Whether you’re a native English speaker or learning the language as a second language, finding the right words and expressions to convey your thoughts effectively can be challenging. When it comes to expressing a sense of urgency or speed in a sentence, the word “hastily” can be a valuable addition to your vocabulary. In this guide, we’ll explore various formal and informal ways to incorporate the term “hastily” into your sentences, providing you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Hastily” in a Sentence
If you’re looking to express a sense of urgency or haste in a formal setting, here are several phrases you can use:
- Expeditiously – “Please complete the task expeditiously as we are facing a tight deadline.”
- Swiftly – “The team swiftly resolved the issue before it could impact our operations.”
- With haste – “I respectfully request that you respond to my email with haste.”
- In a hurried manner – “The CEO addressed the employees in a hurried manner to deliver the urgent news.”
- Promptly – “The document must be signed promptly to proceed with the next phase of the project.”
Informal Ways to Say “Hastily” in a Sentence
If you’re in a more casual or informal setting, here are a few phrases that can help you convey a sense of haste without sounding too formal:
- In a rush – “Sorry if I seem out of breath; I rushed over to meet you.”
- In a hurry – “I’m in a hurry, so let’s make this quick.”
- On the double – “Finish up what you’re doing and meet me at the front door on the double.”
- Lickety-split – “He packed his bags lickety-split and left for the airport.”
- Without delay – “We need to leave without delay if we want to catch the last train.”
Regional Variations
While the use of “hastily” is generally consistent across regions, some areas may have their own colloquial expressions to convey a sense of urgency:
American English
In American English, you might hear the phrase “in a jiffy” as a casual way to say “hastily.” For example, “I’ll finish this report in a jiffy.”
British English
One common phrase used in British English to express haste is “in a flurry.” For instance, “She prepared the meal in a flurry before the guests arrived.”
Australian English
Australian English has a colloquial expression, “flat out like a lizard drinking,” which means extremely busy or working hastily. It can be used as follows: “I’m flat out like a lizard drinking, so I can’t join you for lunch.”
Tips for Using “Hastily” Effectively
When incorporating the word “hastily” into your sentences, consider the following tips to ensure proper usage:
- Context Matters: Make sure the usage of “hastily” aligns with the context of your sentence. Take into account the formality of the situation and adjust your word choice accordingly.
- Vary Your Vocabulary: Although “hastily” is a useful word, try not to overuse it. Experiment with synonyms to maintain variety in your writing.
- Use Action Words: Pair “hastily” with strong action verbs to emphasize urgency. For example, “She hastily grabbed her coat and ran out the door.”
- Consider Intensity: If you want to emphasize a higher degree of haste, you can modify “hastily” with intensifiers like “very,” “extremely,” or “remarkably.”
Examples of “Hastily” in Sentences
To further elucidate the use of “hastily” in sentences, here are a few examples:
“Realizing she was running late, Jane hastily threw on her shoes and dashed out of the house.”
“The team worked hastily to prepare the presentation for the last-minute client meeting, ensuring all key points were covered in a concise manner.”
“In a fit of panic, the children hastily cleaned up the mess they had made before their parents returned.”
“Not wanting to miss their flight, the couple packed their suitcases hastily and rushed to the airport.”
Final Thoughts
Incorporating the word “hastily” into your vocabulary can add a valuable touch to your speech or writing when you need to convey a sense of urgency or speed. By utilizing the formal and informal phrases provided in this guide and considering regional variations, you can confidently express the desired level of haste in any situation. Remember to use “hastily” effectively by considering context, varying your vocabulary, using action words, and adjusting the intensity as necessary. So go ahead, use your newfound knowledge, and impress others with your command of the English language!
