What is promptly? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of promptly

promptlyadverb

/ˈprɒm(p)tli/
Definition & pronunciation of promptly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "promptly" in English. It's a word that often trips people up! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • Prompt: This is the part that causes the most trouble. It's pronounced like "prompt" as in "prompting a suggestion."
  • ly: This is a common suffix meaning "in a manner."

2. Pronunciation:

Here's a breakdown of each syllable:

  • Prompt: /prɒmpt/ (This is crucial)

    • "pr": Sounds like "pruh" – a quick, slightly emphasized "p" followed by a quick "ruh" sound. Don't say "prom" as in "promote."
    • "o": A short "o" sound, like in "hot."
    • "mp": Pronounced as a single sound - "mp"
    • "t": A simple "t" sound.

  • ly: /li/ (like "lee") - Just a simple "lee" sound.

3. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced: “prohmpt-lee”

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "prom-tly": This is the most common mistake. The "o" in "prompt" is key.
  • Focus on the quick "pruh" sound: Really try to get that rapid "pruh" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "promptly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/promptly/ – This website provides pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce promptly" and you'll find many videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using "promptly"?

Usage and examples with the word promptly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "promptly" in English. It's a useful word that adds a specific nuance to how something happens.

1. Meaning:

"Promptly" means:

  • Without delay: Doing something quickly and immediately after being asked or expected.
  • In a timely manner: Acting when something is due or required.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

Here's how you can incorporate "promptly" into sentences, with different contexts:

  • Regarding a response or action:

    • "The student answered the question promptly." (Meaning: The student responded quickly and without hesitation.)
    • "The delivery driver arrived promptly at 2:00 PM." (Meaning: The driver arrived right on time.)
    • “Please submit your report promptly by the end of the day.” (Meaning: Submit it immediately and without waiting.)

  • Regarding time and schedules:

    • "The train left promptly at 8:15 AM." (Meaning: The train started precisely at 8:15 AM.)
    • “We’ll meet you promptly at the station.” (Meaning: We'll be there right when the train arrives.)
    • "He always arrives promptly for meetings." (Meaning: He's consistently on time.)

  • Expressing expectation:

    • "I expect you to complete the assignment promptly." (Meaning: I expect you to finish it quickly.)

3. Contrast with Other Words:

It's helpful to understand how "promptly" differs from similar words:

  • Quickly: Simply means something is done with speed. “He finished the task quickly.” (Doesn’t necessarily imply a response to a request or a deadline.)
  • Immediately: Also means without delay, but it can sometimes imply a more instinctive or reflexive action. “I called him immediately when I heard the news.”
  • On time: Just means something happened when it was scheduled to. "The bus arrived on time."

4. Important Note: It often implies a request or expectation precedes the action. “Promptly” suggests that someone asked for something or expected it to happen at a certain time.

5. Phrases with "Promptly":

  • Promptly respond: To answer something quickly.
  • Promptly address: To deal with something immediately.
  • Promptly investigate: To look into something without delay.

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

  • What kind of situation are you thinking of using "promptly" in? (e.g., a professional setting, a personal situation, writing a story?)

Synonyms for the word promptly

Practice with vocabulary promptly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The IT department responded __________ to the system outage, restoring service within minutes.
  2. Students are expected to submit their assignments __________ by the deadline, or penalties will apply.
  3. Before the final presentation, the team reviewed all the data __________ to avoid any factual errors.
  4. She has been working __________ on her research project, putting in extra hours every week.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Following the manager's request, the report was submitted _______. a) slowly b) promptly c) cautiously d) without delay

  2. To ensure project success, all team members must __________ address any arising issues. a) eventually b) promptly c) at their leisure d) without hesitation

  3. The customer service representative handled the complaint __________ and professionally. a) abruptly b) promptly c) courteously d) in a timely manner

  4. The new software allowed the team to complete their tasks more __________ than before. a) slowly b) efficiently c) haphazardly d) gradually

  5. For optimal performance, system maintenance should be performed __________. a) sporadically b) regularly c) haphazardly d) occasionally

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to address the client's concerns as soon as possible to maintain their trust. Rewrite using "promptly":

  2. Her quick action prevented a major error in the financial report. Rewrite using a word related to "promptly":

  3. The committee decided to make the necessary changes without delay. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "promptly"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. promptly
  2. promptly
  3. meticulously
  4. diligently

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) promptly, d) without delay
  2. b) promptly, d) without hesitation
  3. b) promptly, d) in a timely manner
  4. b) efficiently
  5. b) regularly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to promptly address the client's concerns to maintain their trust.
  2. Her prompt action prevented a major error in the financial report.
  3. The committee decided to make the necessary changes swiftly.

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