Soon vs Shortly: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about when to use soon versus shortly? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings that can impact the clarity of your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of soon and shortly, and provide guidance on when to use each one.

Let’s clarify the definitions of these two words. Soon generally means “in a short time” or “in the near future.” It implies that something is going to happen relatively quickly, but doesn’t provide a specific timeframe. Shortly, on the other hand, means “in a brief time” or “in a little while.” It suggests that something will happen very soon, within a specific timeframe.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you’re referring to something that will happen in the near future but don’t want to be too specific about the timing, soon is the better choice. If you want to convey that something will happen very shortly, within a specific timeframe, then shortly is the more appropriate word.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore various scenarios where one word may be more appropriate than the other. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use these words effectively and avoid confusion in your writing.

Define Soon

Soon is an adverb that refers to a short amount of time from now. It is often used to describe an event or action that will occur in the near future, without specifying an exact time frame. Soon can also imply a sense of urgency or importance, indicating that the event or action should happen as soon as possible.

For example, if someone says “I’ll be there soon,” it means they will arrive shortly, but not necessarily immediately. The exact time frame may vary depending on the context and individual interpretation.

Define Shortly

Shortly is also an adverb that refers to a brief amount of time from now. However, unlike soon, it tends to imply a more specific time frame. Shortly can be used to describe an event or action that will happen in the near future, often within a few minutes, hours, or days.

For example, if someone says “I’ll be back shortly,” it suggests they will return within a relatively short amount of time, such as a few minutes or an hour. The exact time frame may still vary depending on the context and individual interpretation, but shortly tends to be more precise than soon.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to express oneself is essential in effective communication. Two commonly confused words are “soon” and “shortly.” Although they are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings and uses. This section will provide guidance on how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Soon” In A Sentence

The word “soon” is an adverb that means “in a short time” or “in the near future.” It is used to indicate that something will happen quickly or shortly. Here are some examples:

• She will arrive soon.
• The project will be completed soon.
• We will leave soon.

Note that “soon” is often used with a future tense verb to indicate that something will happen in the near future. It can also be used to express impatience or urgency.

How To Use “Shortly” In A Sentence

The word “shortly” is also an adverb that means “in a short time” or “soon.” However, it is more specific than “soon” and implies that something will happen immediately or very soon. Here are some examples:

• The meeting will start shortly.
• The package will be delivered shortly.
• The doctor will see you shortly.

As you can see, “shortly” is often used to indicate that something will happen in the very near future. It is also commonly used in formal or professional settings.

It is important to remember that both “soon” and “shortly” are relative terms and their meaning can vary depending on the context and the speaker’s perception of time. However, by understanding their subtle differences and using them appropriately, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Soon & Shortly Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the proper usage of “soon” and “shortly,” it’s important to see them in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Soon” In A Sentence

• The movie will be released soon.
• The cake will be ready soon.
• He will graduate from college soon.
• The sun will set soon.
• The train will arrive soon.
• She will be home soon.
• We will finish the project soon.
• The concert will start soon.
• They will be married soon.
• The storm will pass soon.

As you can see, “soon” is used to describe an event that will happen in the near future. It can refer to a specific time or a general time frame.

Examples Of Using “Shortly” In A Sentence

• The meeting will start shortly.
• The package will be delivered shortly.
• She will be here shortly.
• The doctor will see you shortly.
• They will announce the winner shortly.
• The game will begin shortly.
• The results will be available shortly.
• We will be leaving shortly.
• The show will end shortly.
• The test will be graded shortly.

Similar to “soon,” “shortly” is used to describe an event that will happen in the near future. However, “shortly” is often used to describe a more specific time frame, such as minutes or hours.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the English language, there are several words that are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and miscommunication. Two such words are “soon” and “shortly.” While these words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Using “Soon” And “Shortly” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “soon” and “shortly” interchangeably. While both words imply that something will happen in the near future, “soon” typically means “in a short time” or “in the near future,” whereas “shortly” means “in a brief time” or “in a short while.” This means that “soon” is a more general term that can be used to describe events that will happen in the near future, while “shortly” implies that the event will happen very soon.

For example, if someone says, “I will be there soon,” they mean that they will arrive in a short time, but they do not specify exactly when. If someone says, “I will be there shortly,” they imply that they will arrive very soon, possibly within a few minutes or even seconds.

Confusing “Soon” With “Immediately”

Another common mistake is confusing “soon” with “immediately.” While both words imply that something will happen in the near future, “immediately” means “right now” or “without delay,” whereas “soon” means “in a short time” or “in the near future.” This means that “immediately” is a more urgent term that should be used when something needs to happen right away, while “soon” can be used to describe events that will happen in the near future, but not necessarily immediately.

For example, if someone says, “I need that report immediately,” they mean that they need it right away, without any delay. If someone says, “I need that report soon,” they mean that they need it in a short time, but not necessarily right away.

Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the distinct meanings of “soon” and “shortly.” Here are some tips to help you use these words appropriately:

• Use “soon” when describing events that will happen in the near future, but not necessarily immediately.
• Use “shortly” when describing events that will happen very soon, possibly within a few minutes or even seconds.
• Avoid using “soon” and “shortly” interchangeably, as they have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately.
• Use “immediately” when something needs to happen right away, without any delay.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words soon and shortly can be a tricky task, as it largely depends on the context in which they are used. While they both convey the idea of something happening in the near future, the specific nuances of each word can change depending on the situation.

Examples

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between soon and shortly might change:

Context	Choice between soon and shortly
A party invitation	Soon
A business meeting	Shortly
A sports game	Soon
A doctor’s appointment	Shortly

As seen in the table above, the choice between soon and shortly can depend on the formality of the situation. In more casual situations, such as a party invitation or a sports game, soon is often the better choice as it conveys a sense of excitement and anticipation. However, in more formal situations, such as a business meeting or a doctor’s appointment, shortly is often more appropriate as it conveys a sense of professionalism and punctuality.

Another factor to consider is the specific time frame being referred to. For example, if someone says they will be arriving soon, it could mean within the next few minutes or within the next hour. On the other hand, if someone says they will be arriving shortly, it typically means within the next 15-30 minutes.

Overall, the choice between soon and shortly depends on the specific context and the nuances of each word. By considering the formality of the situation and the specific time frame being referred to, one can choose the word that best conveys the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of “soon” and “shortly” generally follows certain rules, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some of the exceptions along with explanations and examples:

1. When Used In The Past Tense

When “soon” and “shortly” are used in the past tense, their meanings change slightly. In this case, “soon” refers to a period of time that has already passed, while “shortly” refers to an event that occurred shortly after another event. For example:

• He left the company soon after the merger.
• The package arrived shortly after I left the house.

2. When Used In A Comparative Context

When “soon” and “shortly” are used in a comparative context, their meanings can also change. In this case, “soon” can refer to a shorter period of time than expected, while “shortly” can refer to a longer period of time than expected. For example:

• She finished the project soon after starting it.
• The concert ended shortly before midnight.

3. When Used In A Conditional Context

When “soon” and “shortly” are used in a conditional context, their meanings can also vary. In this case, “soon” can refer to a period of time that is dependent on a particular condition being met, while “shortly” can refer to an event that will occur as soon as a particular condition is met. For example:

• If you work hard, you will soon see the results.
• As soon as the rain stops, we will shortly begin our hike.

It is important to note that while these exceptions exist, they are not commonly used and may not be appropriate in all situations. It is always best to follow the general rules for using “soon” and “shortly” unless there is a specific reason to deviate from them.

Practice Exercises

Learning how to use soon and shortly correctly can be challenging, but with practice, it can become second nature. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these two words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either soon or shortly:

1. The concert will be starting _______.
2. We will be leaving _______.
3. The results of the exam will be announced _______.
4. The package should be arriving _______.
5. The meeting will be ending _______.

Answer Key:

1. soon
2. shortly
3. soon
4. shortly
5. soon

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with either soon or shortly:

1. I will be finishing my project _______.
2. The new restaurant will be opening _______.
3. We will be starting our vacation _______.
4. The storm will be arriving _______.
5. The store will be closing _______.

Answer Key:

1. soon
2. shortly
3. soon
4. shortly
5. soon

Exercise 3: Usage Differentiation

Choose the correct word to complete the following sentences:

1. I will be leaving _______.
2. The flowers will be blooming _______.
3. The movie will be starting _______.
4. We will be arriving _______.

Answer Key:

1. shortly
2. soon
3. soon
4. shortly

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of soon and shortly in no time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “soon” and “shortly” may seem subtle, but it is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to convey the intended meaning accurately.

Remember that “soon” refers to a vague time frame that is relative to the speaker’s perception, while “shortly” refers to a more specific and imminent time frame.

Additionally, it is crucial to understand the nuances of language use and grammar to communicate effectively.

Key Takeaways

• “Soon” refers to a vague time frame, while “shortly” refers to a more specific and imminent time frame.
• Using the correct word in the appropriate context is crucial to convey the intended meaning accurately.
• Understanding the nuances of language use and grammar is essential for effective communication.

By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can communicate more clearly and effectively with others, both personally and professionally.