Before long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Before long" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something will happen soon or in a short period of time. Example: "Before long, we will see the results of our hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Before long, Fanning left too.

The Guardian - Music

Before long, these delusions collide.

The New York Times

Before long, he was enthralled.

The New York Times

Before long, dementia sets in.

The New Yorker

Before long, newsprint is everywhere.

The New York Times

Before long, he moved in.

The New York Times

Before long, J.B. was roused.

The New York Times

Before long the hunt began.

The New York Times

Before long, the couple married.

The New York Times

Before long, MTV came calling.

The New York Times

"Before long it struck him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Before long" to create a sense of anticipation or to indicate a relatively short delay before an event occurs.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "Before long" might sound too informal for some academic or highly formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "Subsequently" or "In the near future" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

Before long functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate timing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used. It specifies when an event will occur, adding a sense of immediacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Before long" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something will happen soon. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. Consider alternative phrasings such as "soon" or "shortly" to vary your writing. While generally safe to use, be mindful of the specific context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Soon

A shorter, more direct synonym.

Shortly

Implies a slightly more immediate timeframe.

Presently

A more formal alternative to "soon".

In a little while

Emphasizes the brief duration of time.

In the near future

A more descriptive and formal way to express the idea.

In due course

Suggests events will unfold naturally and at the appropriate time.

In no time

Emphasizes the speed with which something will happen.

Quickly

Focuses on the rapidity of the event.

By and by

An older, somewhat archaic way to indicate something will happen eventually.

In a short time

A literal and straightforward alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "Before long" in a sentence?

"Before long" is typically used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence to indicate that something will happen soon. For example, "Before long, the meeting will begin" or "The rain stopped, and before long, the sun was shining".

What are some alternatives to "Before long"?

Some alternatives to "Before long" include "soon", "shortly", "presently", or "in the near future". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "Before long" formal or informal?

"Before long" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and many formal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, a more precise alternative like "Subsequently" or "In due course" may be preferable.

Can "Before long" be used to describe past events?

Yes, "Before long" can be used to describe how quickly something happened after a point in the past. For example, "He arrived, and before long, the party was in full swing".