as softly as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as softly as possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to perform an action with minimal noise or gentleness. Example: "Please close the door as softly as possible to avoid waking the baby."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"As softly as possible," he said.

The New York Times

It is known that corticospinal tract excitability is not modulated by the natural inspiration/expiration cycle [48]; thus, subjects were practiced to sniff as softly as possible, to minimize respiratory muscular activation linked with deep inspiration that would have increased corticospinal drive, thus enhancing MEPs amplitude [48], although unspecifically.

Plosone

Participants indicated how hard they had been chewing on a scale of 1 (as softly as possible) to 11 (as hard as possible) immediately after the gum condition.

BioMed Research International

Land as softly as possible.

WikiHow

Land on the ground as softly as possible to absorb the impact.

WikiHow

Hold as softly as possible while still keeping a grip on your wire to prevent plier marks.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Destiny comes in as softly as a sunbeam.

The New Yorker

Maman lowered her voice, speaking as softly as she could.

Independent

Speak as softly and as little as possible.

WikiHow

I move as slowly and softly as possible; I don't want to miss or startle the man.

MIT Technology Review

If you're lucky enough in this lifetime to meet someone who falls in love with you and has the guts to come out with those three small, big words, and they're not on blow or pills at the time check, many people are then you've got to reward their bravery by treating them well, pinning a badge of courage on their shirt, and letting them go as gently and softly as possible if the time comes.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to minimize noise or impact, use "as softly as possible" to clearly convey the desired level of gentleness in their action.

Common error

While "as softly as possible" is acceptable, overuse of adverbs can make writing sound wordy. Consider if a stronger verb or rephrasing could convey the same meaning more concisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as softly as possible" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action should be performed. As Ludwig AI shows, it specifies the degree of gentleness or quietness desired.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as softly as possible" is a grammatically sound and generally well-understood adverbial phrase used to instruct someone to perform an action with minimal noise or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including Wiki, News & Media and Science. When writing, be mindful of the potential for wordiness and consider whether a more concise alternative might be suitable, depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as gently as you can

Replaces "softly" with "gently", focusing on the manner of action rather than just the sound.

with minimal sound

Shifts the emphasis to the sound produced, using more direct language.

as quietly as you are able

Substitutes "softly" with "quietly" and uses a more verbose structure with "are able".

with the least amount of noise

Focuses directly on minimizing noise, using a more descriptive phrase.

as lightly as you can

Replaces "softly" with "lightly", suggesting minimal pressure or force.

in the quietest manner

Emphasizes the quietness of the action, using a slightly more formal tone.

with utmost gentleness

Highlights the gentleness of the action, implying care and delicacy.

using a feather touch

Uses a metaphor to describe a very light and gentle action.

as tenderly as one can

Replaces "softly" with "tenderly", highlighting care and affection.

with a delicate approach

Emphasizes carefulness and sensitivity in the method used.

FAQs

How can I use "as softly as possible" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to instruct someone to perform an action with minimal noise or impact. For example: "Close the door "as softly as possible" so you don't wake the baby."

What are some alternatives to "as softly as possible"?

You can use alternatives like "as gently as you can", "with minimal sound", or "as quietly as you are able" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "as possible" after "as softly as"?

While not always grammatically required, including "as possible" emphasizes the need for maximum gentleness or quietness. Omitting it might weaken the instruction.

What's the difference between saying "as softly as possible" and "very softly"?

"Very softly" indicates a general degree of softness, while ""as softly as possible"" implies striving for the absolute minimum level of sound or impact achievable.