B2adverb2K

Shortly

UK /["/ˈʃɔːtli/"]/US /["/ˈʃɔːrtli/"]/

Definition

a short time; not long

In simple words: In a little time; soon.

Examples

  • She arrived shortly after us.
  • I saw him shortly before he died.
  • I bought a new umbrella but lost it shortly afterwards.
  • I'll be ready shortly.
  • ‘Just wait a minute,’ he said, shortly.

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.

Grammar pattern

shortly + adverbial phrase

Memory hint

Sounds like 'shore-lee' — imagine a boat arriving at the shore soon.

Collocations

  • arrive shortly
  • speak shortly
  • come shortly
  • finish shortly
  • depart shortly

Synonyms

  • sharply

Antonyms

  • later
  • afterward

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'shortly' with 'briefly' — 'shortly' refers to time, while 'briefly' refers to duration.
  • Using 'shortly' for distant future events — it's used for things happening soon, not days later.
  • Omitting the context; learners may forget to specify 'shortly' before what will happen.