at an early date

USAGE SUMMARY

"at an early date" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something will happen soon or quickly. For example, "We will finalize the details of the deal at an early date."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The frame drum came from Mesopotamia at an early date.

Britannica

It became a settlement at an early date.

Britannica

They all hope that Taiwan and the mainland can be reunified at an early date.

The New York Times

The association said Friday that it hoped to finalize details "at an early date".

The New York Times

trade and jointly move the world economy out of the current difficulties at an early date.

The New York Times

The Sigma top-management group became involved at an early date in discussions of the program.

Harvard Business Review

The convenience of folding stools was realized at an early date, and the diphros was popular.

Britannica

At an early date Ermanaric became the centre of popular tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At an early date there will be a debate on the Franco-Spanish treaty regarding Morocco.

The New York Times

The Bactrians mastered the technique of working metals at an early date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cubans played baseball in the United States at an early date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at an early date" when you want to convey a sense of urgency or anticipation that something will happen relatively soon. For instance, "We expect to receive the shipment at an early date."

Common error

While "at an early date" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "soon" or "shortly" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an early date" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action will occur. It indicates a point in time that is relatively close to the present or a reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at an early date" is a common adverbial phrase used to indicate that something will happen relatively soon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While suitable for various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When writing, remember that it can sound overly formal in casual conversations and prefer simpler alternatives such as "soon" and "shortly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soon

This is a shorter and more general way to indicate something will happen in the near future.

in the near future

This phrase is more explicit about the timeframe being relatively close.

shortly

This implies that something will happen very soon, almost immediately.

before long

This phrase suggests that something will happen relatively quickly.

in due course

This suggests that something will happen when the time is right, without specifying exactly when.

expeditiously

This emphasizes that something will happen quickly and efficiently.

without delay

This emphasizes that something will happen immediately and without any waiting.

as soon as possible

This phrase emphasizes the urgency and desire to have something happen quickly.

promptly

This suggests that something will happen quickly and efficiently.

at the earliest opportunity

This emphasizes that something will happen as soon as the chance arises.

FAQs

How can I use "at an early date" in a sentence?

Use "at an early date" to indicate that something is expected to happen relatively soon. For example, "The company plans to release the new software at an early date."

What phrases are similar to "at an early date"?

Similar phrases include "soon", "in the near future", and "shortly". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "at an early date" formal or informal?

"At an early date" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "soon" or "shortly".

When should I use "at an early date" instead of "soon"?

While both indicate something will happen in the near future, "at an early date" is more formal. Use it in professional communications or when you want to convey a sense of urgency. "Soon" is appropriate for most other contexts.