the earliest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the earliest' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate the earliest time or instance of something, for example: "We need to submit the project proposal to the committee by the earliest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Excerpts from the earliest issue.

The New Yorker

Vasari's biography is the earliest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest were founded in the 1990s.

The Economist

Consider some of the earliest surviving bozzetti.

The New York Times - Arts

The earliest writing consisted of carved inscriptions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Apples were eaten by the earliest Europeans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the earliest founders?

The New Yorker

The earliest indications are that they can.

The Economist

Alec Wilkinson on the earliest recorded sounds.

The New Yorker

The earliest references are, however, more recent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of the three, Parker started the earliest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the earliest", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being referenced in terms of time, development, or sequence. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the earliest" when you mean 'one of the earliest'. "The earliest" implies a singular, definitive beginning, while 'one of the earliest' suggests a group of items close to the beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the earliest" functions primarily as a superlative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate the initial or first instance in a sequence or timeline. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it highlights priority in time or order.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academic Sources

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the earliest" is a versatile phrase used to denote the beginning or initial point in time, sequence, or development. It functions as a superlative adjective and maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Usage across reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its widespread acceptance and grammatical correctness. Remember to use "the earliest" when referring to a singular beginning, and 'one of the earliest' when acknowledging multiple early instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very first

Adds emphasis to the ordinal position, making it more emphatic than "the earliest".

the initial

Emphasizes the beginning or start, differing from "the earliest" which highlights priority in time.

the original

Focuses on the source or origin, rather than the timing, unlike "the earliest".

the most ancient

Emphasizes age and antiquity, rather than simply being first in a sequence as with "the earliest".

the foremost

Indicates prominence and leadership, not strictly chronological priority like "the earliest".

the starting point

Highlights the beginning of a process or journey, while "the earliest" specifies a point in time.

the dawn of

Metaphorically refers to the beginning of an era or period, less precise than "the earliest".

the inception of

Formal and emphasizes the establishment or beginning, distinct from the timing focus of "the earliest".

the genesis of

Highlights the origin or creation, offering a more narrative tone than "the earliest".

the primary

Focuses on importance or main aspect, diverging from the temporal emphasis of "the earliest".

FAQs

How can I use "the earliest" in a sentence?

You can use "the earliest" to indicate the beginning or initial point in time, such as "The company was founded in "the earliest days of the internet"" or "Please submit your application by "the earliest possible date"".

What are some alternatives to using "the earliest"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the first", "the initial", or "the original". Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing a substitute.

Is it correct to say "one of the earliest" or just "the earliest"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "The earliest" refers to the singular first instance, while "one of the earliest" implies that there were several early instances.

What's the difference between "the earliest" and "the most ancient"?

"The earliest" refers to the first in a sequence or timeframe, whereas "the most ancient" emphasizes great age. For instance, "the earliest known human" refers to the first human discovered, while "the most ancient civilizations" refers to civilizations from a very distant past.