faster than anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faster than anticipated" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has happened more quickly than expected. For example, "The project was completed faster than anticipated, which allowed us to move on to the next stage of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It sold out much faster than anticipated.

Independent

"Everything is happening faster than anticipated".

The New York Times

Some things went faster than anticipated.

The New York Times - Arts

To that end, Sprewell is healing faster than anticipated.

The New York Times - Sports

However, as many Kenyans can attest, budgeted airtime often disappears much faster than anticipated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The global climate is changing faster than anticipated, and we have to do something about it.

Cornell University

It notes specifically that the costs of solar and wind have fallen much faster than anticipated.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

At the same time, demand for oil is lower than expected because of a faster-than anticipated economic slowdown in China and elsewhere.

The Guardian - Business

Technically, that isn't until 2015, but the reserve ended up selling off enough helium to pay back the $1.3 billion loan at a faster-than-anticipated clip.

The Washington Post

Part of the reason Club Penguin did not meet its profit targets, Mr. Merrifield said, involves faster-than-anticipated expansion overseas.

The New York Times

Positive effects included a faster-than-anticipated rate of weight gain, decreased hepatosplenomegaly, and lowering of the total IgG and IgM concentrations toward more normal values.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faster than anticipated" to emphasize a positive deviation from expectations, especially when highlighting efficiency or progress. For example, "The product launch was faster than anticipated, allowing the company to capitalize on market trends sooner."

Common error

Avoid using "faster than anticipated" when the quicker pace leads to undesirable outcomes. Instead, consider phrases like "prematurely" or "unexpectedly quickly" to convey the negative connotation more accurately. For example, don't say "The budget was depleted faster than anticipated" if it implies financial mismanagement; use a phrase like "The budget was depleted prematurely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faster than anticipated" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the manner in which an action occurs, specifying that it happens at a rate exceeding expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "faster than anticipated" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to express that something is happening more quickly than expected. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly news, academic, and scientific writing, though a more formal tone might be preferred in certain academic settings. Common synonyms include "ahead of schedule" and "sooner than expected", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When using "faster than anticipated", it's important to ensure the context implies a positive surprise; otherwise, alternative phrasing may be more appropriate. Considering the source quality and expert rating, the phrase is a reliable and versatile tool in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sooner than expected

This alternative focuses on the timing of an event, highlighting its early occurrence.

ahead of schedule

This phrase implies that something is completed or progressing before the established timeline.

more rapidly than forecast

Implies a quicker development compared to what was predicted beforehand.

more quickly than projected

This indicates a speedier progress compared to the original projections or estimates.

in less time than planned

Focuses on the reduced amount of time required compared to the initial plan.

at an accelerated pace

This phrase emphasizes the increased rate or speed at which something is happening.

with unexpected swiftness

Highlights both the speed and the surprise element of the event's progression.

expeditiously

This adverb directly conveys the idea of something being done quickly and efficiently.

before the due date

Specifically emphasizes the advancement of completion relative to a deadline.

at a breakneck speed

This emphasizes an extremely fast pace, potentially implying some risk.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "faster than anticipated" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "sooner than expected", "ahead of schedule", or "more expeditiously than projected". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone. For example, instead of saying "The project was completed faster than anticipated", you could say "The project was completed "ahead of schedule"".

What's the difference between "faster than anticipated" and "sooner than expected"?

"Faster than anticipated" generally refers to the speed or rate at which something happens, whereas "sooner than expected" focuses specifically on the timing or occurrence of an event. While both are similar, "faster than anticipated" emphasizes the process, and "sooner than expected" emphasizes the arrival or completion. You can use "sooner than expected" when speaking about date and time.

Is it appropriate to use "faster than anticipated" in academic writing?

Yes, "faster than anticipated" is appropriate for academic writing, particularly when discussing research findings or project timelines. However, ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and style of your paper. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "more rapidly than projected" may be preferred.

What are some common synonyms for "faster than anticipated" that I can use to avoid repetition?

To avoid repetition, you can use synonyms such as "ahead of schedule", "more quickly than projected", or "at an accelerated pace". Each of these options provides a slightly different nuance while conveying the same general meaning. Try to use "more quickly than projected" when citing numbers or statistics.