Posthaste

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Posthaste" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something should be done with great speed or urgency. Example: "Please send the documents posthaste." Alternative expressions include "as soon as possible" and "without delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

To earn that third cheer, the commission must end postal monopolies, posthaste.

The Economist

I didn't, of course, but the fact that people of good will and sharp minds took such deep umbrage tells me that I need to revisit the post posthaste.

The New Yorker

If by some chance you haven't yet read James Surowiecki's current column (preferably in your subscription copy of the magazine, but failing that…), please do so posthaste — especially if you are Jon Favreau.

The New Yorker

The parish house that has been home to the Byer and Dokoudovsky schools for the past thirty-three years has been sold, and, unless a solution is found posthaste, there will be no more classes after this Monday, September 30th.

The New Yorker

Such sign-flaunters should be escaped posthaste, lest you, too, sample their unpleasant taste.

The New Yorker

Note: Anyone who received a signing bonus will be required to return it, posthaste, with interest.

The New Yorker

Urging the Queen to come abroad with him posthaste, he coached her on what to pack: regal clothing, dazzling jewels, and heady oils for her body.

The New Yorker

You would like them to apologize to the corpse, and please dispose of it posthaste.

The New York Times - Books

Soon after, while visiting another friend in Costa Rica, Ripi met the actor Woody Harrelson, who asked for treatment "posthaste," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's why "post-racial" and its cohorts must be stopped posthaste.

The New York Times

I vowed to pay my parking tickets posthaste, lest my car land in the same pound as one of my least happy callers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "posthaste" in situations where you want to convey a sense of urgency with a touch of formality or historical flair. It's particularly effective in written communication or when addressing someone in a position of authority.

Common error

Avoid using "posthaste" in casual conversations or informal emails. Its formal tone can sound out of place and may come across as pretentious or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "posthaste" is as an adverb. It modifies a verb to indicate that an action should be carried out quickly or urgently. Ludwig examples show that it emphasizes the speed with which something needs to be done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "posthaste" functions as an adverb that conveys urgency and speed, with Ludwig AI confirming its grammatical correctness and usability in formal contexts. While its slightly archaic tone makes it less suitable for casual conversation, it is frequently found in news and media, and formal business communications. When aiming for similar meanings, consider alternatives like "immediately" or "without delay". Its effectiveness lies in its ability to add emphasis and a touch of formality when immediate action is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immediately

A more direct and commonly used synonym indicating no delay.

A.S.A.P.

A common abbreviation for "as soon as possible", indicating urgency.

At once

A more emphatic way of saying immediately.

Without delay

Emphasizes the absence of any waiting period.

Promptly

Suggests readiness and willingness to act quickly.

Right away

An informal phrase indicating immediate action.

Swiftly

Similar to rapidly, but can also imply elegance or ease.

Instantly

Implies that something happens without any perceptible delay.

Expeditiously

Implies efficiency and speed in handling a task.

Rapidly

Focuses on the high speed of the action.

FAQs

How to use "Posthaste" in a sentence?

You can use "Posthaste" to emphasize the urgency of an action. For example, "The documents must be delivered "posthaste"."

What can I say instead of "Posthaste"?

You can use alternatives like "immediately", "without delay", or "as soon as possible" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Posthaste" or "Post haste"?

"Posthaste" is the correct spelling and usage. "Post haste" is an older form, but "Posthaste" is now the accepted form.

What is the origin of the word "Posthaste"?

The word "Posthaste" comes from the historical practice of sending messages quickly by post riders. It combines "post", referring to the postal service, and "haste", meaning speed or urgency.