sooner than later

USAGE SUMMARY

'sooner than later' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea that something should happen as soon as possible, or in a short amount of time. Example: I need to pay my phone bill sooner than later - or my phone service will be suspended.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But better sooner than later.

The New York Times

"Hopefully that will be sooner than later".

The New York Times

"Perhaps the words are sooner than later.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully, it's sooner than later".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd like resolution sooner than later.

The New York Times - Sports

Might as well be sooner than later.

The New York Times - Sports

I would suggest it sooner than later".

The New Yorker

And you're going to want this answer sooner than later.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tuck, obviously, would prefer it come sooner than later.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's hope these discussions turn into action sooner than later.

The New York Times

And perhaps it will be sooner than later.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sooner than later" when you want to convey a sense of urgency or a preference for something to happen relatively quickly. It's suitable for situations where immediate action isn't strictly required, but is highly desirable.

Common error

Avoid using "sooner than later" when absolute immediacy is necessary. Phrases like "immediately" or "right away" are better suited for situations requiring instant action. Using "sooner than later" implies a preference, not a necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sooner than later" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a preferred timeframe for an action or event. As noted by Ludwig, it expresses the idea that something should happen as soon as possible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sooner than later" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a preference for something to happen in the near future. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it conveys a sense of urgency, it's important to remember that it implies a desire rather than an absolute requirement. As such, it's frequently found in news and media, academic writing and informal contexts. For more formal or scientific settings, consider alternatives like "in the near future" or "at the earliest opportunity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before long

This phrase suggests the event will occur quickly and is often used to express anticipation.

fairly soon

This alternative emphasizes that the event will occur within a reasonable timeframe.

without delay

This stresses the importance of immediate action and avoiding any postponements.

in the near future

This phrase is a more formal and general way of indicating that something will happen relatively soon.

at the earliest opportunity

This highlights the intent to act as soon as possible, given the circumstances.

in short order

This implies that something will be done quickly and efficiently.

in due course

This implies the event will happen at the appropriate time, without necessarily emphasizing speed.

as soon as reasonably possible

This provides a qualified sense of urgency, acknowledging potential constraints.

in a timely manner

This emphasizes efficiency and meeting deadlines rather than immediate action.

in the fullness of time

This is a less urgent alternative, suggesting the event will occur when the time is right.

FAQs

How can I use "sooner than later" in a sentence?

You can use "sooner than later" to express a preference for something to happen in the near future. For example, "I need to pay my bills "sooner than later" to avoid late fees".

What's a more formal alternative to "sooner than later"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in the near future" or "at the earliest opportunity" instead of "sooner than later".

Is "sooner than later" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sooner than later" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "sooner than later" and "immediately"?

"Sooner than later" implies a preference for something to happen relatively quickly, while "immediately" suggests something needs to happen without any delay. Therefore, "immediately" conveys a stronger sense of urgency.