in the shortest time

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the shortest time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to mention the quickest amount of time available to do something. For example, "I will try to finish this report in the shortest time possible so it can be ready for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The agreement would be "implemented in the shortest time possible", Abbas said.

The Guardian

Consider those that will earn you the most money in the shortest time possible.

The Guardian

This would maximize the number of sites able to be assessed in the shortest time period.

The Guardian

Myanmar has probably come the longest distance in the shortest time.

The Economist

Remember, our specialty is delivering superior work in the shortest time.

The New York Times

Again, he found that "those who climb to the loftiest peaks in the shortest time also die younger.

The New York Times - Magazine

This made me think – what player has been made captain of their country in the shortest time after their debut?

The Guardian - Sport

But who cares, isn't the ride about getting from point to point in the shortest time possible?

The Guardian - Sport

We want to dispose of our assets in the shortest time possible, minimizing the cost to taxpayers.

The New York Times

The one who completes the course in the shortest time, without missing any gates, is the winner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With a limited pot of money, we must focus on projects that can provide additional capacity and connections and be operational in the shortest time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In emergency situations, prioritizing actions that can be executed "in the shortest time" is crucial for effective response.

Common error

Avoid prioritizing speed above all else; ensure actions performed "in the shortest time" do not compromise accuracy or thoroughness. For example, proofreading a document quickly might lead to errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the shortest time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the duration within which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the shortest time" is a versatile and commonly used expression that emphasizes efficiency and speed. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, from News & Media to Science and Business. While "in the shortest time" is frequently employed, remember not to compromise quality for speed. Alternatives like "as quickly as possible" or "in minimal time" can offer slight variations in tone. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently incorporate "in the shortest time" into your writing to convey urgency and efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as quickly as possible

Replaces "in the shortest time" with a more direct adverbial phrase emphasizing speed.

in minimal time

Substitutes "shortest" with "minimal", focusing on achieving the least amount of time consumed.

in the least amount of time

Expands on "shortest time" to specify "amount of time", adding a degree of emphasis.

with maximum speed

Shifts from a time frame to the speed of action.

at the earliest opportunity

Focuses on seizing the first available chance rather than pure time minimization.

promptly

Replaces the phrase with a single adverb indicating quickness and readiness.

expeditiously

Replaces the phrase with a single adverb indicating efficiency and speed in action.

in a timely manner

Conveys punctuality and appropriateness more than speed.

with no delay

Highlights the absence of waiting or postponement.

in rapid succession

Indicates events happening quickly one after another, rather than a single action.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the shortest time" to emphasize efficiency. For example, "We aim to process all applications "in the shortest time" possible to improve customer satisfaction".

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

Instead of "in the shortest time", consider using alternatives like "as quickly as possible", "expeditiously", or "in minimal time" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in the shortest time frame"?

Yes, "in the shortest time frame" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the limited duration available. It's similar to saying "in the shortest time possible".

What's the difference between "in the shortest time" and "in a timely manner"?

"In the shortest time" emphasizes speed and efficiency, while "in a timely manner" focuses on punctuality and appropriateness. The best choice depends on whether speed or adherence to a schedule is more important.