“Soon” vs. “Shortly”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “soon” and “shortly”

  • While both words imply a sense of immediacy, soon is more open-ended in terms of timing, while shortly implies a specific timeframe.
  • Soon is more subjective and can vary based on context, while shortly is more objective and specific.
  • The usage of soon versus shortly can depend on the urgency of the situation and whether a more concrete timeframe is necessary.
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What is the definition of “soon” and “shortly”?

Soon
  • Soon means in a short time or in the near future.
  • It implies urgency or immediacy, indicating that something will happen quickly.
  • The exact timing of soon is subjective and can vary based on context.
Shortly
  • Shortly means in a brief amount of time or soon after something else.
  • It carries the connotation of being more specific and precise in timing.
  • Shortly can refer to a specific point in time or a general timeframe.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Soon” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Soon
3,020,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I'll be finishing my work soon.
  2. The guests will arrive soon.
  3. We'll leave for the cinema soon.
Shortly
768,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I'll be back home shortly.
  2. He'll call back shortly.
  3. The meeting will start shortly.
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