Adverbial Phrase – Choose the option that BEST conveys the meaning in context. Sentence: “Don’t lose patience, things will improve by and by.” What does “by and by” mean here?

Introduction / Context:
“By and by” is a time expression meaning “before long” or “after a short while.” In reassurance or consolation, it signals that improvement will occur soon, not instantly, but within a reasonable time horizon.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrase: “by and by”.
• Pragmatics: a speaker urges patience and offers hope.
• We must choose the closest single-word paraphrase.

Concept / Approach:
Among options, “soon” (= before long) matches the idiom’s typical sense. “Finally” implies the very end after a long process; “gradually” describes the manner of change (step by step), not the time reference; “unexpectedly” concerns surprise, not timing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Interpret the reassurance: improvement will arrive before long.Match idiom → “soon”.Reject manner or end-point interpretations (gradually/finally) and irrelevancies (unexpectedly).

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “Don’t lose patience, things will improve soon.” Natural and idiomatic in motivational contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• finally: emphasizes ultimate completion, not “before long.”
• gradually: describes rate of change, not time of occurrence.
• unexpectedly: about surprise, not schedule.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “by and by” with “by the by” (incidentally). The two are different expressions.

Final Answer:
soon