earliest possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'earliest possible' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the soonest or earliest time a certain event can happen. For example: Students should submit their applications for admission by the earliest possible date.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The earliest possible date for Aamer's release is 25 October.

The Guardian

Ms. Prather's earliest possible release date is in 2014.

The New York Times

"Jeremy that morning asked for the earliest possible exit.

The Guardian

And that has to start at the earliest possible age.

The Guardian

Find any excuse to leave at the earliest possible second.

The New Yorker

He said: "They will speak at the earliest possible opportunity".

The Guardian

At the earliest possible moment, I did four things.

The New Yorker

The ministers also called for the earliest possible halt to the fighting in Iraq.

The New York Times

"We will take Mr Cosby's deposition at the earliest possible moment.

The Guardian

The current contract expires at midnight Wednesday, the earliest possible date for a strike.

The New York Times

The spokeswoman suggested May would travel to the US at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling or planning, use "earliest possible" to indicate the most immediate timeframe under consideration, setting a clear expectation for urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "earliest possible" without specifying a timeframe or benchmark. Saying "Contact us at the "earliest possible" moment" is vague. Instead, specify a date or event that defines 'earliest', such as "Contact us at the "earliest possible" time tomorrow morning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earliest possible" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing a time or date. It modifies a noun to indicate the soonest or most immediate time that something can occur, as seen in Ludwig's examples such as "earliest possible release date".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earliest possible" is a commonly used adjectival modifier that emphasizes urgency and immediacy, indicating the soonest something can occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and sees prevalent use in news, scientific, and professional contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to provide context for the time frame referenced to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "soonest available" or "first opportunity" for nuanced communication. Remember, precision and context are key to effectively using "earliest possible" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soonest available

Focuses on immediate availability rather than possibility.

soonest feasible

Emphasizes practicality and achievability.

first opportunity

Highlights taking advantage of the very next chance.

soonest practicable

Stresses what is capable of being done realistically.

minimum delay

Focuses on minimizing waiting time.

promptly

Implies quick action without specifying a window.

without delay

Highlights the absence of postponement.

at the first chance

Stresses seizing the initial opportunity.

as soon as achievable

Focuses on achieving something without delay.

expeditiously

Implies quick and efficient action.

FAQs

How can I use "earliest possible" in a sentence?

You can use "earliest possible" to specify the soonest something can occur, such as, "The "earliest possible" start date for the project is Monday".

What's a good alternative to "earliest possible"?

Alternatives include "soonest available", "first opportunity", or "promptly", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "as soon as the earliest possible"?

Yes, "as soon as the "earliest possible"" is generally redundant. Saying "as soon as possible" or "at the "earliest possible" time" is clearer and more concise.

What does "earliest possible release date" mean?

"Earliest possible release date" refers to the very first date on which someone incarcerated could potentially be released from prison, assuming good behavior and other factors.