possible (ASAP)."
    This phrase gives the person you're speaking to a little wiggle room in the time they take to finish a task.[9] Say it to convey that you want the task done soon, but that you also understand that the other person may have other matters they need to tend to. You'll be satisfied as long as they start it as soon as their schedule allows.
    • "I know you're busy working the register, so please just restock the shelves as soon as possible."
    • "My dog has been cooped up in the house all day, so I need to take him for a walk ASAP."
  5. Step 5 "In a timely fashion."
    If you like saying "in a timely manner" but want to sound even more old-fashioned (and a little pretentious), whip out this phrase instead. In this context, "fashion" means, "the way in which someone does something."[10] [11]
    • "We arrived at the wedding in a timely fashion, five minutes before the bride walked down the aisle."
    • "I try to go to bed in a timely fashion, so I have time to watch my favorite show before falling asleep."
  6. Step 6 "On schedule."
    Use this phrase in a positive, enthusiastic tone to say that a task is being or has been completed "on schedule." Alternatively, say it in an urgent or firm voice to emphasize that you or someone else needs to complete a task right away, or else it will cause a major delay in the schedule.
    • Everything is on schedule for the big party next week! I'm so excited!"
    • Now that I'm back from vacation, I need to get back on schedule with my homework or I'll never graduate."
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References

  1. ↑ Emmi Kohout. Accent and Speech Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Emmi Kohout. Accent and Speech Coach. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timely
  4. ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/timely
  5. ↑ https://harbert.auburn.edu/blogs/school-of-accountancy/email-response-time-rule-thumb.html
  6. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timely
  7. ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/timely
  8. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/promptly
  9. ↑ Emmi Kohout. Accent and Speech Coach. Expert Interview
  1. ↑ Emmi Kohout. Accent and Speech Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/learner-english/fashion

About This Article

Emmi Kohout
Reviewed by:
Emmi Kohout
Accent and Speech Coach
This article was reviewed by Emmi Kohout and by wikiHow staff writer, Elaine Heredia, BA. Emmi Kohout is an American Accent and Speech Coach based in Spain. After having her own accent training journey in Spanish, her second language, back in 2007, she was inspired to create the most convenient, motivating, and personalized audio-based American accent training program possible. Emmi has been teaching languages and coaching clients for over 16 years. Her specialty is helping audio lovers fit American accent training into their busy lives and packed schedules so they can make their words sound as awesome as their brilliant ideas. Emmi knows that an "accent" is just when someone uses the sounds, movements, patterns, and melodies of their first language when speaking another. In her audio courses and coaching programs, she uses a proven, systematic method to make her clients hear sounds and features of American English that they've never noticed before, and apply to them to their own speech, using them to their advantage. She believes that accent & speech training should be accessible to anyone who wants to improve their English communication to reach their goals. Emmi graduated with both a BA and an MA in Spanish from University of California, Irvine. This article has been viewed 1,454 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: February 25, 2025
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Categories: English Vocabulary
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