be quick about it

USAGE SUMMARY

'be quick about it' is a correct phrase in English and can be used in both spoken and written English.
It is usually used to encourage someone to hurry up and complete a task or figure out a solution. For example, you could say "We need to finish the project before the deadline, so be quick about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Be quick about it.

The New Yorker

"Burt said to get him on the team and be quick about it.

The New York Times - Sports

But they'll have to be quick about it: next year's must-reads are about to round the bend.

The New York Times

MPs had queried the method of change, urging ministers to draft something fairer; and to be quick about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, one-sixth of the U.S. population is without health insurance, and Republicans have decided that defeating Mr. Obama is more important than the welfare of 50 million Americans: Let them die and decrease the surplus population and be quick about it.

The New York Times

Certainly, if there are any Angry Young Men out there now preparing to make their entrances, they had better be quick about it, otherwise I wonder who on earth will still be around to recognise them, still less have the space to record their triumphs for posterity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It can take 10 years to flower if grown from seed but can also be introduced to a garden by being transplanted if you are quick about it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unschooled in our rough ways, a visitor from America might assume he is being threatened, but actually the glare means that your order can now be taken — as long as you're quick about it.

The New York Times - Books

"Understand me if you like or can, and realise you will pay the penalty, probably with your head, unless you're quick about it," is his attitude, and one cannot avoid the surmise that if he knew better what was wanted he would take more pains to make his message clear.

The Guardian - Books

So if you, Steve, put an order to buy, and you're quicker about it than I am for 100 shares, if I come in a second or two seconds or a minute after you, at the same price, at 1,000 shares, I will actually step ahead of you and then we'll share in the execution on a prorated bases.

Forbes

A local girl will have hips and a nice ass but won't be quick about letting you touch her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be quick about it" when you want to express urgency in a direct but not overly aggressive manner. It is suitable for both professional and informal settings.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid using "be quick about it" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "expedite the process" or "act promptly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be quick about it" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or urging someone to take swift action. As Ludwig AI explains, it encourages haste in completing a task. The phrase's directness makes it suitable for clear communication where time is of the essence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be quick about it" is a correct and commonly used imperative phrase that urges someone to act swiftly. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for many situations but should be used cautiously in overly formal settings. Its primary function is to motivate prompt action, and it appears most frequently in news media and general contexts. While generally appropriate for both professional and informal situations, remember to consider your audience. Alternatives such as "hurry up" or "make haste" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hurry up

More direct and informal.

Make haste

More formal and archaic.

Be prompt

Focuses on timeliness and efficiency.

Don't delay

Emphasizes avoiding postponement.

Get a move on

Informal and emphasizes starting quickly.

Step on it

Informal and suggests increasing speed.

Get cracking

British informal suggesting starting something with enthusiasm.

Look lively

British informal encouraging speed and energy.

Expedite the process

Formal and business-oriented.

Move swiftly

Emphasizes grace and speed.

FAQs

How can I use "be quick about it" in a sentence?

You can use "be quick about it" to urge someone to complete a task rapidly. For example, "We need to leave soon, so "be quick about it" with your packing!"

What's a more formal alternative to "be quick about it"?

For a more formal setting, you could use phrases like "expedite the process" or "act promptly".

Is "be quick about it" appropriate for all situations?

While generally acceptable, "be quick about it" might be too informal for highly formal or academic contexts. Consider the audience and adjust your language accordingly.

What does "be quick about it" imply?

It implies a need for speed and efficiency in completing a task or taking action. It's a direct way of telling someone to hurry.