Shortly afterward

USAGE SUMMARY

"shortly afterward" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means "a short time after" or "soon after." Example: "I finished my homework and shortly afterward, I started reading a new book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Shortly afterward he died.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shortly afterward, Kennan resigned.

The New York Times - Books

Shortly afterward, he went out.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterward, Thain called Fleming.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterward, one twin died.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shortly afterward, Taylor's regime collapsed.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterward, she heard footsteps.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterward, people became ill.

The New York Times

Shortly afterward they separated.

The New York Times

Shortly afterward, the charges were dropped.

The New York Times

Shortly afterward the Cimmerians destroyed neighbouring Phrygia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Shortly afterward" to clearly establish a sequence of events where the time difference is brief. It adds a concise temporal marker, enhancing narrative flow.

Common error

Avoid using "Shortly afterward" when the time difference between events is significant. Using alternatives like "later" or "eventually" will provide a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortly afterward" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred in relation to a previous event. Ludwig's examples show its use in establishing temporal sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shortly afterward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a brief time interval following an event. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and notes its prevalence in news and encyclopedic contexts. To ensure clarity, avoid using it for extended timeframes and use alternatives such as "soon after" when appropriate. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "shortly afterward" to enhance the flow and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Soon after

Emphasizes the proximity in time between two events, differing in its more direct and simple phrasing.

Immediately following that

Highlights the direct succession of events with a slightly more formal tone.

Right after that

Conveys a sense of immediacy and direct sequence, using more colloquial language.

In the immediate aftermath

Focuses on the period directly following an event, often implying some kind of consequence or disruption.

Not long after

Indicates a relatively short time span, though less precise than "shortly afterward".

A moment later

Suggests a very brief interval, emphasizing suddenness or quick transition.

In short order

Implies speed and efficiency in the sequence of events, often used in a more narrative context.

Presently

Indicates something will happen soon, either directly after or in the near future, making it less specific.

Subsequently

A more formal term indicating something that follows in time or order, but can be less immediate.

Thereupon

A formal and somewhat archaic term indicating that something happens immediately after something else.

FAQs

How can I use "Shortly afterward" in a sentence?

"Shortly afterward" is used to indicate that something happened a short time after a previous event. For example, "The meeting ended and "shortly afterward", we went to lunch."

What are some alternatives to "Shortly afterward"?

Alternatives include "soon after", "immediately after", or "right after that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "Shortly after" instead of "Shortly afterward"?

While "shortly after" is also grammatically correct, "shortly afterward" often provides a clearer indication of sequential timing when referring back to a specific event or action. Consider the flow and context of your writing to determine which best suits your needs.

What is the difference between "Shortly afterward" and "Subsequently"?

"Shortly afterward" implies a very brief interval, whereas "subsequently" simply means 'later' and does not necessarily suggest a short time. The correct option depends on the specific timeline you wish to convey.