act hastily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act hastily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is making decisions or taking actions quickly, often without careful consideration. Example: "In his rush to meet the deadline, he tended to act hastily, which sometimes led to mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He did not act hastily, however.

Independent

"We accept that window of opportunity and act hastily".

The New York Times

She did not wish to act hastily, to do anything she might afterward regret.

Independent

Civil liberties and privacy groups are pleading with Congress not to act hastily on the package.

The New York Times

Chris Bevilacqua, a former Nike executive, said the company was unlikely to act hastily.

The New York Times - Sports

It is doubtful Democrats would act hastily to scale back the filibuster against legislation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"They acted hastily and unilaterally," said Barbara Bowen, president of the Professional Staff Congress, which represents CUNY's faculty.

The New York Times

Labour MPs said that such draconian measures would need new laws and the council had acted hastily.

The Guardian

The official also challenged the criticism made in some foreign capitals that the Algerian military had acted hastily and with excessive force.

The New York Times

The plan has stirred criticism from some urban planners, community boards and City Council members, who have contended that the mayor has acted hastily.

The New York Times

The family said the N.C.A.A. acted hastily and without regard for due process in accepting the results of the university's internal investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before acting, pause and consider the potential consequences. Even a brief moment of reflection can prevent you from having to "act hastily" and regretting your actions later.

Common error

Avoid the trap of thinking that acting quickly always equates to being productive or efficient. Sometimes, slowing down and carefully considering your options before you "act hastily" can lead to better results in the long run.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act hastily" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It modifies the verb, emphasizing the speed and lack of consideration involved. Ludwig's examples show it describing decisions made by individuals and organizations alike.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act hastily" describes making quick, often ill-considered decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While appropriate for neutral contexts like news and general discussions, remember that acting without proper thought can lead to negative outcomes. Alternatives such as "act impulsively" or "make a rash decision" offer similar meanings. The best approach is to balance speed with careful consideration to avoid the need to "act hastily".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act without thinking

Stresses the absence of careful thought before acting.

act impulsively

Focuses on acting based on sudden urges or inclinations.

make a rash decision

Highlights the potential negative consequences of acting quickly.

rush into things

Implies entering a situation or activity too quickly.

jump to conclusions

Emphasizes forming opinions or judgments without sufficient evidence.

make a snap judgment

Highlights the speed and potential inaccuracy of the decision.

take precipitous action

A more formal way of saying act hastily.

act injudiciously

Implies acting without good judgment or wisdom.

act imprudently

Suggests acting without caution or foresight.

shoot from the hip

Informal expression suggesting making quick, often unplanned decisions or statements.

FAQs

How can I use "act hastily" in a sentence?

You can use "act hastily" to describe someone making quick decisions without careful thought. For example, "The government should not "act hastily" in implementing new policies".

What does "act hastily" mean?

"Act hastily" means to act quickly and impulsively, often without thinking through the consequences. It implies a lack of careful consideration before taking action.

What are some alternatives to "act hastily"?

Some alternatives to "act hastily" include "act impulsively", "make a rash decision", or "jump to conclusions".

Is it better to "act hastily" or to deliberate?

Whether it's better to "act hastily" or deliberate depends on the situation. In emergencies, quick action may be necessary. However, for important decisions, deliberation is generally preferable to avoid acting without considering the consequences.