“At Your Earliest Convenience” vs. “When It Is Convenient”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “at your earliest convenience” and “when it is convenient”

  • "At your earliest convenience" implies urgency and priority, while "when it is convenient" suggests flexibility and less urgency.
  • "At your earliest convenience" indicates that the task should be completed as soon as possible, whereas "when it is convenient" allows for a less specific timeframe.
  • In terms of tone, "at your earliest convenience" may come across as more assertive or demanding, while "when it is convenient" is more polite and considerate of the recipient's schedule.
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What is the definition of “at your earliest convenience” and “when it is convenient”?

At your earliest convenience
  • This phrase expresses a sense of urgency or importance for a task to be completed as soon as possible.
  • It implies that the task is a priority and should be given prompt attention.
  • The phrase also conveys a sense of consideration for the recipient's schedule and availability.
When it is convenient
  • This phrase suggests a more flexible timeframe for completing a task.
  • It implies that the recipient has more control over when the task can be completed.
  • It may also be seen as a less urgent or important request than "at your earliest convenience."

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“When it is convenient” is the more popular variant on the web.
At your earliest convenience
3,860,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Please complete the report at your earliest convenience.
  2. We request that you respond to the email at your earliest convenience.
  3. The repairs need to be done at your earliest convenience.
More popular
When it is convenient
17,700,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. You may drop by the office for discussion when it is convenient for you.
  2. Let us know when it is convenient for you to schedule the meeting.
  3. We will deliver the product to your address when it is convenient for you.
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