shortest possible time

USAGE SUMMARY

"shortest possible time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the least amount of time required to accomplish something. For example, "She finished the project in the shortest possible time."

✓ 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

It will politicize the army, and democracy should be restored within the shortest possible time".

The New York Times

He said detention in asylum cases was used sparingly and for the shortest possible time.

The Guardian

Children who present no safety threat remain in custody for the shortest possible time.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

The workout is designed to give you the maximum health benefit in the shortest possible time.

The New York Times - Health

The actor tried to assist his teammates in guessing the subject in the shortest possible time.

Britannica

Your goal is to complete a certain number of laps in the shortest possible time.

MIT Technology Review

Accurate and complete citation information will enable us to process requests in the shortest possible time.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shortest possible time" when you want to emphasize the urgency and efficiency of completing a task or process. For example, "We aim to resolve this issue in the "shortest possible time".

Common error

Avoid prioritizing speed so much that it compromises the quality of the work. Ensure that while striving for the "shortest possible time", accuracy and thoroughness are not sacrificed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortest possible time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the duration of an action. It emphasizes the intention to minimize the time taken. As Ludwig shows, it's widely used across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shortest possible time" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize efficiency and urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While commonly used, remember to prioritize quality alongside speed. Consider related phrases such as "as quickly as feasible" or "without delay" for nuanced communication. Remember that it implies a strong focus on minimizing the time taken to complete a task, and in some situations, alternative phrasing may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the minimum amount of time

Rephrases the original meaning using different wording.

With maximum speed

Focuses on speed as the main priority.

As quickly as feasible

Emphasizes practicality and achievability within given constraints.

Swiftly and efficiently

Highlights both speed and effectiveness.

Without delay

Highlights the absence of postponement.

In record time

Implies an unprecedented speed of completion.

At the earliest opportunity

Highlights the timing aspect of the action.

Expeditiously

Stresses efficiency and promptness in action.

In short order

Suggests a quick and decisive completion.

With all due haste

Adds a sense of urgency to the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "shortest possible time" to indicate the goal of minimizing the duration needed for an action. For instance, "The objective is to complete the project in the "shortest possible time".

What are some alternatives to "shortest possible time"?

You can use alternatives like "as quickly as feasible", "with maximum speed", or "without delay", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "shortest possible time" in writing?

"Shortest possible time" is appropriate when you want to convey a sense of urgency or efficiency, especially in business, scientific, or formal contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms it's good to go.

What is the difference between "shortest possible time" and "fastest possible time"?

While similar, "shortest possible time" emphasizes minimizing duration, whereas "fastest possible time" focuses on maximizing speed. The choice depends on whether duration or velocity is the primary concern.