What is immediately? Pronunciation and usage in English

immediately means . Learn how to pronounce and use immediately through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of immediately

immediatelyadverb

/ɪˈmiːdɪətli//ɪˈmiːdʒətli/
Definition & pronunciation of immediately

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "immediately" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • i - as in "bit" (short 'i' sound)
  • m - as in "mom"
  • e - as in "bed" (short 'e' sound)
  • di - as in "did" (short 'i' sound)
  • rect - (This is the tricky part!) - Think of it as "direct" but with a slightly sharper 't' sound.
  • ly - as in "lovely" (this is a common suffix)

2. Putting it Together - The Most Common Pronunciation:

The most frequently used pronunciation is:

ih-MED-ee-uh-teh-ly

Let's break that down further:

  • ih - like the "i" in "bit"
  • MED - rhymes with "bed"
  • ee - as in "see"
  • teh - (This is crucial!) - This is a very short, almost clipped 't' sound. It's not a strong, forceful 't'. It's almost like a quick tap of the tongue.
  • ly - as in "lovely"

3. A Slightly More Traditional (But Less Common) Pronunciation:

Some people pronounce it with a more "formal" or slightly older sound:

ih-MED-ee-uh-mah-teh-ly

Notice the second 't' is pronounced more fully, but is still very short.

4. Key Tips for Getting it Right:

  • The "t" sound is the biggest challenge. Don't pronounce it strongly. It's a quick touch of the tongue. Think about saying "ed" but shortening it drastically.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: MED.
  • Don't over-pronounce: The word tends to be spoken relatively quickly, so don't linger on each syllable.

Resources to Help You Hear It:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/immediately/ - Listen to native speakers pronounce it.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce immediately" on YouTube. You'll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Regional accents can affect pronunciation.)
  • Are you trying to achieve a specific, formal pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word immediately in English

Let's break down how to use the word "immediately" in English. It's a fairly common word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey the right meaning.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Immediately" means "at the same time that something else happens" or “without any delay.” It stresses a sense of urgency and swiftness.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Expressing a Direct Response:

    • "I saw the email, and I replied immediately." (You responded as soon as you saw it.)
    • "The doctor instructed me to take the medication immediately." (Take it right away.)
    • "When I heard the news, I called my family immediately." (I called them as soon as I knew.)

  • Describing Actions:

    • "Turn off the stove immediately – it’s smoking!" (Do it right now.)
    • “We need to evacuate the building immediately.” (Leave without hesitation.)
    • "He started working on the project immediately upon receiving the instructions.” (He began work right away.)

  • Following a Condition:

    • “If you see him, tell him to call me immediately.” (As soon as you see him…)
    • “If the fire starts, immediately evacuate to the nearest exit.” (Right after the fire starts…)

3. Contrast with "Shortly" or "Soon":

"Immediately" is the opposite of words like "soon," "shortly," or "later." These words imply a delay.

  • Incorrect: "I will call you shortly." (This implies you’ll call later).
  • Correct: "I will call you immediately." (I will call you as soon as possible.)

4. Phrases Using "Immediately":

  • Immediately cease: (Stop immediately) – "The captain ordered immediately cease fire."
  • Immediately following: (Right after) - “The meeting was immediately following the presentation.”
  • Immediately upon: (As soon as) – “Immediately upon receiving the letter, I contacted the bank.”

5. Important Notes:

  • Not overly dramatic: While "immediately" conveys urgency, avoid using it excessively in everyday conversation. It can sometimes sound a bit forced. Sometimes “right away” or “as soon as possible” is more natural.
  • Emphasis: "Immediately" places strong emphasis on the speed of the action.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more example sentences?
  • Explain how "immediately" differs from similar words like "right away" or "without delay"?
  • Provide examples in a specific context (e.g., business writing, emergency situations)?

Synonyms for the word immediately

Practice with vocabulary immediately

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Upon detecting the system breach, the IT department took steps to contain the threat ________.
  2. The director requested that all feedback be submitted ________ to allow for rapid adjustments.
  3. All invoices must be settled ________ to avoid late payment penalties.
  4. The research team plans to publish their findings ________ after the peer-review process is complete.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The CEO demanded that the critical issue be addressed ________. (A) gradually (B) eventually (C) immediately (D) rarely

  2. After the emergency meeting, the new directives were implemented ________, ensuring swift compliance. (A) instantly (B) eventually (C) immediately (D) with delay (E) right away

  3. To prevent further damage, the security system needs an upgrade ________. (A) later (B) at once (C) immediately (D) over time (E) without hesitation

  4. The architect ________ presented the revised blueprints to the client, hoping for final approval. (A) slowly (B) carefully (C) cautiously (D) promptly

  5. The incident occurred ________ after the warning was issued, demonstrating the urgency of the situation. (A) subsequently (B) previously (C) significantly (D) shortly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: As soon as the system crashed, the technical support team started troubleshooting. Rewrite (using "immediately" or related word forms):

  2. Original: There was no delay in responding to the client's urgent inquiry. Rewrite (using "immediately" or related word forms):

  3. Original: The manager decided to address the employee's concerns without any procrastination. Rewrite (do not use "immediately", but use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Upon detecting the system breach, the IT department took steps to contain the threat immediately.
  2. The director requested that all feedback be submitted immediately to allow for rapid adjustments.
  3. All invoices must be settled promptly to avoid late payment penalties.
  4. The research team plans to publish their findings shortly after the peer-review process is complete.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (C) immediately
  2. (A) instantly, (C) immediately, (E) right away
  3. (B) at once, (C) immediately, (E) without hesitation
  4. (D) promptly
  5. (D) shortly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The technical support team immediately started troubleshooting after the system crashed.
  2. The client's urgent inquiry was immediately responded to.
  3. The manager decided to promptly address the employee's concerns.

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