"so the earliest" vs "so the early"

Question

"so the earliest" vs "so the early"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'So the earliest' is used when referring to the earliest possible time or date, while 'so the early' is used when referring to an early time or period in general.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used when emphasizing the earliest point in time or date. It is often used to stress the importance of being early or prompt.

Examples:

Please arrive at the airport so the earliest to avoid missing your flight.
The meeting is scheduled for 9:00 AM, so the earliest you can arrive is 8:45 AM.
I need the report by Monday morning, so the earliest you can submit it is Friday afternoon.

Alternatives:

as early as possible
at the earliest
earliest possible
at the soonest
at the earliest opportunity

This phrase is used when talking about an early time or period without specifying the earliest possible time. It is more general than 'so the earliest.'

Examples:

She woke up so the early that she had time for a long breakfast.
The store opens so the early in the morning that I can never make it on time.
He always finishes his work so the early that he has time for other activities.

Alternatives:

so early
very early
quite early
extremely early
in the early hours

Answer 1

so the earliest

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the earliest possible time or date.

Answer 2

so the early

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to an early time or period in general.

"so the earliest" vs "so the early"

so the earliest

so the early

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