an earliest or the earliest

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n o s p a m p l e a s e - 09 Feb 2007 17:45 GMT

I have seen people using both *an earliest* as well as *the earliest*.
For example,

Reply at an earliest, and
Reply at the earliest

Which one is correct?

Thanx
NSP

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Einde O'Callaghan - 09 Feb 2007 21:24 GMT

n o s p a m p l e a s e schrieb:

> I have seen people using both *an earliest* as well as *the earliest*.
> For example,
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Which one is correct?

The first is incorrect - the superlative is usually unique, hence the
definite article.

Regards, Einde O'Callaghan

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Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / February 2007

an earliest or the earliest