a swift order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a swift order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a command or request that is given quickly or with urgency. Example: "The manager issued a swift order to the team to complete the project ahead of the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If you own a bar, club or restaurant, it can mean a swift order to shut down.

The New York Times

But the result is a swift order to inspect the other thousands for the same problem and fix it.

The New York Times

The National Association of Immigration Judges alleges that Trump administration officials transferred the case of an undocumented immigrant away from a Philadelphia-based immigration judge because the judge didn't give them the outcome they wanted: a swift order of deportation when the immigrant didn't show up in court for a hastily scheduled hearing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Perhaps it was the toppling of Sun in such swift order that sent a shiver up these tough guys' spines.

TechCrunch

The final approach would be decided "in reasonably swift order", he said.

The Guardian

In swift order after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Pakistani president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, announced that he was terminating Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban and renewing the alliance with the United States.

The New York Times

JPMorgan will take over Bear Stearns in swift order.

Forbes

If the cabinet agrees the outright ban, Blair is expected to order a swift public consultation to ensure there is no major backlash.

The Guardian

The speaker ordered a swift second and third reading of the bill and pronounced it passed.

The Economist

On Monday, Judge Brinkema ordered a swift, routine mental examination of Mr. Moussaoui and said she was inclined to allow him to represent himself.

The New York Times

The home secretary, Alan Johnson, has placed the future of the expert body at the centre of the row over drugs policy in doubt by ordering a swift review of how it operates, the Guardian has learned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a swift order", ensure the context supports the sense of urgency and immediate action implied by the phrase. Consider whether a more nuanced term like "prompt command" or "immediate directive" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a swift order" in formal or business writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less professional than alternatives such as "a prompt command" or "an immediate directive", especially when documenting critical decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a swift order" functions as a noun phrase, where "swift" modifies "order". It describes the manner in which an order is given, emphasizing its speed and lack of delay. Ludwig's examples showcase usage in contexts like shutting down establishments or initiating inspections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a swift order" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a command or directive given quickly. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and acceptable in English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts where a sense of urgency needs to be conveyed. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a prompt command" or "an immediate directive", depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the required urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prompt command

Replaces "swift" with "prompt", maintaining the sense of immediacy but sounding slightly more formal.

an immediate directive

Substitutes both "swift" and "order" to highlight the urgency and authoritative nature of the instruction.

a rapid instruction

Uses "rapid" instead of "swift", focusing on the speed of the instruction given.

a quick decree

Replaces "order" with "decree", suggesting a more formal and authoritative command.

a fast command

Emphasizes speed with the word "fast", a more common synonym for "swift".

an expedited instruction

Highlights the accelerated nature of the instruction, using more formal language.

a speedy directive

Synonymous with "swift", "speedy" also stresses the quickness of the directive.

an express command

Suggests a command delivered with clear and direct urgency.

a brisk command

Implies a sharp and efficient command, differing slightly in tone.

a hasty directive

Conveys a sense of urgency and potential impulsiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "a swift order" in a sentence?

You can use "a swift order" to describe a command given quickly and decisively, as in, "The general issued "a swift order" to advance".

What's a good alternative to "a swift order"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a swift order" include "a prompt command", "an immediate directive", or "a rapid instruction".

Is it more appropriate to say "a swift command" or "a swift order"?

Both "a swift command" and "a swift order" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Order" might imply more authority, while "command" is more neutral.

What does "swift" emphasize in the phrase "a swift order"?

"Swift" emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the order. It indicates that the instruction was given quickly and is expected to be carried out promptly.