posthaste

USAGE SUMMARY

"posthaste" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something should be done with great speed or urgency. Example: "Please send the documents posthaste." Alternative expressions include "as soon as possible" and "without delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

To earn that third cheer, the commission must end postal monopolies, posthaste.

The Economist

I didn't, of course, but the fact that people of good will and sharp minds took such deep umbrage tells me that I need to revisit the post posthaste.

The New Yorker

If by some chance you haven't yet read James Surowiecki's current column (preferably in your subscription copy of the magazine, but failing that…), please do so posthaste — especially if you are Jon Favreau.

The New Yorker

The parish house that has been home to the Byer and Dokoudovsky schools for the past thirty-three years has been sold, and, unless a solution is found posthaste, there will be no more classes after this Monday, September 30th.

The New Yorker

Such sign-flaunters should be escaped posthaste, lest you, too, sample their unpleasant taste.

The New Yorker

Note: Anyone who received a signing bonus will be required to return it, posthaste, with interest.

The New Yorker

Urging the Queen to come abroad with him posthaste, he coached her on what to pack: regal clothing, dazzling jewels, and heady oils for her body.

The New Yorker

You would like them to apologize to the corpse, and please dispose of it posthaste.

The New York Times - Books

Soon after, while visiting another friend in Costa Rica, Ripi met the actor Woody Harrelson, who asked for treatment "posthaste," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's why "post-racial" and its cohorts must be stopped posthaste.

The New York Times

I vowed to pay my parking tickets posthaste, lest my car land in the same pound as one of my least happy callers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "posthaste" when you want to add a touch of formality or historical flavor to your writing, as it's less common in modern everyday speech. It is especially effective when used to convey a sense of urgency with a hint of traditional style.

Common error

Avoid using "posthaste" in very casual or informal settings. Its somewhat archaic tone can sound out of place and overly formal, potentially making your communication seem unnatural or forced. Instead, opt for more common alternatives like "immediately" or "quickly".

Linguistic Context

The adverb "posthaste" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action should be performed. Ludwig examples showcase it emphasizing speed and urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "posthaste" is an adverb meaning quickly or without delay. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective for adding a touch of formality or historical flavor, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives such as "immediately" and "quickly" may be more appropriate in casual conversations. Keep in mind, its effectiveness lies in emphasizing urgency, so consider whether that emphasis suits the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immediately

Direct synonym indicating no delay.

Without delay

Emphasizes the absence of any waiting period.

Expeditiously

Highlights efficiency and speed in execution.

Instantly

Implies action happening at once.

Promptly

Focuses on acting quickly and without hesitation.

A.S.A.P.

Common abbreviation for "as soon as possible".

With all speed

Emphasizes rapid action.

At once

Similar to immediately, suggesting instant action.

Forthwith

Archaic term implying immediate action.

In short order

Indicates that something will be done quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "posthaste" in a sentence?

Use "posthaste" to indicate that something should be done very quickly or without delay. For example: "The documents must be delivered "posthaste"."

What does "posthaste" mean, and where does it come from?

"Posthaste" means to do something with great speed or urgency. It originates from the historical practice of using a post rider to deliver messages quickly, hence the term 'post-haste'.

Which is more appropriate, "immediately" or "posthaste"?

"Immediately" is a more common and generally applicable term for indicating something should be done right away. "Posthaste" is more formal and somewhat archaic, suitable when you want to convey a sense of historical or heightened urgency. "Immediately" is neutral, and "posthaste" is more stylistic.

What are some alternatives to using "posthaste" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "immediately", "quickly", "without delay", or "as soon as possible".