shortly after A. only; just B. no longer C. soon after D. long after

shortly after A. only; just B. no longer C. soon after D. long after

The phrase "shortly after" means happening not long after a particular time or event. Let's analyze the options:

A. only; just refers to a limited quantity or recent occurrence, not time proximity (e.g., "I only have one").

B. no longer indicates something that was true before but isn't now (e.g., "She no longer lives here").

C. soon after directly matches the meaning of "shortly after," both describing events occurring with little delay between them.

D. long after is the opposite, meaning a significant time later.

Answer: C

This question tests understanding of common adverbial phrases. "Shortly after" and "soon after" are near-synonyms, both expressing a brief time interval between two events.