a swift about turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a swift about turn" is not correct in standard English; it should be "a swift about-turn." You can use it to describe a quick change in direction or opinion, often in a figurative sense.
Example: "After realizing the mistake, the company made a swift about-turn in its policy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others, though, do a swift about-turn as soon as they have made it through the bottleneck at the door.

The Guardian - Film

Such a swift about-turn would have been more difficult if interest-rate decisions had remained in the hands of a politician, sensitive to the opinion polls.Yet there is a problem, for inflation is not influenced only by interest rates.

The Economist

"I appear to have one more resolution," said Peter Hill-Wood, Arsenal's old-money, straw-man chairman, performing a swift about-turn after a surreptitious word from a suited apparatchik.

Independent

By mid-2011, it had pushed up interest rates seven times; but as the krona strengthened sharply and the economy slowed, it was forced into a swift about-turn.

The Guardian - Business

Pantazi says young women are often grilled by potential employers about whether they intend to have a family, and that the wrong answer can lead to a swift – and illegal – about-turn.

The Guardian

By the early-2000s, drugs and jail sentences had eclipsed their skating and soon their lives and relationships with one another took a swift downwards turn.

Vice

It was a swift turn of events for Mr. Torricelli.

The New York Times

He is also unlikely to set hopes too high on a swift turn to functioning democracy.

The New York Times

But no one thinks a swift victory will turn the economy around: indeed, the net effect of war could be a further economic drain.

The Economist

| July 6 and July 14 at 2 and July 12 at 8: Handel's "Giulio Cesare" marks a swift turn backward to the grandeur of Baroque opera.

The New Yorker

A swift turn in the box by Liam Boyce brought a foul by Sean Kelly.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sudden change of direction or policy, use the correct form "a swift about-turn" (with a hyphen) or consider alternatives like "a rapid reversal" or "a quick turnaround".

Common error

The most common error is writing "a swift about turn" without the hyphen. Remember to use "a swift about-turn" to ensure grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a swift about turn" (incorrect) is intended to function as a noun phrase, describing a rapid change or reversal. Grammatically, it needs a hyphen to become "a swift about-turn" to be correct. Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect as it is.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a swift about turn" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "a swift about-turn" (with a hyphen). As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase aims to describe a quick change in direction or opinion. Given the absence of exact matches, usage frequency is missing. Remember to use the hyphenated form to maintain grammatical accuracy and consider alternatives like "a rapid reversal" or "a quick turnaround" for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rapid reversal

Emphasizes the speed and the act of reversing a decision or action.

a quick turnaround

Focuses on the speed of change, implying a positive improvement or recovery.

an abrupt shift

Highlights the suddenness and unexpected nature of the change.

a sudden change of heart

Specifically refers to a change in attitude or opinion.

a volte-face

A more formal term for a complete reversal of opinion or policy.

a U-turn

An idiomatic expression denoting a complete change of direction or policy.

doing an about-face

Expresses the act of changing one's opinion or behavior completely.

reversing course quickly

Describes the action of changing direction in a prompt manner.

changing direction swiftly

Emphasizes the speed and alteration of the direction.

pivoting rapidly

Suggests a strategic change in approach or focus.

FAQs

What is the correct way to write "a swift about turn"?

The correct way to write it is "a swift about-turn", including a hyphen between "about" and "turn".

What does "a swift about-turn" mean?

It means a quick and complete change of direction, opinion, or policy. You can use alternatives like "a rapid reversal" or "a quick turnaround".

Can I use "a swift turn" instead of "a swift about-turn"?

While "a swift turn" implies a quick change, it doesn't carry the same sense of a complete reversal as "a swift about-turn". Consider using alternatives based on context.

What are some alternatives to "a swift about-turn"?

Some alternatives include "a rapid reversal", "a quick turnaround", or "an abrupt shift" depending on the nuance you want to convey.