Language Research

soon · adverb

/suːn/Full view

see you soon

A1 used for saying goodbye to someone you are going to meet again soon

Dictionary example:

I'll see you soon!

Learner example:

See you soon. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; French)

soon

A2 after a short period of time

Dictionary examples:

She'll soon be here./She'll be here soon.

The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll get there.

Soon after agreeing to go, she realized she'd made a mistake.

How soon can we sign the contract?

I couldn't get out of that place soon enough.

Learner example:

Please tell me soon. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

as soon as possible

A2 If you do something as soon as possible, you do it as quickly as you can

Dictionary example:

We need the repairs done as soon as possible.

Learner example:

Please call me as soon as possible! (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

as soon as

B1 at the same time or a very short time after

Dictionary example:

As soon as I saw her, I knew there was something wrong.

Learner example:

As soon as the rain stopped, I called my friend and we all continued walking in the park, and we all enjoyed ourselves. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Georgian)

sooner or later

B2 used to say that you do not know exactly when something will happen, but you are certain that it will happen

Dictionary example:

Sooner or later she's going to realize what a mistake she's made.

Learner example:

Anyway I think that sooner or later you will have problems with your heart or stomach. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

no sooner ... than

C1 used to show that something happens immediately after something else

Dictionary example:

No sooner did we get home than the phone rang.

Learner example:

On the 4th day, no sooner had the bus left the hotel than it broke down. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

would sooner

C2 would prefer

Dictionary example:

I'd sooner spend a bit more money than take chances with safety.

Learner example:

She had already told Peter Jennings from ABC news she would sooner stay at home! (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)