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Sooner or later

UK //ˈsuːnə ɔː ˈleɪtə// US //ˈsuːnər ɔr ˈleɪtər// Pronunciation

Definition

An expression indicating that something is bound to happen at some point in the future.

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In simple words: Something will happen eventually.

Examples

• He will face the consequences of his actions, sooner or later.
• Sooner or later, you will need to make a decision regarding your future.
• They'll realize the truth, sooner or later.
• You can run from your problems, but they catch up with you sooner or later.
• Sooner or later, everyone learns that hard work pays off.

Usage notes

Commonly used in spoken and written English. Appropriate for casual and formal contexts. Avoid using with very specific time frames.

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Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Think of a clock; time will catch up to you sooner or later.

Collocations

• face the truth sooner or later
• realize eventually
• come to light sooner or later

Synonyms

• eventually
• ultimately
• in time
• at some point
• in the end

Common mistakes

• Using it to refer to a specific time instead of an event happening eventually.
• Confusing it with 'sooner than later' which implies a quicker time frame.