at the first possible moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the first possible moment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate urgency or the earliest opportunity to take action. Example: "Please respond to my email at the first possible moment, as I need your input to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Some long-term couples did, indeed, race to the altar at the first possible moment.

The New York Times

Richard Silver, defending, said: "Miss Cleaver has entered a guilty plea at the first possible moment.

Independent

Then they get up and ditch you at the first possible moment.

The New York Times

Against a cascade of rainbow-colored falls, and with cicadas humming in the background, Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd married at the first possible moment in Niagara Falls.

The New York Times

Rabid for cars, he showed up at the Department of Motor Vehicles on his birthday to apply for his driver's license at the first possible moment.

The New York Times

I always try to cross the street at the first possible moment in order to prove that I am a bona fide New Yorker.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But after setting Madison Square Garden on fire for the better part of four quarters, Sprewell went cold at the worst possible moment, missing the first of two free throws and giving the Celtics one last chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Turpin recalled how — "at the last possible moment" before his first book went to print — his writing partner called from the New York Public Library to say he had just managed to uncover an old photograph that debunked local "Realtor lore" attributing a house on Mendham-Bernardsville Road to Stanford White.

The New York Times

Mansell would have been Britain's first champion since James Hunt in 1976, but disaster struck at the worst possible moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Cameron started the play shaded toward left-center field, traversed more than a third of the outfield grass and extended his glove at the last possible moment.

The New York Times - Sports

And when I went on, from the very first shot I played, I knew there was a psychological catastrophe unfolding at the worst possible moment".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the first possible moment" when you want to convey a sense of urgency or the importance of acting quickly. It's suitable for situations where time is of the essence.

Common error

While "at the first possible moment" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "as soon as possible" or "right away" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the first possible moment" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the timing of an action, specifically emphasizing that the action should occur as early as is practically feasible. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

21%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the first possible moment" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase that conveys urgency and emphasizes the importance of acting quickly. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While versatile, its usage is more common in news, media, and scientific contexts. When aiming for casual communication, consider opting for alternatives like "as soon as possible" or "immediately" to avoid sounding overly formal. Remember that "at the first possible moment" is best employed when the timing of an action carries significant weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the earliest opportunity

Highlights the availability of a chance to do something.

as soon as is feasible

Highlights practicality and possibility in the action.

immediately

A single-word synonym emphasizing instant action.

right away

Indicates performing an action without any postponement.

as soon as one can

Emphasizes speed and ability to act quickly.

promptly

Suggests a quick and timely response.

with no delay

Directly indicates a lack of waiting time.

without hesitation

Stresses acting immediately and decisively.

expeditiously

Emphasizes efficiency and speed in carrying out an action.

when the chance arises

Focuses on the occurrence of a suitable moment to act.

FAQs

What does "at the first possible moment" mean?

The phrase "at the first possible moment" means as soon as it is feasible or practical to do something. It emphasizes the urgency or importance of acting quickly.

How can I use "at the first possible moment" in a sentence?

You can use "at the first possible moment" to indicate when something should be done as soon as it is possible. For example, "Please submit your application at the first possible moment."

What can I say instead of "at the first possible moment"?

You can use alternatives like "as soon as possible", "immediately", or "at the earliest opportunity depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "at the first possible moment" and "as soon as possible"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "at the first possible moment" can sometimes imply a greater sense of urgency or a more specific point in time than "as soon as possible".