at a swift clip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a swift clip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something happening quickly or at a fast pace. Example: "The runners moved at a swift clip, eager to finish the marathon before sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thomas Penn covers the first 16 years of Henry's rule at a swift, perfunctory clip, deepening and slowing only in 1501 when, at the doomed wedding of Catherine of Aragon to Prince Arthur, a certain irrepressible "carrot-haired" lad, foreshadowing the modern Harry, appears in public to escort her.

The Economist

She recalls once provoking mum into dispensing a swift head clip, followed by hours of maternal remorse that my sister manipulated as only a girl can.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, Republicans have been taking over statehouses and governorships at a swift rate.

The Economist

You've spent days, months, years of your life moving at a swift pace.

Huffington Post

I'm mesmerized by how any individual can devour jelly beans at such a swift pace.

Huffington Post

Because the criminal investigation did not get into full swing until early this year, the fast work signals to potential defendants that the investigation is moving at a rapid clip and that the government is prepared to take swift action on portions of the case -- even if the larger investigation is months, or years, from completion.

The New York Times

Both are growing at a rapid clip.

The Economist

Some are growing at a rapid clip.

The New York Times

Take it at a city clip.

The New York Times - Arts

Other hostel enterprises are building at a similar clip.

The New York Times - Travel

AMERICANS are kicking their smoking habit at a healthy clip.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a swift clip" when you want to emphasize the speed or pace at which something is happening. It is suitable for describing progress, movement, or any kind of activity that occurs rapidly.

Common error

Avoid using "at a swift clip" when describing something negative that happens quickly, such as a sudden decline. It's better suited for positive or neutral contexts where speed is a desirable characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a swift clip" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is happening quickly or progressing rapidly, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a swift clip" is a prepositional phrase used adverbially to describe the speed at which something occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions to indicate that something is happening quickly. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for objective reporting. While there are many alternatives, such as "at a rapid pace" and "quickly", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance and level of formality. When using this phrase, it's best to avoid negative contexts where speed might be undesirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a rapid pace

Emphasizes speed, replacing "swift clip" with "rapid pace".

at a fast rate

Focuses on the rate of progress, substituting "swift clip" with "fast rate".

at a brisk tempo

Highlights the tempo or rhythm, replacing "swift clip" with "brisk tempo".

quickly

A single-word adverb emphasizing speed, simplifying the original phrase.

speedily

Similar to "quickly", but with a more formal tone.

at full tilt

Implies maximum speed or effort, a more figurative alternative.

in rapid succession

Highlights the sequence of events occurring quickly, shifting the focus slightly.

at speed

A concise way to indicate that something is happening with velocity.

at a gallop

Suggests a very fast pace, often used metaphorically.

at warp speed

A science fiction reference implying extremely high speed, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "at a swift clip" in a sentence?

You can use "at a swift clip" to describe the speed at which something is happening, for example: "The project is progressing "at a swift clip", thanks to the team's hard work."

What can I say instead of "at a swift clip"?

You can use alternatives like "at a rapid pace", "at a fast rate", or "quickly" depending on the context.

Is "at a swift clip" formal or informal?

"At a swift clip" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both news reporting and general communication, but may be slightly less formal than alternatives like "expeditiously" or "rapidly".

What is the difference between "at a swift clip" and "at a snail's pace"?

"At a swift clip" describes something moving or progressing quickly, whereas "at a snail's pace" describes something moving or progressing very slowly. They are antonyms.