fast forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"fast forward" is a correct and commonly-used expression in written English.
It means to move quickly to a later point in time. For example, "With the new CEO in place, the company was able to fast forward their strategic plan by two years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Fast forward to 2013.

The New York Times

Fast forward 14 centuries.

The New York Times - Books

Fast forward to now.

Independent

Fast forward to 2009.

The New York Times - Sports

Fast forward to 2005.

Cornell University

Fast forward seven years.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Fast-forward two months.

The New York Times

"Fast-forward ten minutes".

The New Yorker

Fast-forward to June.

The New York Times

Fast-forward 10 years.

Harvard University

Fast-forward six years.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fast forward" to smoothly transition between different points in a narrative or explanation. It helps readers quickly grasp the passage of time or the shift in focus.

Common error

While "fast forward" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise language like "subsequently" or "later" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fast forward" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the act of quickly advancing to a later point in time or sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used expression. Examples from Ludwig show its use in transitioning narratives, like "Fast forward to 2013."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fast forward" is a common verb phrase used to indicate a quick transition to a later point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. While suitable for news, general writing, and even some academic contexts, it's essential to consider more formal alternatives like "subsequently" or "moving ahead" for professional or highly technical writing. The phrase's frequency is categorized as common. Ludwig's examples show that the primary sources using this phrase include News & Media and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skip ahead

This alternative is a more informal way to suggest moving forward, implying a deliberate choice to bypass some content.

jump to

This alternative suggests a sudden transition to a specific point, often used in discussions or explanations.

advance to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of progressing to a subsequent stage or point.

move on to

This alternative emphasizes the transition from one topic or time to another.

progress to

This alternative emphasizes a forward movement in a series or sequence.

leap forward

This alternative suggests a significant and rapid advancement.

cut to

This alternative, derived from film editing, is often used to indicate a quick shift in scene or time.

flash forward

This alternative is a literary or cinematic technique indicating a jump to a future scene.

move forward in time

This alternative is a more descriptive and literal way of expressing the concept.

turn the clock forward

This alternative uses metaphorical language related to time measurement for a similar effect.

FAQs

How can I use "fast forward" in a sentence?

You can use "fast forward" to indicate a jump ahead in time, like in the sentence "Let's "fast forward" five years and see what has changed."

What's a more formal alternative to "fast forward"?

Instead of "fast forward", consider using phrases like "subsequently", "moving ahead", or "progressing to" in more formal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "fast forward" in writing?

"Fast forward" is suitable for narratives, explanations, and discussions where you want to quickly move to a later point in time or a different stage of a process. However, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing.

What's the difference between "fast forward" and "flash forward"?

"Fast forward" generally indicates a simple jump ahead in time, while "flash forward" is a literary or cinematic device used to reveal events that will happen in the future, often creating suspense or anticipation.