Rapidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Rapidly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens quickly or at a fast pace. Example: "The technology is evolving rapidly, making it essential for businesses to adapt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Ebola crisis – the Guardian briefing The rapidly dropping number of cases will make it a considerable challenge to trial vaccines against Ebola.

The Guardian

Inside the cocoon of an event where the main sponsors don't accept that human caused climate change is even real, the news from Beijing seemed to further outline how rapidly the world could change – whether the coal industry likes it or not.

The Guardian

"Since its very first exhibition in 2007, Harma Gallery has known great recognition, overcome visitors' expectations and gained popularity and customer loyalty very rapidly.

The Guardian

The coalition rapidly downsized Prevent and shifted it to a police-led initiative.

The Guardian

The ruling National Front coalition has been weakened by dissent against Abdullah, who has seen his authority erode rapidly since the March vote.

The Guardian

It goes on to warn: In addition, house prices have increased rapidly and may create risks to financial stability in the case of a downward adjustment".

The Guardian - Business

"We needed to secure a safe supply of water rapidly, or people would have had to continue walking westwards.

The Guardian

Miliband, who has been criticised privately by some Labour MPs for not making his mark on the leadership rapidly or firmly enough, insisted that union members would remain a vital part of decision-making.

The Guardian

Anti-hunt campaigners say the market for captured dolphins in China is growing rapidly.

The Guardian

"We know that it is far easier to walk rapidly down this corridor, far easier to look away," Michele J Sison, the US deputy representative to the UN, told the gathered crowd of diplomats and journalists.

The Guardian

Jenkins said Gold had been selected because he understood "the rapidly changing regulatory landscape" and would help to improve returns for shareholders in the "evolving market environment".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rapidly" to emphasize the speed and intensity of a change or action. For instance, "The company's market share grew rapidly after the new product launch" conveys a more dynamic sense of growth than simply saying it grew "quickly".

Common error

While "rapidly" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing where a more precise term might be appropriate. Consider replacing it with specific verbs or adverbs that better describe the nature of the speed or change, such as "accelerated", "surged", or "escalated", to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rapidly" is as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the speed or pace at which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing "rapidly" describing how something is done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rapidly" functions as an adverb indicating speed or quickness, often implying urgency or intensity. Ludwig AI data shows it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Business, and Scientific writing. While versatile, it's best to consider more precise alternatives in formal contexts to enhance clarity. Related terms include "swiftly", "quickly", and "speedily". Avoid overuse and ensure it accurately reflects the nature of the speed being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Swiftly

Emphasizes quickness and efficiency in action or movement.

Quickly

A common and direct synonym emphasizing speed.

Speedily

Highlights the fast pace at which something occurs.

Expeditiously

Suggests efficiency and promptness in completing a task.

Promptly

Implies immediacy and a lack of delay.

Apace

Indicates that something is moving forward at a brisk or rapid rate.

Posthaste

Suggests urgency and immediate action.

In short order

Implies that something will happen or be completed very soon.

At warp speed

An informal term suggesting extremely fast progress or speed.

Like a shot

An idiom describing a sudden, quick movement or action.

FAQs

How can I use "rapidly" in a sentence?

"Rapidly" is an adverb that describes something happening very quickly. For example, "The disease spread "rapidly" through the population", or "Technology is "rapidly" changing the way we live".

What are some synonyms for "rapidly"?

Some synonyms for "rapidly" include "quickly", "speedily", "swiftly", and "expeditiously". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always appropriate to use "rapidly" in formal writing?

While "rapidly" is acceptable, it may sometimes be better to use a more precise term in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "accelerated", "surged", or "escalated" to add greater clarity.

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

Both "rapidly" and "quickly" indicate speed, but "rapidly" often suggests a more intense or dynamic rate of change. "Quickly" is more general, while "rapidly" implies a significant or accelerating pace.