earliest convenience

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'earliest convenience' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to politely express a desired timeline for completing a task or responding to a request. For example, you could say, "Please reply to this email at your earliest convenience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I intended to take it to the shop at my earliest convenience but life wasn't particularly convenient, so days and weeks passed.

Huffington Post

Please call me back at your earliest convenience".

The New York Times - Magazine

If I've missed any, I invite Professor Viteritti to let me know at his earliest convenience.

The New York Times

Watch him at your earliest convenience, and start making recommendations soon.

The Guardian

We must look forward to the Dalai Lama providing clarification on this at his very earliest convenience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She posed with Moon for photographs, and invited him to a summit "at his earliest convenience" in Pyongyang.

The New Yorker

But what this season does demand, and at your earliest convenience, is a complete rethink on the subject of pastels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finally, a rescue mission should be launched at the earliest convenience to return Major Tom to Earth.

The New Yorker

One of the earliest convenience foods, processed cereals represents a triumph of marketing, packaging and US economic and foreign policy.

The Guardian - Business

I told the old man that we'd like to come have a look — at his earliest convenience, that is.

The New Yorker

5. Finally, a rescue mission should be launched at the earliest convenience to return Major Tom to Earth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earliest convenience" in professional correspondence to politely request a timely response without sounding demanding.

Common error

Avoid using "earliest convenience" in casual conversations; opt for more relaxed alternatives like "as soon as you can" or "when you have time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earliest convenience" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the timing or condition under which an action should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating a polite request for a prompt response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

28%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earliest convenience" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for politely requesting timely action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news, business, and science contexts, it signifies a balance between requesting promptness and respecting the recipient's schedule. While appropriate for professional settings, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Alternatives like "as soon as possible" may suit informal scenarios better. Remember to use this phrase to encourage a timely response without sounding demanding in professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soonest convenience

Emphasizes speed and immediacy more directly than the original phrase.

at your earliest opportunity

Highlights the availability of a chance or occasion to act.

as soon as possible

A more direct and less formal way to request immediate action.

at your first opportunity

Similar to "at your earliest opportunity" but stresses priority.

when you have a moment

Softer and more casual, suitable for less urgent requests.

at your convenience

A more general request without emphasizing the need for speed.

at your leisure

Indicates no urgency and allows the recipient to act freely.

without delay

Stresses the importance of acting immediately and directly.

as quickly as you can

An informal way to ask for a prompt response or action.

when it is most convenient

Focuses on accommodating the recipient's schedule.

FAQs

How do I use "earliest convenience" in a sentence?

You can use "earliest convenience" to politely request a timely action or response, such as, "Please submit the report at your earliest convenience."

What's a more informal alternative to "earliest convenience"?

Alternatives like "as soon as possible" or "when you have time" offer a less formal tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "earliest convenience" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, "earliest convenience" is best suited for professional or formal communication. In casual settings, consider using less formal alternatives.

What is the difference between "earliest convenience" and "at your convenience"?

"Earliest convenience" implies a gentle urgency, while "at your convenience" simply indicates you are flexible with the timing.