a little fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little fast" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing the speed or pace of something. For example: - The horse ran a little fast, but the jockey was able to control its speed. - Can we slow down a little? This car is going a little fast for my liking. - Her heart beat a little fast as she approached the finish line. - The music played a little fast at the beginning, but then the tempo evened out.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Film

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Just a little fast".

The New Yorker

I'm going a little fast here for myself.

Yale University

"It's a little fast this week," Mr. Schneider said.

The New York Times

You see a guy moving a little fast.

The New York Times - Sports

The radar guns might have been a little fast.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet, it's all a little much, a little fast.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

FAST AND FASTER -- Fast food just got a little faster.

The New York Times - Tech

"Rome is a little fast-paced, but oh my, to kneel on the steps that Christ walked on," she said, her eyes welling up.

The New York Times

The river flowed a little faster now.

The New Yorker

I'm a little faster.

The New York Times - Sports

I breathed a little faster.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing music tempo, use "a little fast" to suggest a slight increase in pace without being overly critical. For instance: "The pianist played the piece "a little fast", but it still sounded beautiful."

Common error

Avoid using "a little fast" in contexts where precision is crucial, such as scientific measurements. Opt for quantifiable terms like "slightly above the average speed" for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little fast" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which something is fast. It is used to subtly adjust or qualify the speed or pace being described. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Film

5%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Opinion

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little fast" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that adds nuance to descriptions of speed or pace. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While it's appropriate for both casual and semi-formal settings, writers should consider opting for more precise terminology in formal or technical writing. When providing feedback, "a little fast" serves as a gentler, more constructive alternative to direct criticism, suggesting a need for minor adjustments rather than drastic changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly rapid

Replaces "fast" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a measured increase in speed.

a touch rapid

Similar to 'slightly rapid' but with a more delicate and understated tone.

somewhat quick

Substitutes both "little" and "fast" with alternatives that suggest a moderate degree of pace.

a tad speedy

Uses a more informal term for "little" and replaces "fast" with a synonym that also implies velocity.

marginally accelerated

Emphasizes the action of speeding up, using a more technical and precise vocabulary.

relatively swift

Highlights the comparative aspect of the speed, implying a faster pace than a reference point.

a bit hasty

Changes the focus to the potential for impulsiveness implied by moving too quickly.

moderately brisk

Suggests an energetic and lively pace, suitable in contexts like walking or activity levels.

moving with haste

Shifts the focus to the manner of movement, indicating urgency or quick action.

proceeding swiftly

Emphasizes the continuous and unbroken nature of the faster pace or process.

FAQs

How can I use "a little fast" in a sentence?

You can use "a little fast" to describe something that is moving or happening slightly quicker than desired or expected. For example, "The music was playing "a little fast", so the dancers had trouble keeping up."

What's a more formal alternative to "a little fast"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "slightly rapid" or "somewhat quick". These alternatives maintain the meaning of being slightly faster but sound more polished.

Is it correct to say "a little fast" or should I use "a little quickly"?

"A little fast" is generally preferred in informal contexts, while "a little quickly" can sound more formal or precise, though less common. The choice depends on the desired tone and the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says things are moving "a little fast"?

When someone says things are moving "a little fast", it usually means that the pace of events is slightly overwhelming or that they feel rushed. It implies a need to slow down or take more time to adjust.