soon
/su:n/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: 1. In a short time from now; in the near future. Refers to something happening not long after the present moment or a specified time. 2. Early; quickly. Refers to something happening before the expected or usual time, or with little delay. 3. Readily or willingly. Used in comparative constructions like "just as soon" or "sooner" to express a preference.
Usage
- Soon is used to indicate that an event will happen in a short period of time. It can stand alone or be modified by words like "very," "quite," "too," or "enough."
- It is commonly used in phrases that establish a sequence or condition, such as "as soon as" or "no sooner... than."
- When expressing preference, it is used in the comparative form "sooner" within set phrases.
Examples
- Basic Usage (Near Future):
- The doctor will soon be here.
- We should have news soon.
- I will call you soon.
- Basic Usage (Early/Quickly):
- You spoke too soon; the results aren't final.
- Please reply as soon as you can.
- With Comparative (Preference):
- I would just as soon stay home tonight. (I would prefer to stay home.)
- He said he'd sooner resign than agree to those terms. (He would prefer to resign.)
Advanced Usage
- "as soon as": At the moment when; immediately after.
- Call me as soon as you arrive.
- "no sooner... than": Used to say that one thing happens immediately after another. Often used with inversion ("No sooner had I... than...").
- No sooner had I sat down than the phone rang.
- "sooner or later": At some unspecified time in the future; eventually.
- If you keep practicing, sooner or later you will succeed.
- "The sooner the better": Used to emphasize that something should happen as early as possible.
- We need to fix this leak, and the sooner the better.
Variants and Related Words
- Sooner (comparative adverb): 1. More soon; in a shorter time. 2. More readily or willingly (in expressions of preference).
- I can't get there any sooner than 6 PM.
- I'd sooner walk than take that crowded bus.
- Soonest (superlative adverb): In the shortest time; most quickly (often used in formal or dated contexts).
- Please reply at your soonest convenience.
Synonyms
- Shortly: In a short time; soon. (e.g., )
- Presently: Soon; after a short time. (e.g., )
- Before long: After a short period of time. (e.g., )
- Imminently: About to happen very soon. (Suggests something is impending.)
Related Idioms
- Sooner said than done: Used to say that something is easier to talk about than to actually do.
- "Finding a cheap apartment in the city center is sooner said than done."
- Least said, soonest mended: A proverb meaning that saying less about a problem or argument will help it be resolved more quickly.
- At the earliest opportunity: As soon as it is possible to do so (a more formal equivalent).
- We will address the issue at the earliest opportunity.
Adverb
- 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