preferably today

USAGE SUMMARY

"preferably today" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to suggest that something should be done soon, but not necessarily right away. For example, "Please complete the form and send it back to me, preferably today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Preferably today.

The New York Times - Arts

Their parents, meanwhile, were bombarding the camp with calls: one wanted help arranging private guitar lessons for her daughter, another did not like the sound of her child's voice during a recent conversation, and a third needed to know — preferably today — which of her daughter's four varieties of vitamins had run out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Google is showing a preference for long form content (preferably 1000 words+), so creating longer, high-quality blog posts that comprehensively cover a topic is now your best chance at ranking in search.

Forbes

Preferably this weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

Preferably next June.

The New York Times - Sports

The weight percent is preferably 25 35% for balanced film properties.

Progress in Organic Coatings

In any case, it seems reasonable to spend £1,000 on a PC that you'll plan to use for around 2,000 days or, preferably, 1,400 weekdays.

The Guardian - Tech

If you haven't tried it before, look for a recent vintage, preferably 2014 for less expensive wines, and serve well chilled.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(AP) — Cristie Kerr knows the emotion of winning a United States Women's Open, and she wants to experience it again, preferably this week.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is imperilled as never before and unless robust action is taken soon – preferably tomorrow – it will be extinct before England can find a decent middle order.

Independent

In the nearly two weeks since he announced a plan to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from insolvency, if need be, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has insisted that it is vital for Congress to approve the proposal quickly, preferably, this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preferably today" when you want to gently suggest a quick turnaround without being overly demanding. For example, "Please review this document, preferably today, so we can move forward with the project."

Common error

Avoid using "preferably today" in very formal or high-stakes situations where a more direct and assertive tone is appropriate. Instead, opt for phrases like "as soon as possible" or specify a concrete deadline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferably today" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It expresses a desired timeframe for an action, indicating that completing the action on the current day is favored. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferably today" is a useful adverbial phrase for expressing a desired, but not necessarily required, timeframe. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it conveys a sense of urgency, it's important to consider the audience and the situation to determine if a more direct approach is necessary. Alternatives like "ideally today" or "as soon as possible" may be more appropriate in certain cases. Remember to use it thoughtfully to encourage timely action without being overly demanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ideally today

Emphasizes the desired outcome if the action is completed today.

if possible, today

Adds a condition of possibility to the request.

today if you can

Directly asks for completion today, acknowledging potential constraints.

best case, today

Highlights that completion today is the most favorable scenario.

ideally, by end of day

Specifies the end of the day as the desired deadline.

if convenient, today

Considers the convenience of the person completing the action.

sooner rather than later

Indicates a general preference for speed.

as soon as possible

Classic expression for doing something very quickly.

promptly

Highlights the importance of immediate action.

expeditiously

Implies swift and efficient handling.

FAQs

How can I use "preferably today" in a sentence?

You can use "preferably today" to indicate that you would like something to be done quickly, but you are not necessarily demanding it. For example, "Please submit your reports, "preferably today", if possible."

What are some alternatives to "preferably today"?

Alternatives to "preferably today" include "ideally today", "as soon as possible", or "by the end of the day". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of urgency you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "preferably today" in professional emails?

Yes, it's generally acceptable to use "preferably today" in professional emails, especially when you want to gently encourage a prompt response. However, consider your relationship with the recipient and the urgency of the matter. In some cases, a more direct approach may be necessary.

What is the difference between "preferably today" and "by today"?

"Preferably today" indicates a preference for completion on the current day, but it's not a strict requirement. "By today" is more direct, implying that the task must be completed before the end of the day.