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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I'll answer shortly
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
I'll answer soon
I'll get back to you
I'll get back to you shortly
I will be with you shortly
let me get back to you on that
I'll follow up with you
I'll look into it and get back to you
I will respond later
I'll find out and let you know
I'll be in touch shortly
I'll come back to you
I'll call back
Talk to you later
I'll reply soon
I'll be in touch
I'll get back to you soon
Talk to you soon
I'll respond soon
I'll respond shortly
I'll reach out soon
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
This is a worthy question that I will answer shortly.
News & Media
The recording would tell the caller that the person he or she is calling is busy, but will answer shortly.
News & Media
I'll answer that question shortly, but first allow me to try to recreate my first experience with Just Jerk's chicken.
News & Media
Er, I'll answer.
News & Media
A: I'll answer.
News & Media
Ms. Tsarnaeva: I'll answer.
News & Media
Honestly, I'll answer you.
News & Media
And I'll answer them!
News & Media
I'll answer the questions.
News & Media
I'll answer that: no.
News & Media
No, I'll answer.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Ensure the timeframe implied by 'shortly' actually remains short—typically within the same conversation or a few minutes—to maintain credibility.
Common error
Avoid using this phrase in asynchronous communication like email if you don't intend to reply for several hours. In those cases, specify a clearer timeframe like 'by end of day' to avoid frustrating the recipient.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I'll answer shortly" serves as a procedural assurance in the future tense. It consists of the first-person pronoun contraction "I'll", the transitive verb "answer", and the temporal adverb "shortly". In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often functions as a transitional device to manage the flow of information during interviews or articles.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Formal & Business
20%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Science
3%
Social Media
1%
Wiki
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In conclusion, "I'll answer shortly" is an essential tool for effective communication, particularly in high-stakes environments like journalism and business. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is almost universally accepted as grammatically correct and is highly efficient at buying time without losing the audience's attention. It effectively bridges the gap between a question asked and the optimal time for a response. By using this phrase, writers and speakers can maintain authority and structure their communication more dynamically, ensuring that complex answers are delivered at exactly the right moment.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I will respond soon
Uses the full form for slightly more emphasis and a more general timeframe.
I'll get back to you shortly
A more idiomatic business expression that implies a return to the conversation.
I will address that in a moment
More specific about the timing, suggesting an almost immediate follow-up.
I'll reply in a bit
Significantly more informal and better suited for casual or social contexts.
An answer will follow shortly
A passive, highly formal construction common in official statements.
I'll follow up soon
Focuses on the action of following up rather than just the act of answering.
I will provide details shortly
More specific if the answer requires complex or detailed information.
I shall answer presently
Uses 'shall' and 'presently' for an archaic or extremely formal British tone.
I will be with you shortly
Used more in service contexts to acknowledge someone's presence before assisting them.
I'll clarify this shortly
Suggests that the upcoming answer is intended to resolve a specific confusion.
FAQs
Is "I'll answer shortly" formal enough for business?
Yes, it is widely used in professional settings. For a more formal tone, you could use "I will respond shortly" to avoid the contraction.
What is the difference between "shortly" and "soon"?
While similar, "shortly" often implies a more immediate window than "I'll answer soon", which can be more open-ended.
Can I say "I'll answer you shortly"?
Yes, adding the object makes the statement more personal. Alternatives like "I'll get back to you" are also common in these instances.
When is the best time to use this phrase?
It is best used when you want to acknowledge a question but need to finish a current point first. For a more conversational feel, try "I'll get to that shortly".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested