I was quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action that was performed in a fast manner, typically followed by a verb. Example: "I was quickly finishing my homework before dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead I was quickly overwhelmed; my eyes repeatedly filled with tears.

The New York Times - Arts

I was quickly corrected.

The New Yorker

"I was quickly depressed," he said.

The New York Times

I was quickly reminded why.

The Guardian - Opinion

It began as a trickle, but I was quickly inundated.

The New York Times

So I began to watch, and I was quickly hooked.

The New Yorker

On the other bank I was quickly invited to join the game.

The New York Times - Travel

On the company's entertaining "hard-hat" distillery tour, I was quickly reminded of the corn.

The New York Times - Travel

I was quickly getting up under my own power; Andy's only contribution was calling out instructions.

The New York Times - Travel

No sooner did I download it than I was quickly in the morass.

The New York Times

But I swam too fast, and I was quickly out of breath.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was quickly" to describe a rapid transition or immediate consequence, making your writing more dynamic and engaging. For example, "I was quickly absorbed into the project team" conveys a sense of immediate involvement.

Common error

Avoid using "I was quickly" excessively with passive voice constructions. Over-reliance on the passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Opt for active voice where possible to strengthen your sentences. For example, instead of "I was quickly forgotten," consider "They quickly forgot me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was quickly" functions as a modifier combined with an action verb. It indicates the speed or immediacy with which someone experiences a change or performs an action. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is used to highlight the promptness of a reaction or transition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Huffington Post

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Vice

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was quickly" is a versatile and commonly used expression for emphasizing the speed or immediacy of an action or transition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse sources like the New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post make it a reliable choice for writers. While related phrases like "I immediately became" or "I soon was" offer stylistic alternatives, it's essential to avoid overuse with passive voice constructions to maintain clarity and impact. Overall, understanding its nuances allows for more effective and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I soon was

Replaces 'quickly' with 'soon', indicating a short time frame rather than speed.

I immediately became

Substitutes 'was quickly' with 'immediately became', emphasizing the instantaneous nature of the change.

I promptly got

Replaces 'was quickly' with 'promptly got', suggesting efficiency and readiness.

I rapidly turned

Uses 'rapidly turned' instead of 'was quickly', highlighting the speed of the transformation.

I swiftly became

Substitutes 'was quickly' with 'swiftly became', emphasizing the ease and speed of the change.

I fast became

Uses "fast became" to express the quickness of the transition.

I readily found myself

Replaces 'was quickly' with 'readily found myself', suggesting ease and willingness.

I expeditiously

Expresses the action with an adverb that underlines efficiency.

I incontinently

Expresses the action with an adverb that underlines immediacy

I was without delay

Uses a more formal tone to communicate that the action happened without delay.

FAQs

How can I use "I was quickly" in a sentence?

Use "I was quickly" to indicate a swift transition or an immediate reaction. For example, "I was quickly immersed in the new culture" shows immediate engagement.

What are some alternatives to "I was quickly"?

Alternatives include "I immediately became", "I soon was", or "I promptly got", which can add variety to your writing.

Is it better to use "I was quickly" or "I quickly"?

"I quickly" is more direct and active, while "I was quickly" emphasizes the passive experience of something happening to you. Choose the option that best fits the context and desired tone. Consider using an active construction as it can sound more powerful.

What's the difference between "I was quickly" and "I was rapidly"?

While both indicate speed, "I was rapidly" might suggest a more intense or accelerated process than "I was quickly". Choose based on the specific nuance you want to convey.