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Soon vs early
Soon means in a short time from now; early means before the expected time, or near the start of a period.
Quick rule
Earlier than normal: early. Coming up in a little while: soon.
In a short time from now. It looks ahead; it is not about the time of day.
Before the usual or expected time, or near the start of a period: early in the morning. It is also an adjective: an early train.
Why it trips people up
Soon is about how far away something is in time. Early is about the clock or a schedule: before it should happen. People mix them up because both words talk about time, and each one sounds wrong in the other spot.
How each one works
Soon
In a short time
The movie will start soon.
A goodbye
See you soon!
soon after + something
Soon after the storm, the lights came back.
Early
Before the usual time
I woke up early to catch the first bus.
arrive early: before expected
The train arrived ten minutes early.
early in + period
We left early in the morning, before the traffic.
What comes next
soon plus after plus something
She called soon after dinner.
will or be going to plus verb plus soon
We are going to move soon.
verb plus early
Please arrive early on Monday.
early plus in plus period
The flowers bloom early in spring.
Set phrases
Soon
- sooner or later
- at some time in the future, even if not now
Early
- an early bird
- a person who gets up or arrives early
- early on
- near the start of a period or process
Almost the same
The bus will arrive soon.
In a short time.
The bus arrived early.
Before the planned time.
Please come soon.
Without delay, from now.
Please come early.
Before the usual time.
In a conversation
- A:
What time is the flight tomorrow?
- B:
At nine. We should get to the airport early.
- A:
How early? The line is long on Fridays.
- B:
Two hours before. I will wake you at five.
- A:
Okay. I hope the weather clears up soon.
- B:
The forecast says it will, soon after midnight.
Common mistakes
Wrong: I'll finish the report early, in a few minutes.
Right: I'll finish the report soon, in a few minutes.
In a short time from now is soon. Early means before the expected time.
Wrong: The shop opens soon at six a.m.
Right: The shop opens early, at six a.m.
A shop that opens before the usual time opens early. Soon is for the future.
Memory trick
Ask whether you are talking about the clock or about the future. A time before usual is early. "In a little while" is soon.
It depends
- Early as an adjective
- Early works before a noun (an early train) and after a verb (arrive early). Soon is only an adverb.
FAQ
Soon vs early: what is the difference?
Use soon for what is coming up in a little while, and early for what happens before the clock says it should.
Too soon or too early?
Too early is about the clock or a schedule. Too soon is about timing: before the moment is right.
Soon vs sooner?
Sooner is the comparative of soon: earlier than another moment, as in the sooner the better.