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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

as soon as practically possible
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Mr. Ban said the investigation would begin "as soon as practically possible," with various agencies of the world body developing a plan on how to proceed.

News & Media

The New York Times

At the United Nations on Thursday, Mr. Ban told reporters the chemical weapons investigation would begin "as soon as practically possible".

News & Media

The New York Times

"The RFU [the player's union] and Six Nations Rugby have been informed and the case will be heard by an independent judicial committee as soon as practically possible.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

When a project is first starting out, actions speak volumes, so it is mandatory to raise the expectation level high and resolve the first obstacle as soon as practically possible.

Science

New Product Development From Initial Idea to Product Management

Such has been the anger of grass-roots beekeepers that the executive announced a strategic review of its links with "the plant protection industry", which concluded that endorsement and "related product specific payments" would cease "as soon as practically possible".

News & Media

Independent

While there was grumbling on Twitter from customers who had ordered an iPhone 6 as recently as Friday, the company said it had ceased trading "as soon as practically possible".

News & Media

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

One of his foreign-policy advisers, Norman Podhoretz, urges President George Bush to bomb Iran's nuclear sites as soon as practically possible though Mr Giuliani does not go so far.Mr Giuliani's hawkishness could be a vital factor in his struggle to win over Republicans who think him too soft on social issues such as abortion.

News & Media

The Economist

Villa said that Lambert will look to fill the position "as soon as is practically possible".

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Clearly not – therefore you have blurred the line between political statement and hate crime". A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said it was "an absolutely non-political organisation" and said the food was returned to the shelves "as soon as was practically possible".

News & Media

The Guardian - Business

Manager Paul Lambert will look to fill the assistant manager's position "as soon as is practically possible".

News & Media

BBC

What is important is that those who can do so, as soon as is practically possible.

News & Media

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as soon as practically possible", ensure that the action's feasibility is genuinely considered. Avoid using it when immediate action is essential, as it implies a degree of flexibility and acknowledges potential delays.

Common error

Avoid using "as soon as practically possible" merely as a placeholder. Replace it with a more specific timeframe or commitment when possible to enhance clarity and demonstrate accountability. If immediacy is critical, opt for phrases that convey urgency.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as soon as practically possible" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the timing of an action. It specifies that the action should occur promptly but acknowledges real-world limitations. As Ludwig AI shows, this often appears in context where a plan is discussed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as soon as practically possible" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that balances the need for speed with the constraints of reality. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While useful for managing expectations, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, opting for more specific language when possible to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "at the earliest opportunity" or "as quickly as feasible" can provide similar meanings with subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as quickly as feasible

Replaces 'practically possible' with 'feasible', maintaining a similar meaning.

as rapidly as achievable

Swaps 'practically possible' with 'rapidly as achievable', keeping a similar denotation.

at the earliest opportunity

Emphasizes taking the first available chance, omitting the 'practical' constraint.

when realistically achievable

Highlights what is realistically achievable as a condition.

as soon as circumstances permit

Highlights situational allowance rather than active possibility.

when circumstances allow

Highlights the dependence on external conditions, a less urgent variant.

at the first chance

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on opportunity rather than practicality.

at your earliest convenience

Introduces a politeness aspect and focuses on the convenience of the person acting.

with all due haste

Adds a sense of urgency and formality, differing in tone.

expeditiously

Offers a single-word alternative stressing efficiency and speed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as soon as practically possible" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "at the earliest opportunity", "as expeditiously as achievable", or "when circumstances permit". These alternatives convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

What's the difference between "as soon as possible" and "as soon as practically possible"?

"As soon as possible" implies immediate action without considering constraints. "As soon as practically possible", on the other hand, acknowledges limitations and suggests action will be taken quickly, considering feasibility. The phrase "as soon as possible" focuses on speed, while "as soon as practically possible" balances speed with realism.

Is "as soon as practically possible" too verbose for concise writing?

In scenarios demanding brevity, "as soon as practically possible" might be seen as lengthy. Alternatives like "expeditiously", "promptly", or "quickly as feasible" can effectively communicate the same idea with fewer words.

Can "as soon as practically possible" be used in all contexts, or are there limitations?

While broadly applicable, "as soon as practically possible" may not suit situations requiring absolute urgency or precision. In such cases, specify concrete deadlines or use phrases emphasizing immediate action, avoiding ambiguity about feasibility.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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as soon as practically possibleGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

as soon as practically possible
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples