I'm looking for equivalent expressions for 'In the near future' & 'before too long'. I'd use these terms in the following way

'I will reply to you in the near future (or before too long)'.

I think 'soon' is the basic meaning of the both. So 'soon' is one option. But I'm looking other expressions.

Some research:

in the near future

Very soon, within a short time. For example, We'll be needing a new car in the near future . This term employs near in the sense of “close at hand,” a usage dating from about 1300. Also see at hand , def. 2. The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary.


before too long

“before too long” figuratively means the exact opposite of “a long time long in the future”. This double negative (which is a form of understatement) is called litotes (thanks to RegDwight for pointing this out). It's the same as saying “not bad” when you actually mean “quite good indeed”.Jan 13, 2011


  • Did you happen to consult a thesaurus? On this and other SE sites, not including the research you've done is a reason to place the question on hold. – anongoodnurse Mar 26 '16 at 1:35
  • Not a comment on grammar, but on courtesy: it is much better to give an explicit date before which a response will be given, rather than a vague soon or in the near future or eventually or when the universe winds down ... – David Handelman Oct 9 '16 at 15:30

The generic idiom for this is:

I'll get back to you

I'll get back to you (on that). and Let me get back to you (on that). I will report back later with my decision. (More likely said by a boss to an employee than vice versa.) Bob: I have a question about the Wilson project. Mary: I have to go to a meeting now. I'll get back to you on that. Bob: It's sort of urgent. Mary: It can wait. Sue: Shall I close the Wilson account? Jane: Let me get back to you on that.


Also comes in acronym form:


I'll Get Back to You


  • But 'I'll get back to you' distances the 'soon' assurance. It's further (perhaps not too much further) down the continuum that ends at 'Don't phone us ...'. – Edwin Ashworth Mar 31 '16 at 8:51

Shortly: in or within a short time.

I will respond to your request shortly. I'll get back to you shortly.

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