What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
directly
Example
The restaurant is directly across the street. [directly: adverb]
Example
I will speak to him directly about the issue. [directly: adverb]
immediately
Example
Please call me back immediately. [immediately: adverb]
Example
He immediately apologized for his mistake. [immediately: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Immediately is more commonly used than directly in everyday language. Immediately is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while directly is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between directly and immediately?
Both directly and immediately can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, directly may be perceived as more formal due to its precision and accuracy connotations.
