as quick as lightning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as quick as lightning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that moves or reacts very quickly. Example: "She completed the project as quick as lightning, impressing everyone with her speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Eifel hills are special because the weather can change there as quick as lightning".

The New York Times - Sports

As quick as lightning, the man asked, 'Missus going to move?' I was, but not for another week.

BBC

I usually walk as quick as lightning so carrying this huge, heavy bump and walking like a snail took some getting used to!

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Perez, a switch-hitting outfielder with wit as quick as his lightning legs, has emerged as a surprising contributor to the no-longer-surprising Rays.

The New York Times - Sports

Farah was not quite as quick as the Lightning Bolt down the home straight in the 5,000m final yesterday, although in gritting his teeth, digging deep and coming up with a distance runner's sprint, the 28-year-old Londoner succeeded in achieving what he had failed to accomplish in the 10,000m the previous Sunday.

Independent

Get up as quick as you can".

The Economist

It was as quick as that".

BBC

As quick as two weeks.

Huffington Post

When monitoring, be as quick as possible.

WikiHow

Grab some loot as quick as possible.

WikiHow

They move as fast as lightning all the time.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as quick as lightning" when you want to emphasize the exceptional speed or rapidity of an action or event, particularly when comparing it to something naturally fast and sudden.

Common error

While "as quick as lightning" is vivid, it can sound informal or cliché in professional or academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "extremely rapid" or "with great rapidity" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as quick as lightning" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to describe the speed at which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as quick as lightning" is a phrase used to describe something exceptionally fast. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, although its frequency is rare. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, this phrase is considered grammatically correct but may sound informal in academic or business settings. For more formal writing, alternatives like "extremely rapid" might be more suitable. Remember to use this vivid expression when you want to emphasize speed by comparing it to the suddenness of lightning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with lightning speed

Similar to "at lightning speed" but emphasizes the manner in which something is done.

at lightning speed

Transforms the phrase into an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, focusing on the rate of action.

incredibly fast

Replaces the simile with a straightforward adjective and adverb combination.

in the blink of an eye

Focuses on the instantaneous nature of the action, rather than the speed itself.

extremely rapid

Uses a more formal tone by substituting "quick" with "rapid" and "as lightning" with "extremely".

at breakneck speed

Implies a dangerous or reckless speed, adding a sense of risk.

like a shot

Implies sudden and rapid movement, often used in informal contexts.

with great rapidity

More formal; "rapidity" replaces "quickness", increasing the level of formality.

faster than a speeding bullet

A more hyperbolic and dramatic way to express extreme speed.

at full tilt

Suggests maximum effort and speed, often used in informal contexts.

FAQs

What does "as quick as lightning" mean?

The phrase "as quick as lightning" describes something that happens very rapidly or swiftly, comparing its speed to that of a lightning strike.

Are there more formal alternatives to "as quick as lightning"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using phrases like "extremely rapid" or "with great rapidity" to maintain a professional tone.

How can I use "as quick as lightning" in a sentence?

You can use "as quick as lightning" to describe actions, reactions, or processes that occur very fast. For example, "The news spread as quick as lightning across the internet."

Is "as fast as lightning" similar to "as quick as lightning"?

Yes, "as fast as lightning" is a very similar phrase and can often be used interchangeably with "as quick as lightning" to describe something very speedy.