* Adverb: This is the most common usage. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate a short duration.
* Example: "He will be here shortly." (modifies the verb "be")
* Adjective: Less common, but used to describe something as brief or short in duration.
* Example: "The shortly meeting was over before we could even get comfortable." (describes the meeting)
* Noun: Very rare, but can be used to refer to a short period of time.
* Example: "We'll be there in a shortly." (refers to a short period)
The most accurate part of speech for "shortly" will depend on the specific sentence in which it is used.