Shortly vs Soon

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Shortly	Soon
Meaning	In a little time; soon.	in a short time
CEFR level	B2	A1
Part of speech	adverb	adverb
Usage notes	Use 'shortly' to indicate that something will happen soon, usually within a few minutes or hours. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in very informal conversations where simpler terms like 'soon' might be preferred.	Use 'soon' when you want to indicate that something will happen in the near future. It can be used in various contexts, both informal and formal. Avoid using it in very specific timeframes.

Frequently asked questions: Shortly vs Soon

What's the difference between "Shortly" and "Soon"?

"Shortly" means: In a little time; soon. "Soon" means: in a short time

When should I use "Shortly" and "Soon"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Shortly" and "Soon" the same CEFR level?

"Shortly" is at B2, "Soon" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.