all too fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all too fast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is happening more quickly than desired or is overwhelming in its speed. Example: "The days passed all too fast during our vacation, and before we knew it, we had to return home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"You have to have your wits about you," says U.K.-based racing driver Karen Andrews, "as blind summits and bends come all too fast, and a slight lapse in concentration will see you eating a hedge or a dry stone wall".

Forbes

The name of her shop says it all: Too Fast to Live Too Young to Die.

Independent

I say I can't do this, it's all too fast; I need a break.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All too fast for me, but right on schedule for Atlantis, she pierces the clouds.

The Guardian

"It's all too fast," one of them says, afraid that overexposure may damage Sarkozy's ratings.

The Guardian

Perhaps the construction of a European demos of this kind is all too much, all too fast.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's all a bit too fast for me.

The Guardian

It all went too fast.

The New York Times

Does he never worry about it all happening too fast?

The Guardian - Film

The top-ranked Huskies (10-0) rebounded and sprinted on the fast break all afternoon — too fast, too talented, too committed to victory for the 11th-ranked Buckeyes.

The New York Times - Sports

"It just all happened too fast," he said," and by the time I might have got to it, he had the jump on me".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all too fast" when you want to express that something is happening more quickly than desired or expected, often implying a negative consequence or regret. For example, "The opportunity passed all too fast, and I missed my chance."

Common error

While "all too fast" is generally acceptable, be mindful of overusing it in very formal writing. In such cases, consider substituting with more precise or sophisticated vocabulary such as "unduly rapid" or "excessively swift".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all too fast" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates the speed at which an action occurs, often implying it's quicker than desired. It enhances descriptions by adding the nuance of unwanted rapidity, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all too fast" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that conveys a sense of unwanted or excessive speed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a suitable for general use. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Predominantly featured in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources, its expressive nature is ideal for conveying subjective experiences of time and speed. Mastering the use of "all too fast" allows for a more nuanced and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all too quickly

Replaces "fast" with "quickly", emphasizing the speed of the action.

far too rapidly

Substitutes "all too" with "far too" and "fast" with "rapidly", intensifying the sense of excessive speed.

much too quickly

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the speed using "much too" instead of "all too".

way too fast

Replaces "all too" with "way too", making it more informal.

excessively fast

Uses the adjective "excessively" to describe the speed, offering a more formal tone.

unduly rapid

Employs "unduly" and "rapid" for a more formal and critical tone.

overly swift

Replaces "fast" with "swift" and "all too" with "overly" offering similar meaning.

too rapid for comfort

Expresses that the speed is not just fast, but uncomfortably so.

at an excessive pace

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the excessive speed.

more rapidly than desired

Specifies that the speed exceeds the preferred or acceptable rate.

FAQs

How can I use "all too fast" in a sentence?

Use "all too fast" to indicate that something is happening more quickly than desired. For instance, "The summer vacation ended "all too fast"."

What are some alternatives to "all too fast"?

Alternatives include phrases like "all too quickly", "far too rapidly", or "way too fast", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "all too fast" formal or informal?

"All too fast" sits in a neutral to slightly informal register. While suitable for general writing and conversation, more formal contexts might benefit from options like "excessively rapid".

What does "all too fast" imply?

"All too fast" often implies a sense of regret or dissatisfaction that something has happened quicker than desired. It suggests a wish for more time or a slower pace.