a hurry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hurry" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of being rushed or needing to do something quickly. Example: "I can't talk right now; I'm in a hurry to catch my train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's in a hurry.

The New Yorker

"Everybody's in a hurry".

The New York Times

Lydia left in a hurry.

The New Yorker

America is in a hurry.

The Economist

"We're not in a hurry.

The New York Times

"I'm in a hurry, anyway.

The New Yorker

A businessman in a hurry.

The New Yorker

Or those in a hurry?

The Economist

"I'm in a hurry now".

The New Yorker

I was in a hurry.

The New York Times

In a hurry between shows?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to be more specific about the cause of the "hurry," you can add a 'to' clause that explains the intended goal or destination. For example, "I'm in a hurry to catch my flight."

Common error

Avoid using "a hurry" when the context calls for the adverb "hurriedly". "A hurry" is a noun phrase; "hurriedly" is an adverb that describes how an action is performed. For example, avoid saying "He left a hurry"; instead, say "He left hurriedly" or "He was in a hurry when he left."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hurry" typically functions as a noun phrase within a prepositional phrase (e.g., "in a hurry"). Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts. This phrase often modifies verbs or clauses, indicating a state of being rushed or acting quickly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hurry" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the need for speed or a state of urgency. As Ludwig AI explains, it is frequently used in phrases like "in "a hurry"" and is suitable for many contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. While generally neutral in tone, remember to use it appropriately and avoid common errors such as misusing it instead of the adverb "hurriedly". Top sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Economist demonstrate its widespread acceptance in journalistic and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a rush

Similar to "a hurry", emphasizing the need to do something quickly.

in haste

Implies a sense of urgency and speed in action; more formal than "a hurry".

pressed for time

Highlights the limited amount of time available to complete a task.

short on time

Similar to "pressed for time", indicating a lack of sufficient time.

against the clock

Suggests a race against time to finish something before a deadline.

with no time to spare

Emphasizes the lack of extra time available.

on the fly

Implies doing something quickly and without much preparation.

expeditiously

A more formal way of saying quickly or efficiently.

posthaste

An archaic term meaning as quickly as possible.

at warp speed

A more figurative term referring to great speed.

FAQs

How can I use "a hurry" in a sentence?

You can use "a hurry" to describe a state of being rushed, as in "I'm in "a hurry"" or "He left in "a hurry"".

What's the difference between "in a hurry" and "in a rush"?

Both "in "a hurry"" and "in "a rush"" are very similar and often interchangeable. The nuance might be that "a rush" implies slightly more urgency or chaos than "a hurry", but this is minimal.

When is it appropriate to use "a hurry" in formal writing?

While "a hurry" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "expeditiously" or "with haste" might be preferred in highly formal contexts. However, "a hurry" is common enough to be suitable in most professional communications.

What are some common phrases that include "a hurry"?

Common phrases include "I'm in "a hurry"", "He's always in "a hurry"", and "They left in "a hurry"". These phrases typically convey a sense of needing to act quickly.