to the earliest vs at the earliest

"At the earliest" is correct and indicates the earliest possible time something can happen. "To the earliest" is not a common phrase in English.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 26, 2025 • 6294 views

This phrase is not commonly used in English.

"to the earliest"

The phrase "to the earliest" is not a standard English expression. It does not convey a clear meaning and is not commonly used in everyday language.

Show examples from the web [+]

These pictographs are reputed to be similar to the earliest characters confirmed to be written Chinese. If it is deemed to be a written language, writing in China ...
... in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Around the 27th century BC, the Old Kingdom of Egypt and the First Dynasty of Uruk are founded, according to the earliest ...
May 5, 2015 ... Astronomers nail down distance to the earliest galaxy yet. Most distant galaxy. NASA. The galaxy EGS-zs8-1, the most distant galaxy yet seen, ...
... realized and matter was credited with properties that belong to life, it is usual to apply the term hylozoism to the earliest stage of Greek metaphysical theory.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"at the earliest"

"At the earliest" is used to indicate the earliest possible time something can happen. It implies that the event may happen sooner but not before the specified time.

Examples:

We can expect the results by Friday at the earliest.
The repair work will be completed by next week at the earliest.
She will arrive at 3 p.m. at the earliest.
The meeting will start at 10 a.m. at the earliest.
The package will arrive at your doorstep at 5 p.m. at the earliest.

Show examples from the web [+]

The notification process is to be concluded by 28 July 2010 at the earliest.
Aid may be granted as from 1 May and, at the earliest, 15 days after notification.
The European Parliament shall be consulted at the earliest stage.
· Donor identification: All potential donors should be identified at the earliest stage as possible.
Aid may be granted as from 1 May and, at the earliest, 15 days following notification.
Implementation will start progressively in 2006 at the earliest.
Introduction is consequently foreseen in 2005 at the earliest.
She'll come to trial at the earliest possible moment.
We won't know until tomorrow at the earliest.
Not till September at the earliest.
Withdrawal can only take effect at the earliest on 31 December 2026.
This means that no useful assessment can be made before 2010 at the earliest.
The Commission has called for their closure at the earliest possible stage of the enlargement process.
Such decision shall become effective at the earliest from the following Eurosystem business day.
The first would involve compliance at the earliest possible date with currently demonstrated test standards.
Operators have a legitimate interest in receiving this information at the earliest possible stage.
The bulk of our legions will arrive on tomorrow's eve at the earliest.
This information should be available at the earliest possible stage.
We published a paper that described this finding at the earliest prototype stage.
We must reach penetration zero at the earliest possible moment.

Alternatives:

as soon as possible
earliest possible time
no earlier than
not before
the soonest

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....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

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

to the earliest vs at the earliest

"to the earliest"

"at the earliest"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text