how quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how quickly" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an adverbial phrase to modify the verb in a sentence and indicates the speed, pace, or efficiency of an action. Example: How quickly time flies! (This sentence means that time passes by very fast.).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How quickly?

The New York Times - Sports

How quickly we forget.

The Guardian - Opinion

How quickly that changed.

The Guardian

"See how quickly".

The New Yorker

How quickly things change.

The New York Times

But how quickly?

The New York Times - Health

How quickly the young forget.

The New York Times

"See how quickly," I said.

The New Yorker

HOW quickly fortunes can change.

The Economist

And how quickly things go.

The New York Times - Sports

How quickly the narrative changes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how quickly" to emphasize the rapid pace of change, action, or development. For example, "Observe how quickly technology evolves".

Common error

Avoid using "how quickly" when the focus is not on speed but rather on the method or manner of an action. In such cases, consider alternatives that highlight the process rather than the speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how quickly" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a question or statement about the speed or rate at which something occurs. It modifies the verb or action in the sentence, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples like, "How quickly things change".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how quickly" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to inquire about or emphasize the speed or rate of an event. As validated by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, signifying its broad applicability. While it maintains a neutral register, it's important to consider the context and desired emphasis, particularly when choosing among alternatives like "how fast" or "at what rate". Remember to focus on the emphasis of speed rather than the method when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how rapidly

Replaces "quickly" with "rapidly", maintaining the same sense of speed and swiftness.

how swiftly

Substitutes "quickly" with "swiftly", denoting a similar sense of speed and efficiency.

how fast

Uses a simpler and more direct synonym for "quickly", suitable for informal contexts.

how soon

Highlights the immediacy or promptness of an event, rather than its overall speed.

at what rate

This alternative emphasizes the rate or pace at which something occurs, rather than just the speed.

at what speed

Similar to "at what rate", this focuses on the velocity at which something occurs.

in how short a time

This phrase emphasizes the brevity of the time period in which something occurs.

in what time frame

Shifts the focus to the duration in which something happens, rather than pure speed.

how expeditiously

Replaces "quickly" with a more formal and elaborate term, "expeditiously", emphasizing efficiency.

with what velocity

Uses a more technical term, "velocity", to describe the speed of something.

FAQs

How can I use "how quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "how quickly" to inquire about the speed or rate at which something happens. For example, "How quickly can you complete the task?" or "How quickly did the situation change?"

What are some alternatives to using "how quickly"?

Alternatives include "how fast", "at what rate", or "how rapidly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "how quickly" in formal writing?

Yes, "how quickly" is appropriate in formal writing. While it's a straightforward expression, its grammatical correctness and clarity make it suitable for various registers, including academic and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "how quickly" and "how fast"?

While often interchangeable, "how quickly" typically emphasizes efficiency or ease, whereas "how fast" focuses more on the pure speed or velocity of an action. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.