What is shortly? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of shortly

shortlyadverb

/ˈʃɔːtli/
Definition & pronunciation of shortly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "shortly." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown with tips:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "short": This part is fairly straightforward. Pronounce it like "short" - as in, the length of your arm. It's a clear, crisp "sh" followed by "ort."
  • "ly": This is the key to the difficulty. The "ly" at the end doesn't make a simple "ly" sound like in "friendly." It creates a slight pause and a rhotic "r" sound.

2. The Full Pronunciation:

The word "shortly" is pronounced: ˈʃɔːrtli (British English) or ˈʃɔːrt-li (American English)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈʃɔːr - This is the "short" part.

    • ˈʃ - "sh" sound (as in "ship") – stressed syllable
    • ɔː – This is a sound that's hard to describe precisely. It's like the "or" in "born," but a little more rounded. Think of making your mouth as if you're going to say “oar,” but say “or.” It’s a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds).
    • t - A regular "t" sound.

  • -li – This is the tricky part.

    • -li - This is where it pauses slightly. You pronounce it with a very subtle "r" sound. It’s almost like you're brushing your tongue lightly against the roof of your mouth. It should not be a full-blown "r" like in "red." It’s a very gentle, almost phantom “r.”

3. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. The best way to get the pronunciation right is to listen to how native English speakers say it. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "shortly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/shortly/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.
    • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce shortly” – you’ll find many videos.

  • Practice the “ɔː” sound: Really focus on the "or" sound as in "born." Record yourself and compare it to a native speaker.

  • The Subtle "r": Don't overdo the "r." Most speakers don’t pronounce a full “r” in "shortly." It’s a tiny little flick of the tongue.

  • Syllable Emphasis: Notice the stress marks (ˈ) before "short." This indicates that the first syllable ("short") is the stressed syllable – it’s louder and longer.

To Summarize - A quick cheat sheet:

Short-ly (with a subtle "r" sound at the end of "ly")

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "shortly"?
  • Focus on practicing a specific part of the pronunciation (like the "ɔː" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word shortly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "shortly" in English. It's a slightly more formal and precise word than "soon" or "pretty soon." Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. Meaning: In a short time; quickly; shortly after

  • Core meaning: "Shortly" means happening or done in a relatively short amount of time. It emphasizes the speed of an event.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Describing a future action:

    • "I will call you shortly." (I will call you in a short amount of time – possibly within the next hour or so.)
    • "The package will arrive shortly after noon." (It will arrive very soon after 12:00 PM.)
    • "We’ll be leaving shortly – just give us five minutes.” (We’ll leave in a short period.)

  • Following an event:

    • "He recovered shortly after the accident." (He recovered quickly after the accident.)
    • "The rain stopped shortly afterward." (The rain stopped quickly immediately after it started.)
    • “She finished her work shortly before the meeting.” (She completed her work just before the meeting started.)

  • Indicating a time frame (often with a specific time):

    • "The results will be published shortly." (The results will be published in a little while – it’s not specified exactly when yet.)
    • "We will discuss this shortly." (We’ll talk about it soon, but without giving a precise time.)

3. Contrast with "soon":

  • "Soon" is more general and less precise. It can mean anything from a few minutes to a few days.
    • “I’ll see you soon.” (Could mean later today, tomorrow, or next week – it’s ambiguous.)
  • "Shortly" implies a more immediate and concise timeframe.

4. Grammatical Notes:

  • Adverb: "Shortly" is an adverb. It modifies verbs (actions).
  • Placement: It usually appears directly before the verb it modifies.

Here’s a table to help illustrate the differences:

Word Meaning Timeframe Example
Soon Quickly, shortly Vague (minutes to days) "I'll be there soon."
Shortly In a short time Relatively short "I’ll call you shortly."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., business communication, casual conversation)?
  • Help you practice using "shortly" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word shortly

Practice with vocabulary shortly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team will meet __________ to finalize the presentation for the stakeholders.
  2. Please describe your professional background __________ on the application form, highlighting relevant achievements.
  3. The new software update is expected to be released __________ after the beta testing concludes.
  4. The speaker summarized the complex topic quite __________ to ensure everyone understood the key points.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The flight to London will depart __________. Please proceed to gate B12. a) momentarily b) briefly c) shortly d) instantly

  2. After the main presentation, there will be a Q&A session __________. a) immediately b) eventually c) shortly d) in due course

  3. The manager explained the new procedure very __________ to save time. a) lengthily b) concisely c) extensively d) thoroughly

  4. The new policy will be announced __________, so please keep an eye on your official email. a) at length b) in brief c) shortly d) with delay

  5. They discussed the implications of the merger __________ before making a decision. a) eventually b) extensively c) superficially d) abruptly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The conference will begin in a little while. (Rewrite using "shortly") ____________________________________________________________________________________________

  2. After the break, we will resume our discussion. (Rewrite using a form of "shortly") ____________________________________________________________________________________________

  3. He presented his findings in a very concise way. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "shortly") ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team will meet shortly to finalize the presentation for the stakeholders.
  2. Please describe your professional background briefly on the application form, highlighting relevant achievements.
  3. The new software update is expected to be released shortly after the beta testing concludes.
  4. The speaker summarized the complex topic quite concisely to ensure everyone understood the key points.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) momentarily, c) shortly
  2. a) immediately, c) shortly
  3. b) concisely
  4. c) shortly
  5. b) extensively

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The conference will begin shortly.
  2. We will resume our discussion shortly after the break.
  3. He presented his findings briefly.

Comment ()