Is promptly formal or informal?

Promptly is fairly formal and common in business or academic writing.

What is the difference between promptly and immediately?

Promptly means without delay, but it can sound more polite and less sudden than immediately.

Can I use promptly in spoken English?

Yes, but it is more common in polite requests and professional speech.

Is promptly common in IELTS writing?

Yes. It is useful in formal writing when you want to show quick action.

← Dictionary

promptly

/ˈprɒmpt.li/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

If something happens promptly, it happens quickly and without delay. It can also mean someone does something as soon as they are asked or needed.

Please reply promptly.
She answered the email promptly.
The train arrived promptly at 8:00.

Adinary Nuance

Promptly is close to quickly, soon, and immediately, but it sounds more careful and more formal than quickly. Use promptly when you want to show speed plus politeness, especially in business, service, or official writing. It often suggests action without unnecessary delay, not suddenness.

In other languages

Vietnamese: ngay lập tức
Spanish: prontamente
Chinese: 立即
Japanese: 速やかに
Korean: 신속히

Etymology

Promptly comes from the adjective prompt, from Latin promptus, meaning 'ready' or 'quick to act'. It entered English through Middle French in the late Middle Ages.

Common phrases

reply promptlyrespond promptlypromptly at noonpromptly after

Synonyms

quickly immediately swiftly soon

Related words

prompt timely delay speedily

Frequently asked questions

Is promptly formal or informal?: Promptly is fairly formal and common in business or academic writing.
What is the difference between promptly and immediately?: Promptly means without delay, but it can sound more polite and less sudden than immediately.
Can I use promptly in spoken English?: Yes, but it is more common in polite requests and professional speech.
Is promptly common in IELTS writing?: Yes. It is useful in formal writing when you want to show quick action.