shortly afterward

USAGE SUMMARY

"shortly afterward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used before a sentence to indicate that the action is immediately after the previous sentence. For example, "He left the office angry. Shortly afterward, he returned with a bouquet of flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It exploded shortly afterward.

The New York Times

Shortly afterward he died.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hungary followed shortly afterward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shortly afterward, Kennan resigned.

The New York Times - Books

Shortly afterward, he went out.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Onassis resigned shortly afterward.

The New York Times

Phase two began shortly afterward.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterward, Thain called Fleming.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gao disappeared shortly afterward.

The New York Times

Shortly afterward, one twin died.

The New York Times - Magazine

He hangs himself shortly afterward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shortly afterward" to clearly indicate a sequence of events with a minimal time gap. It enhances clarity and flow in narratives, especially when detailing cause-and-effect relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "shortly afterward" when the time difference is substantial. For longer periods, phrases like "some time later" or "years later" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortly afterward" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its role in establishing a temporal sequence, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Shortly afterward" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that an event occurred soon after another. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using "shortly afterward", ensure a genuine temporal proximity between the linked events, and remember to choose alternative phrases like "soon after" or "immediately following" when nuance or formality requires it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately following

Emphasizes the direct and unbroken sequence of events.

soon after

A common and slightly less formal alternative.

directly after

Highlights the immediacy of the subsequent event.

in short order

Implies efficiency and speed in the sequence of events.

not long after

Subtly emphasizes the brevity of the time gap.

in the immediate aftermath

Focuses on the period directly resulting from a significant event.

in quick succession

Highlights the rapid and consecutive nature of the events.

presently

A slightly more formal way to indicate a quick occurrence after something else.

at once

Stresses simultaneity and instantaneity in relation to the events.

on the heels of

Suggests that the subsequent event closely followed the previous one, almost shadowing it.

FAQs

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

"Shortly afterward" connects two events by indicating that the second event occurred soon after the first. For example, "The meeting adjourned. "Shortly afterward", the CEO announced the new strategy."

What are some alternatives to "shortly afterward"?

Alternatives include "soon after", "immediately after", or "directly after". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "shortly afterward" and "shortly thereafter"?

While similar, "shortly thereafter" is slightly more formal. Both indicate a brief period following an event, but "shortly thereafter" might be preferred in more formal writing.

Can I use "shortly afterward" at the beginning of a paragraph?

Yes, you can use "shortly afterward" at the beginning of a paragraph to connect the events described in that paragraph to the events described in the previous paragraph, establishing a clear temporal sequence.