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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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

I'll answer shortly

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

Forbes

The recording would tell the caller that the person he or she is calling is busy, but will answer shortly.

News & Media

The New York Times

I'll answer that question shortly, but first allow me to try to recreate my first experience with Just Jerk's chicken.

Er, I'll answer.

News & Media

The New York Times

A: I'll answer.

Ms. Tsarnaeva: I'll answer.

News & Media

The New York Times

Honestly, I'll answer you.

News & Media

The New Yorker

And I'll answer them!

News & Media

Independent

I'll answer the questions.

I'll answer that: no.

News & Media

Forbes

No, I'll answer.

News & Media

Vice
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: