as early as

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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"?

Joined on Sat, Jun 10 2006

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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.

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

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'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

Mister Micawber

#457435 Thu, 27 Dec 07 09:26 AM

I think your first meaning should have a comma, then: thus, early.