the soonest possible

USAGE SUMMARY

'the soonest possible' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to the earliest possible time something can happen. For example, "I'd like to get this project finished the soonest possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"And that the disregard of truth for which I was made to suffer be dealt with accordingly at the soonest possible time".

The New York Times

At a time when the international community hopes for the soonest possible (two-state) solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this sounds like the worst idea.

The New York Times

They were to be sworn in "at the soonest possible opportunity", along with Roy Bennett, a dispossessed white farmer, whom Mr Mugabe has hitherto steadfastly refused to accept on the ground that he was facing charges of "treason".

The Economist

I believe South Carolina will be best served by a U.S. senator who will work hard day in and day out, and put him or herself before the voters at the soonest possible time.

The New York Times

So they have applied it at the soonest possible opportunity.

BBC

Please inform me the soonest possible of when you can send the item and I will contact John Donahoe who will replace Mr. Whitman at eBay.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The prime minister said: "We talked about the actions needed to make sure that this will not have any negative ramification on the future of tourism in Egypt and that in the soonest time possible we restore the movement of British tourists.

The Guardian

The postcolonial histories of countries herein give rise to unique experiences that push them to consolidate their states at the soonest time possible even as they are inextricably integrated in an international system that is biased towards the great powers.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

We are concerned enough to be ready to present to your office, at the soonest occasion possible, to explain our professional observations in person.

HuffPost

Couchsurfing will review the report, and act on it the soonest time possible.

WikiHow

"I wish to, yet again, reiterate my resolve to continue working with the same determination and intensive pace in order to reach a solution the soonest and, if possible, by the end of the year," Anastasiades insisted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the soonest possible", ensure the context clearly indicates what action is being expedited. For example, "We will address your concerns the soonest possible after reviewing all the documentation."

Common error

Avoid using "the soonest possible" in highly formal or academic writing. More precise alternatives like "at the earliest opportunity" or "immediately" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the soonest possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating when an action should be performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the soonest possible" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize urgency and prompt action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable across diverse contexts, from news to scientific discussions. While versatile, consider substituting it with more formal phrases like "at the earliest opportunity" in formal writing. Common usage involves urging quick action, with considerations for style and tone. Be mindful of its appropriateness in various registers, ensuring seamless integration within diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as soon as possible

Replaces "soonest" with "as soon as", emphasizing immediacy.

at the earliest opportunity

Focuses on the opportunity rather than the time.

immediately

Focuses on the lack of delay.

at the first chance

Informal alternative focusing on opportunity.

at your earliest convenience

Adds a polite tone, emphasizing the other person's availability.

promptly

Stresses quick action.

the moment you can

Highlights the immediacy and personal action.

without delay

Emphasizes the lack of waiting time.

forthwith

Formal, somewhat archaic, emphasizing immediate action.

right away

Informal emphasis on immediate action.

FAQs

How can I use "the soonest possible" in a sentence?

You can use "the soonest possible" to indicate that something should be done as quickly as feasible. For example, "Please submit your application "the soonest possible"."

What's a more formal alternative to "the soonest possible"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "at the earliest opportunity" or "as soon as practicable".

Is "the soonest possible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "the soonest possible" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, ensure it fits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "as soon as possible" and "the soonest possible"?

"As soon as possible" is a more common and generally applicable phrase. "The soonest possible" emphasizes the earliest achievable time, implying an effort to expedite the process. They are often interchangeable, but "as soon as possible" is generally safer to use.