on very short notice vs on a very short notice

'On very short notice' is the more common expression; it indicates that something is happening with little advance warning. 'On a very short notice' is less common and may sound awkward to native speakers.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 18, 2025 • 6598 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"on very short notice"

This phrase is used to indicate that something is happening with little advance warning or preparation.

Examples:

He had to prepare the presentation on very short notice.
The event was organized on very short notice.
She packed her bags on very short notice.
They managed to find a replacement on very short notice.
The team completed the project on very short notice.

Show examples from the web [+]

I know it's on very short notice, but I've got to go to work.
On very short notice, I might add.
It's very short notice, because someone dropped out.
This system is important to people in trouble at sea, as such information is highly detailed and help can arrive at very short notice.
We sometimes had to seek advice about very profound matters in particularly difficult circumstances and at very short notice.
Dr Magazzu was repeatedly told that many colleagues from the Member States were ready to take these places at very short notice.
to be dispatched at very short notice following a request for assistance;
Get them to take you to France at very short notice, even in the middle of the night.
That's very short notice, I'm not sure I'd be able to arrange a minister and cars...
It's very short notice, because someone dropped out.
Four days - that's very short notice.
Madam President, I want to thank Mr Funk for a report which was well prepared at very short notice.
For some reason or other, at very short notice, this has been changed to the 3-6 June.
Thanks for fixing this at short notice.
Appreciate the meeting on such short notice.
The ERCC shall be capable of mobilising and dispatching the designated experts at very short notice after the experts have been nominated for the specific mission by Member States.
I do apologise again for the fact that I have to leave before the conclusion of this debate, which I am taking part in, as you can see, at very short notice.
Some of those are brand new and it would be unfair to shut them down at very short notice, particularly when one considers the alternatives as to where this waste would have to go.
We are very well aware that the request for the Council to be represented here was made at very short notice.
be dispatched at very short notice following a request for assistance through the ERCC;

Alternatives:

at very short notice
with very short notice
with very little notice
at short notice
with little notice

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"on a very short notice"

This phrase can be used to emphasize the shortness of the notice given, but it may sound awkward to native speakers.

Show examples from the web [+]

On very short notice, I might add.
It's very short notice, because someone dropped out.
I know it's on very short notice, but I've got to go to work.
This system is important to people in trouble at sea, as such information is highly detailed and help can arrive at very short notice.
We sometimes had to seek advice about very profound matters in particularly difficult circumstances and at very short notice.
Dr Magazzu was repeatedly told that many colleagues from the Member States were ready to take these places at very short notice.
to be dispatched at very short notice following a request for assistance;
Get them to take you to France at very short notice, even in the middle of the night.
That's very short notice, I'm not sure I'd be able to arrange a minister and cars...
It's very short notice, because someone dropped out.
Four days - that's very short notice.
Madam President, I want to thank Mr Funk for a report which was well prepared at very short notice.
For some reason or other, at very short notice, this has been changed to the 3-6 June.
Thanks for fixing this at short notice.
Appreciate the meeting on such short notice.
For practical reasons, as the Mission had to be deployed at a very short notice, temporary accommodation was found in Ashkelon, Israel, with the intention to move the Mission HQ to Gaza as soon as a suitable and secure location had been found.
The ERCC shall be capable of mobilising and dispatching the designated experts at very short notice after the experts have been nominated for the specific mission by Member States.
I do apologise again for the fact that I have to leave before the conclusion of this debate, which I am taking part in, as you can see, at very short notice.
Some of those are brand new and it would be unfair to shut them down at very short notice, particularly when one considers the alternatives as to where this waste would have to go.
We are very well aware that the request for the Council to be represented here was made at very short notice.

Alternatives:

on very short notice
at very short notice
with very short notice
at short notice
with little notice

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

on very short notice vs on a very short notice

"on very short notice"

"on a very short notice"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text