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

1. 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