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What does “sooner rather than later” mean?

Meaning, example sentence and a quick practice question.

C1

Very soon, without unnecessary delay

“We should deal with this sooner rather than later.”

Say it smoothly: “soo-ner-rath-er-than-lay-ter”

From the C1 lesson What's Next? (the future).

Quick check

What does “sooner rather than later” mean?

Teaching this phrase?“sooner rather than later” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
See the C1 lesson pack

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