early


I’m sorry you are ill. I hope you get better early.
I’m sorry you are ill. I hope you get better soon.

Early means ‘before the usual or expected time’ or ‘near the beginning of a period’: ‘We arrived early.’ ‘I’ll see you early in the morning.’

Soon means ‘a short time from now’ or ‘a short time after another time’: ‘I’ll see you soon.’ ‘I hope you get well soon.’

Compare:

  • The train arrived early. (= before the expected time)
  • The train will arrive soon. (= a short time from now)