Teleostomi  +  456905 Tue, 25 Dec 07 11:34 AM Mori said in a TV interview that he plans to hold a special Diet session as early as July 4 to launch his new Cabinet. Does "as early as" here means "at the earliest"? Does it allow any other interpretations? Like "thus early"? Teleostomi Joined on Sat, Jun 10 2006 Regular Member 557 Interviews

	Mister Micawber  +  456918 Tue, 25 Dec 07 01:40 PM He means 'at the earliest'. You must be reading old news; Mori hasn't been the PM for many years now. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,841 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

	Teleostomi  +  457428 Thu, 27 Dec 07 08:20 AM Thanks MrMic! Yes I learn from a various media, including books. I realized "thus early" has two meanings, doesn't it? (1) therefore, early (2) this early Teleostomi

	Mister Micawber  +  457435 Thu, 27 Dec 07 09:26 AM I think your first meaning should have a comma, then:  thus, early. Mister Micawber