shortly thereafter

USAGE SUMMARY

"shortly thereafter" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to an event that followed another event either in a short or long amount of time. Example: The concert ended, and shortly thereafter, all the attendees went their separate ways.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shortly thereafter, Brig.

The New York Times

He died shortly thereafter.

The New York Times

David followed shortly thereafter.

The New York Times

Shortly thereafter, Washington beckoned.

The New York Times

Zbigniew died shortly thereafter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She died shortly thereafter.

The New York Times

"Shortly thereafter was the father".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Hogan died shortly thereafter.

The New York Times

Shortly thereafter the show ended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shortly thereafter, regulators seized IndyMac.

The New York Times

The baby died shortly thereafter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shortly thereafter" to clearly indicate a sequence of events where the second event happens relatively quickly after the first. This helps to establish a clear timeline for the reader.

Common error

While "shortly thereafter" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "soon after" or "immediately afterwards" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortly thereafter" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an event in relation to a previous one. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shortly thereafter" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that an event happened soon after another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While highly useful for establishing chronological order, it's advisable to vary your wording to avoid repetition. Alternatives such as "soon after that" or "immediately afterwards" can offer subtle differences in meaning while maintaining clarity. Remember to consider the context when choosing between "shortly thereafter" and similar phrases for the best impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soon after that

Emphasizes the quick succession of events, focusing on the immediate aftermath.

immediately afterwards

Highlights the lack of delay between the initial event and the following one.

directly following that

Similar to "immediately afterwards", but may imply a more causal relationship.

not long after

A more general term suggesting a relatively short period of time passed.

in short order

Implies that the second event happened quickly and efficiently.

presently

Suggests the event happened at the present time and in close temporal relation.

in due course

The event occurred in its proper or expected time.

in a bit

An informal way of saying that something will happen soon.

anon

A less common but still valid expression suggesting the event will happen soon.

before long

Focuses on the anticipation that the second event will occur relatively quickly.

FAQs

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

Use "shortly thereafter" to indicate that an event happened a short time after a previous event. For example: "The meeting concluded, and "shortly thereafter", everyone left the room."

What are some alternatives to "shortly thereafter"?

You can use alternatives like "soon after that", "immediately afterwards", or "not long after" depending on the context.

Is "shortly after" the same as "shortly thereafter"?

While similar, "shortly after" usually refers to a specific point in time, while ""shortly thereafter"" refers to a period following an event. For example: "He arrived shortly after 3 PM" versus "The announcement was made, and "shortly thereafter", the stock price plummeted."

Is it correct to use "shortly thereafter" in formal writing?

Yes, ""shortly thereafter"" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate a sequence of events.