When it comes to expressing the concept of speed or doing something in a swift manner, the word “quickly” may often feel a bit overused or repetitive. Whether you’re writing an essay, brainstorming ideas for creative writing, or simply want to expand your vocabulary, it’s essential to have various alternatives to help convey your message more effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal expressions for “quickly” and provide you with numerous tips and examples to bring your language to life.
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Formal Ways to Say “Quickly”
When you need to express speed or rapidity in a more formal context, consider using these alternatives:
- Swiftly
This adverb adds a touch of elegance to your language while emphasizing the speed in an understated manner. For example: “She swiftly completed the task.”
Expeditiously
Using “expeditiously” demonstrates both speed and efficiency, making it suitable for professional or business-related writing. For instance: “He handled the request expeditiously.”
Rapidly
When speed is of the essence, “rapidly” communicates a sense of urgency without being overly formal. Consider this example: “The team responded rapidly to the emergency.”
Promptly
If you want to emphasize the importance of acting without delay, “promptly” is a great choice. For instance: “Please submit your report promptly.”
Efficiently
While “efficiently” doesn’t explicitly convey speed, it suggests that a task was completed quickly due to organizational skills or effectiveness. For example: “The project was efficiently completed ahead of schedule.”
Informal Ways to Say “Quickly”
When writing informally or engaging in casual conversations, these expressions can help you vary your vocabulary:
- In a jiffy
Used as a colloquialism, “in a jiffy” imparts a sense of lightheartedness and informality. For example: “I’ll be finished with this game in a jiffy!”
In no time
This phrase signifies that something will be completed quickly or will happen sooner than expected. For instance: “Don’t worry, I’ll fix the issue in no time.”
At lightning speed
To add a dash of excitement or exaggeration to your writing, consider using “at lightning speed.” An example would be: “He completed the race at lightning speed.”
Like a whirlwind
By utilizing this simile, you can vividly describe someone accomplishing tasks rapidly and with great energy. For instance: “She entered the kitchen like a whirlwind, cooking dinner in record time.”
In double quick time
Originating from British English, this phrase conveys the idea of doing something quickly or efficiently. An example would be: “We managed to clean the entire house in double quick time.”
Tips for Using Alternatives to “Quickly”
Here are some additional tips to help you effectively incorporate these alternatives into your writing:
- Consider the context
Always choose a word or phrase that suits the context of your writing or conversation. Formal alternatives may be better suited for professional settings, while informal options work well in everyday conversation or creative writing.
Practice with synonyms
To ensure you integrate these alternative expressions seamlessly, practice using them in sentences. Experimenting with synonyms and context will help you become more comfortable incorporating them into your writing or speech.
Avoid excessive repetition
Using “quickly” repetitively can make your writing sound monotonous. By incorporating a variety of alternatives, you can keep your writing vibrant and engaging.
Read widely
Reading a variety of books, articles, and other materials will expose you to different writing styles and help expand your vocabulary. Take note of alternative expressions authors use to describe speed or rapidity.
Remember, “quickly” is just one way to convey speed or rapidity. By embracing synonyms and alternative expressions, you can bring nuance and precision to your language, making it more engaging for your readers or listeners.
We’ve explored numerous formal and informal ways to say “quickly.” Whether you choose a formal option like “swiftly” or an informal phrase like “in a jiffy,” remember to consider your audience and context. Practice incorporating these alternatives into your writing, and soon you’ll find yourself expressing speed and rapidity with flair and precision. Happy writing!
