a tad fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tad fast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly too quick or rapid, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The presentation was a tad fast, making it hard for some of the audience to keep up with the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Each sonata jumped to life, but perhaps especially the first movement of the Beethoven, which was taken a tad fast -- or maybe just with a tad more rhythmic incisiveness than one is used to -- and where the extraordinarily numerous ideas were all fully embodied before being discarded.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fact, countries that export commodities grew just a tad faster, at 5.4% a year, than nonexporters, which on average grew 4.6% from 2000 through 2008.

Harvard Business Review

The Washington Post also thought my reaction a tad "fast-breathing".

The New York Times

Turning pages on the Kindle is a tad faster now.

The New York Times - Tech

"I'll be busy," he says, urging her to fix her hair a tad faster.

The New York Times - Arts

Their assets grew just a tad faster, suggesting that they are expanding their businesses on firm foundations.

The Economist

Think how many more she might have netted if she'd twigged just a tad faster that Clark Kent was Superman.

The Guardian

Lane is a willowy athlete; Hart is a pass-rushing specialist who needs to be a tad faster to justify his slight 6'0", 248-pound build.

The New York Times

As old-timers like to point out, the Parks Department has cleaned up the race trails in recent years, making them smoother, less hazardous and perhaps a tad faster.

The New York Times - Sports

For the final round, with the greens running a tad faster as they dried out from the rain earlier in the week, he switched back to his trusty old friend.

Independent

In the forwards, Pierre Spies gives way to the only No8 who might be even a tad faster than himself, Ryan Kankowski, while Chiliboy Ralepelle swaps with Bismarck Du Plessis, one grand name in for another.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tad fast" when you want to gently suggest that something is slightly quicker than desired or expected, without being overly critical.

Common error

Avoid using "a tad fast" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and formal language like "slightly faster" or "somewhat quicker" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tad fast" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "fast". According to Ludwig, it's used to express that something is slightly quicker than desired or expected.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Arts

23%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tad fast" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that something is slightly too quick. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for informal and neutral contexts, and it should be used sparingly in formal writing. Alternatives include "slightly fast" or "a bit quick". The phrase's relative infrequency suggests it is not overused, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing nuanced opinions about speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly fast

Replaces "a tad" with "slightly", maintaining the meaning of a minor degree.

A bit quick

Uses "a bit" instead of "a tad", offering a more informal tone.

Somewhat rapid

Substitutes "fast" with "rapid", indicating a more formal expression.

Just a little fast

Emphasizes the small degree of quickness using "just a little".

Moderately speedy

Replaces both "a tad" and "fast" with "moderately" and "speedy", providing a more descriptive alternative.

Barely fast

Highlights the minimal extent of quickness using "barely".

Marginally fast

Indicates a slight difference in speed with "marginally".

A shade fast

Offers a more nuanced expression of slight quickness with "a shade".

A touch fast

Uses "a touch" to convey a delicate and subtle degree of speed.

Ever so slightly fast

Amplifies the small degree with the intensifier "ever so slightly".

FAQs

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

You can use "a tad fast" to describe something that is slightly too quick or rapid. For example, "The music was "a tad fast" for a slow dance".

What can I say instead of "a tad fast"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly fast", "a bit quick", or "somewhat rapid" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a tad fast" or "a little fast"?

Both "a tad fast" and "a little fast" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone.

Is "a tad fast" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a tad fast" is generally more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "slightly faster" or "somewhat quicker".