in the shortest possible time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “in the shortest possible time” is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when expressing a desire to complete a task in the least amount of time possible. For example, "I need to finish this project in the shortest possible time, so I'm working late every night this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone wants results in the shortest possible time".

The New York Times

"He had to be attended to in the shortest possible time," the statement said.

The Guardian - Tech

He said he was prepared to leave in the "shortest possible time" after international troops arrived.

The New York Times

I pee hard, emptying my full bladder in the shortest possible time.

The New Yorker

The cost of payment is reduced and, best of all, the customer gets their goods in the shortest possible time.

The Guardian

His answer was that, since they obeyed the law of maximum profits in the shortest possible time, they were killing culture.

The Guardian

I can only wish the Synod and the archbishop all good things and every blessing with resolving this in the shortest possible time.

The Guardian

But that plan was also found not to meet the law's requirement of cutting nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution to legal levels in the "shortest possible time".

The Guardian

The UK's highest court ordered Defra to produce new air quality plans to bring pollution down to legal levels in the "shortest possible time".

The Guardian

"I don't like rushing to a destination, reaching the base of a peak in the shortest possible time and starting to climb right away.

The Guardian

And I hope that David will prove to be the prime minister of such a government in the shortest possible time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for efficiency, quantify the "shortest possible time" by setting realistic deadlines, which makes the goal more tangible and achievable.

Common error

Don't use "in the shortest possible time" without clarifying what steps are being taken to minimize delays; outline specific actions to ensure clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the shortest possible time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify when an action should be performed. Ludwig examples showcase its use to emphasize the speed and efficiency with which a task should be completed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the shortest possible time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It conveys a sense of urgency and efficiency, indicating the desire to complete a task as quickly as realistically achievable. While versatile, it's most common in news, scientific and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity, quantify timeframes when possible and provide specifics regarding actions to minimize delays. Alternatives such as "as quickly as feasible" or "with maximum expediency" offer nuanced options for similar expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the minimum time frame

Focuses on adhering to a specified or understood time limit.

as quickly as feasible

Emphasizes feasibility and practicality more than minimizing time.

in the speediest way

Emphasizes speed and rapidness of the approach.

with maximum expediency

Highlights the speed and efficiency with which something is done.

as soon as is practicable

Focuses on what is achievable given the circumstances.

in the most timely manner

Stresses the importance of acting at the right moment.

with all deliberate speed

Highlights acting without delay, but with thoughtfulness.

at the earliest opportunity

Highlights using first available chances

in record time

Conveys achieving something faster than ever before.

in the blink of an eye

Emphasizes how instantaneous the action is

FAQs

How can I use "in the shortest possible time" in a sentence?

You can use "in the shortest possible time" to emphasize the urgency or efficiency required to complete a task. For example: "We aim to resolve this issue "in the shortest possible time"."

What are some alternatives to "in the shortest possible time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as quickly as feasible", "in the minimum time frame", or "with maximum expediency", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in the shortest time" or "in the shortest possible time"?

"In the shortest possible time" is generally preferred for emphasizing the effort to minimize time. "In the shortest time" may imply simply the quickest time that happens to occur.

Which is correct: "as soon as possible" or "in the shortest possible time"?

"As soon as possible" implies doing something immediately, while ""in the shortest possible time"" focuses on efficiency. The choice depends on the desired nuance.