all due speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"all due speed" is a correct phrase used in written English.
It is typically used to express something should be done quickly but without sacrificing due care, diligence and caution. For example: "We have to finish this project before the deadline so let's proceed with all due speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Unfortunately, "all due speed" is too slow if you are the victim of a hack attack.

The Washington Post

I hope that the industry will join us in taking that to a conclusion with all due speed".

The Guardian

If Scotland votes Yes, the UK government will have to negotiate in good faith, and with all due speed.

The Guardian

"We need to proceed with caution and care but also with all due speed," White House press secretary Dana Perino said recently.

The Washington Post

While avoiding the appearance of an ignominious dash for the exits, but with all due speed, the United States needs to liquidate its presence in Iraq, placing the onus on Iraqis to decide their fate and creating the space for other regional powers to assist in brokering a political settlement.

The Washington Post

Efficiency is the final stage, otherwise we move with all due speed to our undoing.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He will be making the changes with all due deliberate speed, to satisfy the courts.

Huffington Post

We urge you to bring justice to our family with due speed.

The Guardian

When this file was rejected, teams did not escalate the matter with due speed".

Independent

Congress should act with due speed to hold hearings, the attorney general should have the justice department open an investigation, and the inspector general of the CIA should do the same," he said.

The Guardian

I like my wife, I just can't live with her.' " The term "trial separation" conjures a swift purgatory, something ducked into regretfully and escaped from with due speed, even if into that most conclusive of relationships, divorce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure the context warrants both urgency and caution; if only speed is required, simpler phrases like "quickly" or "immediately" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "all due speed" when the situation demands immediate, uncalculated action. This phrase implies careful consideration while acting quickly, which is different from simply rushing into something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all due speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action should be performed. It suggests a combination of urgency and careful consideration, as indicated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all due speed" is an adverbial phrase that strikes a balance between acting quickly and acting carefully. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it implies that something should be done as fast as possible while still maintaining precision and diligence. While found most commonly in news and media sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various professional and formal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context warrants both urgency and a need for caution; otherwise, simpler alternatives might be more fitting. Related phrases such as "with appropriate haste" or "expeditiously" can offer similar nuances, depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With appropriate haste

Similar in tone, replacing "due speed" with "appropriate haste".

With reasonable speed

More casual replacement that stresses doing something relatively fast.

As quickly as possible

More direct and less nuanced way to convey speed.

With dispatch

Focuses on efficient and effective action.

Expeditiously

Single word emphasizing speed and efficiency.

Promptly

Emphasizes readiness and immediacy in action.

Without delay

Focuses on the immediate action and lack of postponement.

In a timely manner

Highlights the importance of meeting deadlines or acting within a specific timeframe.

Posthaste

An older term for speed, adding a touch of formality.

At the earliest opportunity

Prioritizes doing something as soon as it is feasible.

FAQs

What does "all due speed" mean?

The phrase "all due speed" means to proceed as quickly as possible, but with appropriate care and attention to detail. It emphasizes a balance between urgency and diligence.

When is it appropriate to use "all due speed" in a sentence?

Use "all due speed" when you need to convey that something should be done quickly, but not recklessly. It's suitable when accuracy and thoroughness are also important alongside speed.

What can I say instead of "all due speed"?

You can use alternatives like "with appropriate haste", "expeditiously", or "as quickly as possible" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "all due speed" or "with due diligence"?

The choice depends on the context. "All due speed" emphasizes speed balanced with care, while "with due diligence" focuses primarily on thoroughness and care, even if it takes more time.