did not hurry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not hurry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone took their time or was not rushed in completing a task or action. Example: "She did not hurry to finish her painting, wanting to ensure every detail was perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Drivers did not hurry to put on their seatbelts when slowing for a checkpoint.

The New York Times

He was so roughly handled that he did not hurry their departure seriously.

The Guardian

This time he did not hurry his stroke or force his rhythm.

The New York Times - Sports

The platform was almost deserted, except for the eight or nine people who did not hurry to catch the train before it pulled out at 9 30.

The New York Times

When it happened, he was in Castile on a hunting trip and did not hurry back.The Socialist government in Madrid has recently needled the PP by pulling down statues of Franco.

The Economist

According to several survivors, many of these firefighters did not hurry to get out of the building because they seemed unaware of the evacuation order and the fact that the south tower had collapsed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The night didn't hurry when it came.

The New Yorker

I didn't hurry with them after overcrowded tap-taps — the run-down, beautifully painted cars that are the Haitian version of public transport.

The New York Times

Mr. Tanimoto wanted to help them, but the priests were afraid that Father Schiffer would die if they didn't hurry, and they urged their ferryman along.

The New Yorker

He was homesick for Bay Shore, pondering an East Coast transfer, and didn't hurry back for the opening day of sophomore semester.

The New York Times

My son told me that if we didn't hurry up and get on it, he would be too old to care.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not hurry" to emphasize a deliberate and unhurried approach, especially when highlighting a careful or thoughtful process. For example, "The artist did not hurry when applying the finishing touches, ensuring every detail was perfect."

Common error

Avoid using "did not hurry" in situations that naturally require speed or urgency. It can create an odd or even humorous contrast, but that may not always be your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not hurry" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of urgency or haste in performing an action. It typically modifies a verb, providing information about the manner in which the action was carried out. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not hurry" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys a deliberate lack of haste. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to emphasize thoughtfulness or a relaxed approach. While alternatives like "took their time" or "was not rushed" exist, "did not hurry" offers a balanced tone suitable for various situations. When using it, avoid contexts that inherently demand speed, and consider whether a more formal or informal tone might be more appropriate. The phrase is a valuable tool for writers seeking to convey a sense of calm and deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took their time

Emphasizes the act of using sufficient time, implying a lack of rushing.

was not rushed

Highlights the absence of pressure or urgency.

remained unhurried

Highlights the state of being without pressure to be fast.

proceeded leisurely

Focuses on the unhurried and relaxed manner of proceeding.

refrained from rushing

Specifically mentions the act of avoiding any sense of urgency.

kept a measured pace

Implies a consistent and deliberate lack of speed.

moved at a slow pace

Indicates a deliberate lack of speed in movement or progress.

advanced without haste

Stresses the absence of hurriedness while moving forward.

lingered

Suggests a prolonged stay or action, without any sense of urgency.

dawdled

Implies a slow and aimless pace, often with unnecessary delays.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "did not hurry" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "proceeded leisurely" or "advanced without haste" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "did not hurry" and "dawdled"?

"Did not hurry" implies a deliberate lack of speed, while "dawdled" suggests a slow and aimless pace, often with unnecessary delays. The latter carries a connotation of wasting time.

Is it ever appropriate to use "didn't hurry" instead of "did not hurry"?

Yes, "didn't hurry" is simply the contracted form of "did not hurry" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

How to use "did not hurry" in a sentence?

The phrase "did not hurry" can be used to describe someone's action, highlighting they took their time. For example, "She "did not hurry" to finish her painting, wanting to ensure every detail was perfect."