How to say “as soon as” like a native speaker
At the first moment something happens or becomes possible. It connects an action with the event that triggers it.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “as soon as” in real speech
Clip 1 · Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey's 2008 Stanford Commencement Address · 18:14
About this video
Oprah Winfrey addresses Stanford's 2008 graduates, beginning with her connection to her goddaughter in the class. She shares lessons from her life, including listening to her own judgement when something does not feel right.
In context
every crisis, every difficult timeI say, what is this here to teach me?And as soon as you get the lesson, you get to move on.
If you really get the lesson, you pass and you don't have to repeat the class.
Clip 2 · Patrick Winston (MIT)
How to Speak · 3:22
About this video
Patrick Winston teaches a lecture about speaking and communicating ideas. He discusses the role of knowledge and practice, and uses presentation slides to illustrate choices that help or hinder an audience.
In context
is no laptops, no cell phones.So if you could close those, I'll start up as soon as you're done.
Some people ask why that is a rule of engagement,
Clip 3 · Jill Bolte Taylor
My stroke of insight | Jill Bolte Taylor | TED · 6:07
About this video
Jill Bolte Taylor describes her interest in studying the brain and her experience of having a stroke. She connects her scientific work with the changes in awareness she remembers during that event.
In context
"I am. I am."And as soon as my left hemisphere says to me "I am," I become separate.
I become a single solid individual, separate from the energy flow around me and separate from you.
When to use “as soon as”
- Promising an update: “I'll call you as soon as I land.”
- Arranging a task: “Please send the form as soon as it's ready.”
Common learner mistake
For a future event, use the present after “as soon as”: “as soon as I arrive”, not “as soon as I will arrive”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “as soon as”
Both occurrences of “as” can be weak and have a Z sound. “Soon” is usually the strongest word.
Related phrases
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You don't need to speak fast.
A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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