Soon vs. Shortly — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
Soon implies an expectation of something happening in the near future without a precise timeframe, while shortly suggests a slightly more immediate or defined short period.
Difference Between Soon and Shortly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Soon is used to indicate that something is expected to happen in the near future, emphasizing a general anticipation of an event. It's subjective and doesn't specify an exact time. Whereas, shortly is more specific and implies that something will happen after a short period of time, often perceived as more immediate than soon.
Soon can convey a sense of hope or desire for a quick occurrence, especially in contexts of personal wishes or informal settings. It's often used to express eagerness. On the other hand, shortly might convey a more neutral or formal tone, commonly used in professional or official communications.
When saying "I will be there soon," the speaker leaves the time ambiguous, suggesting a non-specific soon arrival. While saying "I will be there shortly" gives an impression of a more definite and possibly sooner arrival.
In literature, soon can be used to create suspense or a feeling of anticipation without giving away the exact timing. Conversely, shortly can be used to indicate that the plot will progress quickly, setting a more defined pace for the reader.
Soon allows for a broader interpretation of time, which can vary greatly based on the context, cultural perceptions, and individual expectations. However, shortly narrows down the expectation to a more universally understood short duration, reducing ambiguity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Indicating something will happen in the near future.
Indicating something will happen after a short period.
Specificity
Less specific, more subjective.
More specific, suggests a short, defined period.
Formality
Can be informal or formal.
Often used in more formal contexts.
Emotional Connotation
Often conveys hope or eagerness.
Conveys a neutral tone, indicating immediacy.
Examples
"I hope to see you soon."
"The meeting will start shortly."
Compare with Definitions
Soon
Shortly or in the near future (informal use).
See you soon.
Shortly
In a concise manner.
He explained the process shortly and clearly.
Soon
Quickly or in a short time after something.
Soon after the rain started, we left.
Shortly
After a brief period.
Shortly after the meeting began, the fire alarm rang.
Soon
Before long.
The sun will set soon.
Shortly
Soon, but with an implication of definiteness.
We will begin shortly.
Soon
Used to express a desire.
I hope you come back soon.
Shortly
In a short time.
The bus will arrive shortly.
Soon
Happening in a near future.
We plan to leave soon.
Shortly
Used in formal notices.
Services will resume shortly.
Soon
In the near future; shortly
The bus should be here soon.
Shortly
In a short time; soon.
Soon
Just prior to something; shortly
The news broke soon before he resigned.
Shortly
In a few words; concisely.
Soon
Without hesitation; promptly or speedily
I came as soon as possible.
Shortly
In an abrupt manner; curtly.
Soon
With willingness; readily
I'd as soon leave right now.
Shortly
In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
Soon
(Archaic) Before the usual or appointed time; early.
Shortly
In or after a short time; soon.
Soon
(Obsolete) Immediately.
Shortly
In few words
Ideas are generally expressed more shortly in verse than in prose
Soon
Short in length of time from the present.
I need the soonest date you have available.
Shortly
In an irritable ("short") manner.
Soon
Early
Shortly
In a short or brief time or manner; soon; quickly.
I shall grow jealous of you shortly.
The armies came shortly in view of each other.
Soon
Used as an alternative to express 'to be going to' in the form 'to be soon to'
Hurry up, the wedding is soon to start!
A new shop is soon to be opened in this street.
Shortly
In few words; briefly; abruptly; curtly; as, to express ideas more shortly in verse than in prose.
Soon
(obsolete) Immediately, instantly.
Shortly
For a short time;
He was at the airport shortly before she was expected to arrive
Soon
Within a short time; quickly.
Shortly
In the near future;
The doctor will soon be here
The book will appear shortly
She will arrive presently
We should have news before long
Soon
Early.
Shortly
In a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner;
He told me curtly to get on with it
He talked short with everyone
He said shortly that he didn't like it
Soon
Readily; willingly; used with would, or some other word expressing will.
Shortly
In a concise manner; in a few words;
The history is summed up concisely in this book
She replied briefly
Briefly, we have a problem
To put it shortly
Soon
In a short time; shortly after any time specified or supposed; as, soon after sunrise.
She finished, and the subtle fiend his loreSoon learned.
Shortly
At a short distance;
The hem fell shortly below her knees
Soon
Without the usual delay; before any time supposed; early.
How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?
Soon
Promptly; quickly; easily.
Small lights are soon blown out, huge fires abide.
Soon
Readily; willingly; - in this sense used with would, or some other word expressing will.
I would as soon see a river winding through woods or in meadows, as when it is tossed up in so many whimsical figures at Versailles.
Soon
Speedy; quick.
Soon
In the near future;
The doctor will soon be here
The book will appear shortly
She will arrive presently
We should have news before long
Common Curiosities
Can soon and shortly be used interchangeably?
They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but shortly often conveys a more immediate timeframe.
Can soon imply eagerness?
Yes, soon often conveys eagerness or a desire for something to happen quickly.
Does shortly have a formal tone?
Yes, shortly is often used in formal contexts and conveys a specific, imminent time frame.
Can the use of soon create suspense?
Yes, in literature, soon can create suspense by not specifying when something will happen.
Can the meaning of shortly vary with context?
While shortly is more specific, its perceived immediacy can still vary slightly with context.
How is shortly different from soon?
Shortly suggests a more immediate or defined short period compared to the more ambiguous soon.
What does soon mean?
Soon implies an event or action occurring in the near future, without specifying an exact time.
What context is shortly most appropriately used?
Shortly is most appropriate in contexts requiring a clear, imminent timeframe, often in formal or official communications.
Is shortly commonly used in business communications?
Yes, shortly is commonly used in business communications to indicate imminent actions or decisions.
Is soon more subjective than shortly?
Yes, soon is more subjective and can vary in interpretation, while shortly implies a more specific short period.
Does soon have a wider range of application than shortly?
Yes, soon has a broader application due to its less specific nature, making it suitable for various contexts.
Is soon used in informal settings?
Yes, soon can be used both informally and formally, often expressing eagerness or hope.
Is shortly used to reduce ambiguity?
Yes, shortly reduces ambiguity by suggesting a more definite short duration.
How do cultural perceptions affect the interpretation of soon?
Cultural perceptions can greatly influence how soon is interpreted, with some cultures perceiving it as more immediate than others.
How does the choice between soon and shortly affect communication?
Choosing between soon and shortly can affect the clarity and immediacy of communication, with shortly often providing more specificity.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
