向来, 随即, 暂且 and 届时: Formal Time Adverbs

When to use 向来, 随即, 暂且 and 届时: Formal Time Adverbs

These adverbs go before the verb and place an action in time, in a written or formal style. Always, up to now: 向来 describes a person’s long habit or nature (他向来很准时), and 历来 the long tradition of a group or place (学校历来重视体育). At once: 随即 means “immediately afterwards” in a story about the past; 即 is the written 就 (一听即懂, 即日起); 即时 means “instantly, in real time” (即时更新). At a planned time: 届时 “when the time comes” points to a future arrangement already mentioned; 一经 “once (it is done)” sets a condition, often in rules (一经售出，概不退换); 就此 means “right here, at this point” (会议就此结束). For now: 暂且 and 姑且 mean “for the time being”; 姑且 also suggests “let’s just try it, even if it isn’t ideal”. Still: 尚 is the written form of 还 (尚未, 尚不清楚). Soon: 尽早 means “as early as possible” and 早日 “at an early date”, often in wishes.