在对外的商业信函中，我们会经常看到有这么几种表示希望对方答复的时间副词或短语：

by return [mail,fax,etc.]
soon
in the near future
这三者有没有区别呢？

严格来说，它们是有区别的。一般而言，by return [mail,fax,etc.]则表示希望对方在数小时至24小时之内回信；soon假设的时间感觉是数小时或者数天，最长不超过一周；而in the near future则为数周甚至数月甚至更长。

因此，从时间跨度来说，应该是by return [mail,fax,etc.]＜soon＜in the near future。

例句如下：
1、I would very much appreciate it if you would kindly indicate your permission by returen e-mail.Thank you!
您如果能以电子邮件回函，告知同意上述要求，我将十分感激，谢谢。

2、I would appreciate your kindest understanding and hope to be able to receive your products catalogue soon.
在此恳请您的理解，并希望能够在近日收到贵方的产品手册。

3、We'll have special offer in the near feature.
近期内我们将提供优惠折扣。