The earliest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the earliest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a point in time that is earlier than any other point in time. For example, "The earliest recorded sighting of the asteroid was on February 1st, 2020."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The earliest were founded in the 1990s.

The Economist

The earliest writing consisted of carved inscriptions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest indications are that they can.

The Economist

The earliest references are, however, more recent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest example dates from 1547.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest city charter dates from 1176.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest bronzes were of uneven composition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest gravestone dates back to 1793.

The Economist

The earliest omens were not good.

The New Yorker

The earliest crystal grower was nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest booklets rarely provided technical instruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the earliest", ensure it's followed by a clear reference point (e.g., "the earliest bird", "the earliest time") to avoid ambiguity. Providing context is key.

Common error

Avoid using "the earliest" when a simple comparative like "earlier" is sufficient. For example, instead of "This is the earliest of the two options", use "This is the earlier of the two options".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the earliest" functions as a superlative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate the initial point in time or order. It is used to specify something that precedes all others of its kind, as confirmed by Ludwig and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the earliest" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote the initial point in time or order. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, from news and encyclopedias to scientific publications. It’s crucial to use it accurately, ensuring that the comparison is clear and appropriate, and to avoid common errors like incorrect superlative formations. Related phrases like "the initial" or "the very first" can be used depending on the context to improve the writing style. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "the earliest" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The very first

Highlights the absolute beginning, adding emphasis to the start.

The initial

Focuses on the commencement or the very beginning, rather than just an early stage.

The original

Focuses on the source or starting point of something.

The foremost

Emphasizes prominence and leadership in terms of time or rank.

The inaugural

Implies a formal beginning or introduction.

The birth of

Emphasizes the start or emergence of something new.

The dawn of

Suggests the commencement or emergence of something, often in a metaphorical sense.

The inception of

Focuses on the beginning or establishment of an institution or activity.

The genesis of

Highlights the origin or mode of formation of something.

The kickoff of

Signifies the start or initiation of a process or event.

FAQs

How to use "the earliest" in a sentence?

Use "the earliest" to specify the initial point in time or order, such as, "What is "the earliest known example"?" or "I need "the earliest possible time".".

What can I say instead of "the earliest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the initial", "the very first", or "the original", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "the earliest" or "the most early"?

"The earliest" is the correct superlative form of "early". "The most early" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "the earliest" and "earlier"?

"The earliest" refers to the absolute first or most initial point, while "earlier" is a comparative term indicating something that happened or existed before something else. For example, "This is "the earliest version"," versus "This version is earlier than that one".