a swift turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a swift turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or sudden change in direction or action, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The conversation took a swift turn when she revealed her true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

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

| 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

With seven minutes left, a swift turn followed by a toe-poke and Palace were level, the comeback made complete by Jedinak's decisive header from a free-kick.

Independent

He moved down the left, outpaced two opponents, deceived a third, Gonzalo Higuaín, with a swift turn, and cut the ball back for Arne Friedrich, a defender, to score his first goal in eight years as a German international.

The New York Times - Sports

Labinot Haliti provided the cross to Rukavytsya who, with a swift turn and powerful strike, opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a left-footed shot to the top right corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But like one of Mejia's cut fastballs, the game took a sharp, swift turn as the Mets' defense fell apart during a sloppy sixth.

The New York Times - Sports

BALTIMORE — Baltimore's chief prosecutor charged six police officers on Friday with a range of crimes including murder and manslaughter in the arrest and fatal injury of Freddie Gray, a striking and surprisingly swift turn in a case that has drawn national attention to police conduct.

The New York Times

At the same time, the Germans' line of retreat into the Cap Bon Peninsula was severed by an armoured division's swift turn southeastward from Tunis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A performer of the dance intermittently introduces a mightily animated swift turning and a gentle lowering of the upper part of the body stimulated with eye-popping jumps that adds bounteous beauty to the dance.

Fashion and Textiles

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a swift turn" to effectively convey a sense of immediacy and surprise in changes or decisions within your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "a swift turn" excessively when simpler language like "sudden change" would suffice. Overusing it can make writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

"A swift turn" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a quick or sudden change. For example, "It was a swift turn of events."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a swift turn" is a noun phrase used to describe a rapid and often unexpected change. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. Related phrases include "a sudden shift" and "a rapid change". Use it judiciously to effectively convey immediacy without sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden shift

Emphasizes the abruptness of the change, focusing on the immediate transition.

a rapid change

Highlights the quickness of the transformation, stressing the speed of the alteration.

a quick reversal

Specifically denotes a change to the opposite direction or state, adding a sense of opposition.

a fast swing

Implies a broad or sweeping change, adding a sense of momentum and arc.

an abrupt alteration

Highlights the unexpected and sudden nature of the change, focusing on its surprising quality.

a brisk transition

Stresses the efficiency and smoothness of the change, focusing on its seamless quality.

a prompt adjustment

Denotes a timely and immediate modification, emphasizing responsiveness and timeliness.

a speedy deviation

Implies a fast departure from a previous course or plan, adding a sense of divergence.

a precipitous shift

Highlights the steepness and rapid descent or ascent of the change, emphasizing intensity.

an expeditious change

Stresses the efficiency and lack of delay in the change, focusing on its swift completion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a swift turn" to describe a sudden change in direction, strategy, or circumstance. For example, "The market took "a swift turn" after the announcement."

What phrases are similar to "a swift turn"?

Alternatives include "a sudden shift", "a rapid change", or "a quick reversal", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a swift turn" in formal writing?

Yes, "a swift turn" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to convey a sense of sudden and significant change in a concise manner.

What's the difference between "a swift turn" and "a gradual change"?

"A swift turn" implies an immediate and often unexpected change, while "a gradual change" suggests a slow, progressive transformation over time.