approached quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

"approached quickly" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something moving towards a person or place at a fast pace. Example: "The dog approached quickly, wagging its tail in excitement." Alternative expressions include "came near swiftly" and "moved closer rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The end approached quickly for the Trailhead Colony.

The New Yorker

A gunman approached quickly, running across a grassy median toward him.

The New Yorker

Several women complained that the first curve approached quickly while not allowing enough speed to be built.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, we assume Hardy-Weinberg proportions at each locus, a condition which is approached quickly for this continuous-time model if selection is weak (Nagylaki and Crow 1974; Nagylaki 1992).

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Moving day was approaching quickly.

The New York Times

The 2018 Spring Career Fair and many other career fairs are approaching quickly!

University of California, Berkeley

As April 1 approaches quickly, I am finding it exceedingly difficult to muster the courage to check the mailbox each day.

The New York Times

However, you need to keep up with dates and deadlines; some are approaching quickly (like Jan . 15and Feb. 1).

The New York Times

Silent electric scooters have largely replaced bicycles, and they zip along pavements, approaching quickly and without warning from all directions.

The Economist

A draw in Chicago would be a decent result and would set LA up on a path to success with games at Portland and Vancouver approaching quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

Innovations, which arise and are introduced into practice continuously, compel genetic counselors to update their skills, knowledge, and approach quickly to ensure adequate and appropriate care of patients.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the adverb immediately after the verb to maintain a direct and clear narrative flow in descriptive writing.

Common error

Writers sometimes use more intense verbs like "rushed" or "dashed" and still add "quickly". If you use a verb that inherently implies speed, the adverb becomes redundant. "approached quickly" is effective because "approach" itself is speed-neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approached quickly" functions as a verb phrase where the past participle "approached" is modified by the manner adverb "quickly". According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard construction used to specify the velocity of an arrival or a closing distance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approached quickly" is a perfectly correct and highly versatile English expression. Ludwig AI identifies it across a broad spectrum of high-authority sources, ranging from the literary reporting of The New Yorker to technical scientific models in Evolutionary Applications. While the exact three-word string may appear with lower frequency compared to variations like "approaching quickly", it remains a staple for writers needing to convey rapid movement or the swift onset of an event. It is characterized by its clarity and neutrality, making it suitable for almost any writing context. Whether you are describing a physical subject nearing a target or a chronological deadline looming, this phrase effectively balances simplicity with descriptive precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neared swiftly

Uses a more literary adverb to convey high speed

closed in fast

Implies a narrowing distance and often carries a sense of physical pursuit

advanced rapidly

More formal and often used in strategic or military contexts

drew near at once

Emphasizes the immediacy of the movement

came closer at speed

A more descriptive way to highlight the velocity of the approach

loomed suddenly

Adds a sense of surprise or intimidation to the rapid approach

gained ground fast

Focuses on the reduction of distance in a competitive or following context

hastened toward

Suggests an intentional or eager movement by the subject

converged rapidly

Specifically refers to multiple actors moving quickly toward a single point

descended upon

Indicates an approach that is overwhelming or from an elevated position

FAQs

How do I use "approached quickly" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe physical movement, such as "The storm front "approached quickly"", or metaphorical nearing, like a deadline.

What is a more formal way to say "approached quickly"?

In formal or academic writing, you might prefer to use "advanced rapidly" or "neared swiftly" to vary your vocabulary.

Which is correct: "approached quickly" or "quickly approached"?

Both are grammatically correct. "approached quickly" is the standard verb-adverb order, while "quickly approached" places stylistic emphasis on the speed itself.

What can I say instead of "approached quickly" for a pursuit?

If you are describing a chase or a threat, "closed in fast" or "gained ground quickly" creates more tension.