214 Late vs Lately & Short vs Shortly – Confusing Adverbs

Feb 12, 2018
English Grammar Lessons

Welcome to NJCLT! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the often confusing adverbs "late" and "lately," as well as "short" and "shortly." Understanding the differences and how to use these adverbs correctly is crucial for effective communication.

Understanding "Late" and "Lately"

Let's begin by shedding light on the distinctions between "late" and "lately." While they both pertain to time, their usage and meanings differ significantly.

Late: The adverb "late" refers to something happening after the expected or desired time. It commonly describes arriving or completing tasks behind schedule.

Lately: On the other hand, "lately" denotes a recent occurrence or happening. It focuses on an action that has taken place during the immediate past.

For example, consider the following sentences:

  • She arrived late to the party, missing the surprise.
  • He has been studying a lot lately to improve his grades.

As seen in the examples, "late" emphasizes the delay in arrival, while "lately" emphasizes the recent increase in studying efforts.

Clarifying "Short" and "Shortly"

Moving on to the adverbs "short" and "shortly," let's discover their meanings and how they are used in everyday language.

Short: The adverb "short" is often used to describe a small duration or a brief period of time. It highlights a reduced length in comparison to expectations or typical durations.

Shortly: Contrarily, "shortly" refers to something happening in the near future, without any indication of a specific length of time. It reflects an event or action occurring soon.

Let's explore some examples to illustrate the distinction:

  • She took a short break before starting her next task.
  • The meeting will begin shortly, so please be prepared.

While "short" refers to the duration of a break, "shortly" conveys the imminent start of a meeting without specifying exactly when it will happen.

Guidelines for Correct Usage

Now that we have examined the differences between "late" and "lately," as well as "short" and "shortly," it's important to understand how to use these adverbs accurately.

Using "Late" Effectively

Here are some essential guidelines for utilizing "late" correctly:

  1. Use "late" to describe delays or tardiness.
  2. Be specific when referring to the expected time to provide context.
  3. Avoid ambiguous usage by using clear and concise language to convey lateness.

Appropriate Usage of "Lately"

Consider the following recommendations for incorporating "lately" into your writing:

  1. Use "lately" to express recent actions or changes.
  2. Provide context to ensure clarity regarding the timeframe.
  3. Pair "lately" with present perfect tense to connect the action to the immediate past.

Optimal Use of "Short" and "Shortly"

Follow these suggestions to maximize the effectiveness of "short" and "shortly" in your sentences:

  1. Use "short" to describe reduced durations compared to expectations or norms.
  2. Use "shortly" to indicate something happening soon without specifying an exact time.
  3. When possible, provide additional details to give readers a clearer understanding of the timeframe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the nuances between "late" and "lately," as well as "short" and "shortly," is vital for effective communication. NJCLT hopes that this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights, allowing you to confidently and accurately use these adverbs in your writing.

If you have any further questions regarding adverb usage, feel free to explore our website or reach out to our team for assistance. We are here to help you navigate the English language with ease and precision.

Jonathan Fairbank
Finally, an article that properly explains the intricacies of late and lately. Thank you for making it so accessible!
Nov 7, 2023
Jennifer Bergman
Thank you for this informative article on the confusion between late and lately. The explanations are concise and easy to understand.
Oct 14, 2023
Lori Smith
Understanding late and lately has always been a challenge for me, but this article has provided a much-needed clarity. Thank you!
Sep 30, 2023
Martha Ruiz
This article's thorough explanation of short and shortly has been so enlightening. I can't thank you enough for this clarity!
Sep 26, 2023
Rafael Palou
This article is a real gem for anyone trying to understand the differences between short and shortly. Kudos to the writer!
Sep 3, 2023
Drew Powers
The way this article lays out the differences between late and lately is very effective. Thank you for making it so clear.
Aug 23, 2023
Karen Boykin
The examples in this article are very illuminating and have helped me understand the differences between late and lately more clearly.
Aug 14, 2023
Contact Ltd
I've always felt confused about short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the clarity!
Aug 4, 2023
Tiffany Taylor
The way this article breaks down the usage of late and lately is extremely helpful. Thank you for the valuable insights!
Jul 18, 2023
Kristine Kneib
I was always unsure about the usage of late and lately, but your article has helped me a lot in understanding them better.
Jul 5, 2023
Andrew Laycock
Thanks for clearing up the confusion between late and lately. This guide is very helpful!
Jun 16, 2023
Anne Cucchiara
The practical examples in this article have really helped me understand the differences between late and lately. Thank you!
May 31, 2023
Tasldkfj B
I've been struggling with understanding when to use short and when to use shortly. This article has finally given me the answers I needed.
May 13, 2023
Benny Bright
This article has been incredibly helpful in clearing up the differences between short and shortly. Thank you for the clarity!
May 8, 2023
Ammar Bawa
I've been looking for a resource like this to help me understand the differences between short and shortly. This article is perfect.
Apr 6, 2023
Ari Eitan
The examples in this article are very illuminating and have helped me understand the differences between late and lately more clearly.
Mar 16, 2023
Ronald Morrison
This article has been invaluable in helping me understand the proper use of late and lately. It's a comprehensive and well-explained guide.
Feb 21, 2023
Eleanore D'Amelio
After reading this article, I finally feel confident about when to use short compared to shortly. It's a great resource.
Jan 30, 2023
Robert Kaufman
I've been looking for a resource like this to help me understand the differences between late and lately. This article is perfect.
Jan 24, 2023
Anna Davidson
The way this article lays out the differences between late and lately is very effective. Thank you for making it so clear.
Jan 19, 2023
Erick Scott
I've struggled with understanding late and lately, but this article has been a game-changer for me. Thank you for the clarity!
Jan 11, 2023
Bob Clair
This article has been a tremendous help in making the distinctions between short and shortly clear. Thank you for this valuable insight!
Jan 2, 2023
Janey Postley
I've always felt confused about late and lately, but this article has really helped me understand the distinction. Thank you!
Dec 25, 2022
Stabiae
I've always felt confused about short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the clarity!
Dec 15, 2022
Constance Lindesay
I've always been confused about short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the valuable information!
Dec 13, 2022
Israranjum
I've struggled with understanding late and lately, but this article has been a game-changer for me. Thank you for the clarity!
Dec 12, 2022
Jen Rubio
I always appreciate a good explanation of grammar rules. This article does a great job of clearing up the confusion between late and lately.
Dec 5, 2022
Denise Boudreaux
I never realized the subtle differences between short and shortly until I read this. It's an eye-opener!
Nov 30, 2022
Not provided
I've always struggled to use short and shortly correctly. This article is a great resource.
Nov 20, 2022
Patricia Calzada
I've always wondered when to use late and lately properly. This article provided the perfect explanation!
Nov 8, 2022
Tae Comstock
This guide makes it so much clearer when to use short and when to use shortly. It's a really handy reference.
Aug 27, 2022
,
This article provides much-needed clarity on the differences between short and shortly. It's a valuable resource.
Jul 26, 2022
Eric Miller
Your detailed explanation of the confusion between late and lately is greatly appreciated. It's made a world of difference for me.
Jul 25, 2022
Allison Merrell
Your detailed explanation of the confusion between late and lately is greatly appreciated. It's made a world of difference for me.
Jun 15, 2022
Janet Merschman
Thank you for this informative and detailed explanation of the differences between late and lately. This article is a lifesaver!
Jun 8, 2022
Tim Tankk
After reading this article, I finally feel confident about when to use short compared to shortly. It's a great resource.
Jun 6, 2022
Koma Satomi
Thank you for this informative article on the confusion between late and lately. It's really helpful.
May 9, 2022
Beth Loftus
I've been struggling with the usage of short and shortly, but this article has really helped me gain a better understanding. Thank you!
May 1, 2022
Olivia Kang
I've always been confused about short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the valuable information!
Apr 23, 2022
Roger Bostian
I've always been unsure of the proper usage of short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the insight!
Mar 31, 2022
Martin Franks
I've been struggling with these adverbs, but this article has helped me make sense of it all. Thank you!
Feb 24, 2022
Lucie Provided
The examples in this article are very illuminating and have helped me understand the differences between late and lately more clearly.
Feb 22, 2022
Jeff Fossen
The writer of this article has done an excellent job of demystifying the differences between short and shortly. Kudos!
Feb 10, 2022
Khalil Muhsin
The detailed examples in this article have really clarified the differences between short and shortly for me. It's incredibly helpful.
Feb 6, 2022
Amy Stringer
The examples in this article really helped me grasp the differences between late and lately.
Feb 3, 2022
Chris Thomas
This article provides a very clear and helpful explanation of the differences between short and shortly. Thank you for this valuable insight.
Jan 22, 2022
Lisa Lofthouse
I've always been unsure of the proper usage of short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the insight!
Jan 21, 2022
Marilyn Hayes
Understanding late and lately has always been a challenge for me, but this article has provided a much-needed clarity. Thank you!
Jan 15, 2022
Mark McKellar
I've often struggled with the distinctions between late and lately, but your article has really helped clarify it for me. Thank you!
Jan 8, 2022
Gokul Parthasarathy
This article provides a very clear and helpful explanation of the differences between short and shortly. Thank you for this valuable insight.
Dec 31, 2021
Aisha Ali
The article does a fantastic job of distinguishing between late and lately. It's a valuable resource for anyone needing clarification.
Dec 15, 2021
Jaime Purves
Thank you for this informative article on the confusion between late and lately. It's been very enlightening and helpful for me.
Dec 6, 2021
Heidi Hohl
This article has been incredibly helpful in clearing up the differences between short and shortly. Thank you for the clarity!
Nov 21, 2021
Wilson Charles
The way this article lays out the differences between late and lately is very effective. Thank you for making it so clear.
Nov 20, 2021
Edrick Cosme
The way this article explains the usage of late and lately is crystal clear. Thank you for the insight!
Aug 19, 2021
Marketing Salaya
The explanations in this article are incredibly clear and have helped me grasp the differences between late and lately. Thank you for this valuable resource!
Aug 10, 2021
Amy Harmon
I'm really grateful for this thorough explanation of the distinctions between short and shortly. It's immensely helpful.
Jul 31, 2021
Angela Houston
The article does a fantastic job of distinguishing between late and lately. It's an invaluable resource for anyone needing clarification.
Jun 29, 2021
Rogelio Guaring
I've always felt confused about short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the clarity!
Jun 21, 2021
Kim Eplin
I've been struggling with understanding when to use short and when to use shortly. This article has finally given me the answers I needed.
Jun 14, 2021
Sal G
I never realized there was such a difference between short and shortly until I read this guide. Thank you for the clarity!
May 10, 2021
Eddie Morillo
I've always been confused about short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the valuable information!
May 7, 2021
Add Email
I can't express how much I appreciate this article for finally clearing up the confusion between short and shortly. It's incredibly helpful.
May 7, 2021
Unknown
Thank you for this informative article on the confusion between late and lately. It's been very enlightening and helpful for me.
Apr 23, 2021
Pizza Libre
I've found this guide to be very informative and well-researched. It's a great resource for understanding when to use short or shortly.
Apr 22, 2021
sebastien.heroux
The careful breakdown of the differences between late and lately in this article is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the clarity!
Mar 23, 2021
James Mullis
I've always been unsure of the proper usage of short and shortly, but this article has really helped me understand. Thank you for the insight!
Mar 21, 2021
Teresa Magana
This article has been a tremendous help in making the distinctions between short and shortly clear. Thank you for this valuable insight!
Feb 27, 2021
Bret Perry
I'm so grateful for this helpful explanation of the confusing adverbs late and lately. It's been a real challenge for me until now.
Feb 7, 2021
Todd Davis
I'm so grateful for this comprehensive explanation of the confusion between late and lately. It's been a real game-changer for me.
Feb 3, 2021
Omar Kiggundu
The way this article breaks down the differences between late and lately has been incredibly beneficial to me. Thank you for the clarity!
Jan 20, 2021
Raphael Caballero
I appreciate the thorough explanations in this article. The distinctions between short and shortly are now much clearer to me.
Dec 10, 2020
Benjamin Reaves
I've always struggled with the usage of short and shortly, but this article has really helped me gain a better understanding. Thank you!
Nov 18, 2020
Gerardo Cano
The way this article breaks down the differences between late and lately has been incredibly beneficial to me. Thank you for the clarity!
Nov 6, 2020
Samantha Sonali
I'm so grateful for this comprehensive explanation of the confusion between late and lately. It's been a real game-changer for me.
Oct 9, 2020
Courtney Spellicy
Thank you for this informative and detailed explanation of the differences between late and lately. This article is a lifesaver!
Oct 8, 2020
Divyank Ojha
I've been looking for a resource that explains the differences between short and shortly in such a clear and concise manner. This article is perfect!
Sep 3, 2020
William Gay
Thank you for this informative article on the confusion between late and lately. The explanations are concise and easy to understand.
Aug 27, 2020
Kim Page
I love how this article breaks down the distinction between short and shortly. It makes it so much easier to understand.
Aug 9, 2020
Jayant Rastogi
I can't thank you enough for explaining the distinctions between short and shortly. It's incredibly useful.
Apr 14, 2020
Iedith Moore
I appreciate the detailed explanation of the differences between late and lately. It's always been a bit confusing for me.
Mar 19, 2020
Songyang Yuan
The examples provided in the article really illustrate the differences between late and lately. Great job!
Feb 16, 2020
David Priestley
Thank you for this informative article on the confusion between late and lately. The explanations are concise and easy to understand.
Feb 8, 2020
Geoff Nudell
This article is a lifesaver for anyone struggling with the differences between late and lately. Thank you for making it so clear!
Jan 26, 2020
Rob
I appreciate the practical approach this article takes to explain the differences between late and lately. It really helps to understand.
Jan 14, 2020
Piotr Janiszewski
This article effectively explains the nuances between late and lately. I feel more confident in using them now.
Jan 9, 2020
NA
I've often struggled with the distinctions between late and lately, but your article has really helped clarify it for me. Thank you!
Dec 20, 2019
David Barclay
The way this article breaks down the usage of late and lately is extremely helpful. Thank you for the valuable insights!
Nov 16, 2019
Rita Webb
The detailed examples in this article have really clarified the differences between short and shortly for me. It's incredibly helpful.
Nov 6, 2019
Elsa Tsukahara
I've been looking for a resource that explains the differences between short and shortly in such a clear and concise manner. This article is perfect!
Oct 5, 2019
Jerry Kehl
The way this article breaks down the differences between late and lately has been incredibly beneficial to me. Thank you for the clarity!
Sep 12, 2019
Aaron Dh
The article does a fantastic job of distinguishing between late and lately. It's an invaluable resource for anyone needing clarification.
Aug 29, 2019
Emma Gibbens
I'm so grateful for this comprehensive explanation of the confusion between late and lately. It's been a real game-changer for me.
Jul 31, 2019
Unknown
I've always struggled with the usage of short and shortly, but this article has really helped me gain a better understanding. Thank you!
Jul 24, 2019
Kyla Brown
I've often struggled with the distinctions between late and lately, but your article has really helped clarify it for me. Thank you!
Jun 23, 2019
Tony Oliver
Your detailed explanation of the confusion between late and lately is greatly appreciated. It's made a world of difference for me.
Jun 17, 2019
Jim Fowler
I can't express how much I appreciate this article for finally clearing up the confusion between short and shortly. It's incredibly helpful.
May 21, 2019
+15097147842
Understanding late and lately has always been a challenge for me, but this article has provided a much-needed clarity. Thank you!
May 13, 2019
Jordan Zimmermann
The way this article breaks down the usage of late and lately is extremely helpful. Thank you for the valuable insights!
May 9, 2019
Angela Sokolovska
I appreciate the thorough explanations in this article. The distinctions between short and shortly are now much clearer to me.
May 2, 2019
Sherri Allen
The practical examples in this article have been instrumental in helping me understand the distinctions between short and shortly. Thank you!
Apr 24, 2019
Josh Levy
I used to mix up late and lately all the time, but this article has finally cleared it up for me. Thank you!
Apr 10, 2019
Bryn Dolan
I've always been unsure when to use short and when to use shortly. This article has finally given me the clarity I needed.
Apr 1, 2019
Deb Lingl
I've struggled with understanding late and lately, but this article has been a game-changer for me. Thank you for the clarity!
Mar 29, 2019
Terry Birdd
I've bookmarked this article for future reference. The explanation of late and lately is excellent.
Mar 16, 2019
Caille Stephanie
I've been looking for a resource like this to help me understand the differences between short and shortly. This article is perfect.
Mar 13, 2019
Daniel Popescu
This article has been incredibly helpful in clearing up the differences between short and shortly. Thank you for the clarity!
Mar 7, 2019
Carolyn Bethmann
This article has been a tremendous help in understanding the proper use of short and shortly. Thank you for this valuable resource.
Mar 5, 2019
Warner Sommer
This article has been invaluable in helping me understand the proper use of late and lately. It's a comprehensive and well-explained guide.
Feb 25, 2019
Peggy Disalle
The detailed examples in this article have really clarified the differences between short and shortly for me. It's incredibly helpful.
Feb 20, 2019
Jim Alston
This article has been invaluable in helping me understand the proper use of late and lately. It's a comprehensive and well-explained guide.
Feb 10, 2019
Sailesh Makkapati
This article provides a very clear and helpful explanation of the differences between short and shortly. Thank you for this valuable insight.
Feb 10, 2019
Beau Vrolyk
The explanations in this article are incredibly clear and have helped me grasp the differences between late and lately. Thank you for this valuable resource!
Jan 31, 2019
Lisa Sanchez
The explanations in this article are incredibly clear and have helped me grasp the differences between late and lately. Thank you for this valuable resource!
Jan 30, 2019
Matthew Horne
I've struggled with using short and shortly in my writing. This guide has opened my eyes to the correct usage.
Jan 21, 2019
Jon McDonald
This article is a real gem for anyone trying to understand the differences between short and shortly. Kudos to the writer!
Dec 28, 2018
Tom Lee
I've always had trouble with these adverbs, but your article has made it much easier for me to grasp. Thank you!
Dec 4, 2018
Denis Carroll
This article is a real gem for anyone trying to understand the differences between short and shortly. Kudos to the writer!
Nov 30, 2018
Alex Pennington
I've always been unsure when to use short and when to use shortly. This article has finally given me the clarity I needed.
Nov 5, 2018
Chris Conroy
I appreciate the thorough explanations in this article. The distinctions between short and shortly are now much clearer to me.
Aug 12, 2018
Michelle Moore
I've been struggling with understanding when to use short and when to use shortly. This article has finally given me the answers I needed.
Aug 2, 2018
David Field
After reading this article, I finally feel confident about when to use short compared to shortly. It's a great resource.
Jul 14, 2018
Kevin Rainbolt
This article has been a tremendous help in making the distinctions between short and shortly clear. Thank you for this valuable insight!
Jul 8, 2018
Joanie Foss
I've always struggled to distinguish between short and shortly, but this article has clarified it for me. Thank you!
Jun 22, 2018
Larry Mohammed
I can't express enough how much I appreciate this comprehensive explanation of late and lately. It has really cleared things up for me.
Jun 17, 2018
Marcos Kciuk
The section on understanding late and lately is very well written and easy to follow. Kudos to the writer!
Jun 14, 2018
Chase Manhattan
I've been looking for a resource that explains the differences between short and shortly in such a clear and concise manner. This article is perfect!
Jun 2, 2018
Teaira Banks
Thank you for this informative article on the confusion between late and lately. It's been very enlightening and helpful for me.
May 22, 2018
Glenn Holz
I've always been unsure when to use short and when to use shortly. This article has finally given me the clarity I needed.
Apr 29, 2018
Ivan Storck
I've always had trouble differentiating between short and shortly, but this article has made it much clearer to me. Thank you!
Apr 20, 2018
Internet Identity
Thank you for this informative and detailed explanation of the differences between late and lately. This article is a lifesaver!
Mar 18, 2018
Eugene Marier
I can't express how much I appreciate this article for finally clearing up the confusion between short and shortly. It's incredibly helpful.
Feb 25, 2018
More posts