fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fast' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adverb to mean quickly, or as an adjective to mean able to move or happen quickly. Example sentence: He ran fast to catch up with his friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Lifestyle

Travel

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I want to bring our country together, our United Kingdom together, not least by implementing as fast as we can the devolution that we rightly promised and came together with other parties to agree both for Wales and for Scotland.

The Guardian

Whichever view you take, multicultural and tolerant or disapproving and fearful, the awkward fact is that we have not been breeding fast enough (or young enough) to keep society functioning without outside help, let alone educating ourselves to the levels a post-industrial economy is going to need.

The Guardian

Well, that was fast.

The New York Times

"It happened so fast".

The New York Times

The rise of fast fashion means that clothing stores get new products almost every week.

The Economist

"It was so fast.

The New York Times

Youth unemployment rates in Europe are especially rising fast and are over 30% in Italy, Portugal and Spain – approximately double US rates.

The Guardian - Opinion

One issue upon which they stuck fast - Grade apparently threatened to resign over it - was their opposition to "top-slicing" of the BBC licence fee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Starbucks and McDonald's are said to be a cut above their competitors in fast food and quick-serve restaurants.

The Guardian

We stood in front of an impatient queue of people at the entrance, their hopes of getting into the prison fading fast.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The main message from the report is that governments need to work harder to equip workers with the skills needed to cope with a fast-changing economic landscape.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the multiple meanings of "fast". Ensure the context clarifies whether you mean quick, secure, or abstaining from food.

Common error

While "fast" can be used as an adverb, using "quickly" often sounds more natural and grammatically correct in many sentences. For example, instead of saying "He ran fast", consider "He ran quickly" for improved clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "fast" functions as an adjective, adverb, noun, and verb. As Ludwig AI explains, "fast" can describe speed (adjective/adverb), indicate a firm state (adjective), or refer to abstaining from food (noun/verb).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sport

14%

Business

13%

Less common in

Lifestyle

9%

Travel

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fast" is a versatile word with multiple meanings, functioning as an adjective, adverb, noun, and verb. It commonly describes speed but can also refer to security or abstaining from food. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. When describing speed, consider the context; "rapid" or "swift" may be more appropriate in formal writing. Pay attention to ensure the intended meaning is clear. Remember that using "quickly" can sometimes sound more natural than using "fast" as an adverb. Given its frequent use in News & Media, Sport, and Business contexts, "fast" is a valuable term to understand and use effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick

Indicates speed or promptness, closely related to "fast" and often interchangeable.

rapidly

Adverb form emphasizing the speed of an action, similar to using "fast" as an adverb.

rapid

Emphasizes high speed or swiftness, similar to "fast" but often used in more formal contexts.

swift

Highlights the speed and smoothness of movement or action, similar to "fast" but more poetic.

speedy

Focuses on achieving high speed, similar to "fast" but can also imply efficiency.

prompt

Highlights immediate or timely action, similar to "fast" in terms of quickness.

expeditious

Stresses efficiency and speed in completing a task, more formal than "fast".

firm

When "fast" means firmly fixed, this alternative replaces the meaning.

secure

Similar to firm, when "fast" indicates a state of being well-protected or unyielding.

fixed

Implies a state of being firmly attached or secured, when "fast" means tightly secured.

FAQs

How can I use "fast" in a sentence?

"Fast" can be used in various ways. As an adjective, it describes something moving quickly, such as a "fast car". As an adverb, it describes how something is done, like "He ran fast". It can also refer to abstaining from food.

What's the difference between "fast" and "rapid"?

Both "fast" and "rapid" describe speed, but "rapid" is often used in more formal or technical contexts. For example, you might describe technological advancements as "rapid" rather than "fast".

Which is correct, "drive fast" or "drive quickly"?

Both "drive fast" and "drive quickly" are grammatically correct, but "drive quickly" may be perceived as more formal and precise. "Drive fast" is more common in everyday conversation.

What does it mean to "fast"?

To "fast" means to abstain from food or certain types of food for a period. This can be for religious, ethical, or health reasons.