The phrase “coming soon” is simple, useful, and widely understood. We see it on websites, product pages, emails, announcements, and social media posts every day.
But using the same phrase again and again can sound dull, vague, or even unprofessional—especially in business or academic settings.
Choosing the right alternative helps you control tone. It can sound more confident, more polite, more exciting, or more formal.
Strong word choice also improves clarity and shows language awareness, which matters in emails, presentations, essays, and daily conversation.
Compare the tone:
- Formal: The report will be released shortly.
- Informal: New features are coming soon!
Both mean the same thing, but they feel very different. This guide will help you choose the best option for every situation.
What Does “Coming Soon” Mean?
Coming soon means that something will be available, released, or happen in the near future, but not right now.
It is a fixed phrase (set expression). It acts like an adverbial phrase describing time.
Common synonyms:
on the way, arriving shortly, upcoming, launching soon
Opposite ideas:
available now, already released, currently live
Examples:
- A new update is coming soon.
- Our website redesign is coming soon.
The phrase is clear, but it does not give a specific time. That is why alternatives are often better in professional contexts.
When to Use “Coming Soon”
Spoken English
Used casually to build excitement or keep things simple.
Business English
Acceptable in marketing, but often too vague for internal communication.
Emails and Messages
Fine for friendly updates. Not ideal for deadlines.
Social Media
Very common. Short, catchy, and informal.
Academic Writing
Not recommended. Sounds too casual.
Professional Meetings
Better replaced with clearer or more formal language.
Is “Coming Soon” Polite or Professional?
The phrase is neutral and friendly, but not very strong.
- Polite: Yes
- Professional: Sometimes
- Formal: No
- Soft tone: Yes
- Strong or precise: No
Etiquette tip:
Use “coming soon” for marketing or casual updates. Avoid it in corporate emails where clarity and timelines matter.
Pros and Cons of Using “Coming Soon”
✔ Pros
- Easy to understand
- Friendly tone
- Works in casual settings
- Creates excitement
✘ Cons
- Vague timing
- Not formal
- Can sound lazy in business writing
- Overused phrase
Quick Alternatives List (For Busy Readers)
- Available shortly
- Launching soon
- On the way
- Arriving soon
- To be released shortly
- Forthcoming
- Upcoming
- In progress
- Nearly ready
- Rolling out soon
- Pending release
- Scheduled for release
- Just around the corner
- In development
Strong Alternatives to “Coming Soon”
Available Shortly
Meaning: Will be ready in a short time.
Explanation: Sounds clear and professional. Suggests minimal delay.
Grammar Note: Adverbial phrase.
Example Sentence: The service will be available shortly.
Best Use: Workplace, emails, announcements.
Worst Use: Casual chats with friends.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Use this when you want clarity without sounding casual.
Launching Soon
Meaning: About to be officially introduced.
Explanation: Strong marketing tone. Common in tech and products.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase.
Example Sentence: Our new app is launching soon.
Best Use: Marketing, social media, startups.
Worst Use: Academic or legal writing.
Tone: Energetic, professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Perfect when excitement matters.
On the Way
Meaning: In progress and approaching.
Explanation: Casual and friendly. Less formal than “available shortly.”
Grammar Note: Idiomatic phrase.
Example Sentence: Your order is on the way.
Best Use: Customer service, spoken English.
Worst Use: Formal documents.
Tone: Friendly.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use for reassurance, not precision.
Arriving Soon
Meaning: Expected in the near future.
Explanation: Often used for deliveries or events.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase.
Example Sentence: New stock is arriving soon.
Best Use: Retail, logistics.
Worst Use: Academic writing.
Tone: Neutral.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Better when something is physical.
To Be Released Shortly
Meaning: Will be officially made public soon.
Explanation: Formal and precise.
Grammar Note: Passive verb phrase.
Example Sentence: The findings will be released shortly.
Best Use: Business, media, reports.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Formal.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Ideal for professional announcements.
Forthcoming
Meaning: Expected to happen soon.
Explanation: Formal and common in British English.
Grammar Note: Adjective.
Example Sentence: Details will be shared in a forthcoming update.
Best Use: Academic and professional writing.
Worst Use: Text messages.
Tone: Formal.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when writing formally without excitement.
Upcoming
Meaning: Planned for the near future.
Explanation: Neutral and flexible.
Grammar Note: Adjective.
Example Sentence: Upcoming events are listed below.
Best Use: Emails, schedules, websites.
Worst Use: Emotional announcements.
Tone: Neutral.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Best for lists and plans.
In Progress
Meaning: Currently being worked on.
Explanation: Focuses on activity, not release.
Grammar Note: Prepositional phrase.
Example Sentence: The update is in progress.
Best Use: Workplace updates.
Worst Use: Marketing teasers.
Tone: Professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when work matters more than timing.
Nearly Ready
Meaning: Almost finished.
Explanation: Friendly and reassuring.
Grammar Note: Adverb + adjective.
Example Sentence: The system is nearly ready.
Best Use: Internal communication.
Worst Use: Legal writing.
Tone: Soft, friendly.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when you want to calm expectations.
Rolling Out Soon
Meaning: Being introduced gradually.
Explanation: Common in tech and corporate updates.
Grammar Note: Phrasal verb.
Example Sentence: The feature is rolling out soon.
Best Use: Tech, SaaS, business.
Worst Use: Academic writing.
Tone: Professional.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Best when release is phased.
Pending Release
Meaning: Waiting to be officially released.
Explanation: Formal and administrative.
Grammar Note: Adjective phrase.
Example Sentence: The document is pending release.
Best Use: Corporate and legal settings.
Worst Use: Social media.
Tone: Formal.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when approval matters.
Scheduled for Release
Meaning: Planned for a specific time.
Explanation: Clear and professional.
Grammar Note: Passive verb phrase.
Example Sentence: The update is scheduled for release next week.
Best Use: Emails, reports.
Worst Use: Casual chat.
Tone: Professional.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when dates exist.
Just Around the Corner
Meaning: Very soon.
Explanation: Informal and expressive.
Grammar Note: Idiom.
Example Sentence: Big changes are just around the corner.
Best Use: Casual talk, marketing.
Worst Use: Formal writing.
Tone: Friendly.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Use for excitement, not precision.
In Development
Meaning: Being created or built.
Explanation: Technical and neutral.
Grammar Note: Prepositional phrase.
Example Sentence: Several features are in development.
Best Use: Tech teams, product updates.
Worst Use: Marketing hype.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
Level: Beginner.
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when work status matters more than timing.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal conversation
Manager: The policy update will be released shortly.
Team: Thank you for the clarification.
Informal conversation
Friend: When is the new café opening?
You: It’s just around the corner!
Business email style
Subject: Product Update
The new feature is scheduled for release next month. We will share further details soon.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using coming soon in formal reports
- Mixing casual and formal tone in one message
- Overusing vague phrases without timelines
- Using idioms in academic writing
- Saying “coming soon” for long delays
- Forgetting the audience
- Using slang in professional emails
Cultural and Tone Tips
In US English, “coming soon” is common in marketing and casual business talk.
In UK English, formal alternatives like forthcoming are more accepted.
In casual social English, expressive phrases sound friendly and natural.
Tone matters more than meaning. Native speakers judge professionalism by word choice, not grammar alone.
Comparison Table of Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available shortly | Neutral | Workplace | High | Available shortly |
| Launching soon | Energetic | Marketing | Medium | Launching soon |
| To be released shortly | Formal | Reports | High | Released shortly |
| Upcoming | Neutral | Lists | Medium | Upcoming events |
| Scheduled for release | Professional | Emails | High | Scheduled next week |
| Just around the corner | Friendly | Casual | Low | Around the corner |
FAQs
Is “coming soon” rude?
No. It is neutral, but it can sound vague.
Is it okay in emails?
Yes, for informal or marketing emails.
What is the most formal alternative?
To be released shortly or scheduled for release.
What is the most polite option?
Available shortly.
What should beginners use?
Upcoming or arriving soon.
Can I use it in academic writing?
It is better to avoid it.
Conclusion
Using only “coming soon” limits your expression. English offers many better options depending on tone, clarity, and setting. Formal alternatives build trust. Informal ones create excitement.
Professional phrases show confidence and control. By choosing the right words, you sound clearer, more fluent, and more natural.
Practice using different alternatives in emails, conversations, and writing. The more you vary your language, the more natural your English becomes.
John Lee is an education-focused writer with a strong interest in English grammar and language learning.
He creates clear, student-friendly content to help learners improve their grammar skills with confidence.