hurry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hurry" is correct and usable in written English in almost any context.
For example, you could say "We need to hurry if we want to make it to the store before it closes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mendes, 34, is in no hurry to do another film and wants to direct a play at the Donmar first.

The Guardian - Film

There's no hurry.

The New York Times - Sports

But hurry.

The New York Times

Or, as migrants themselves put it: "I had problems with the Taliban and had to leave Afghanistan in a hurry".

The Guardian

There was no hurry, we had an eight-hour journey ahead.

The Guardian - Travel

Should you ever find yourself needing to leave the country in a hurry – and haven't we all been the target of a nationwide manhunt now and again?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Conservatives indicated today they were in no hurry to reply as they are busy preparing for the forthcoming TV debates, which start next Thursday.

The Guardian

Unaccompanied children hurry excitedly back from the shoreline where they have been rockpooling or shrimping, with buckets full of shells and crabs.

The Guardian - Travel

Susan Berman's friends have initiated conversations only to shut them down in a hurry.

The Guardian

It is also because walking through Algiers is like walking through the wreckage of a recently abandoned civilisation, whose citizens have only just departed in a hurry, leaving behind them their most personal possessions which you immediately recognise.

The Guardian

Andrew Marr has always had the air of a man in a hurry, urgent with purpose and a sense of destination.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hurry" as a verb, be mindful of the preposition. Use "hurry up" to tell someone to go faster, but "hurry to" to indicate moving quickly towards a destination.

Common error

Avoid using "hurry" as a subject when you mean "haste" or "urgency". For example, instead of "Hurry is needed", say "Haste is needed" or "There is a need to hurry".

Linguistic Context

The word "hurry" functions as both a verb, indicating the act of moving or acting quickly, and a noun, referring to the state of being in haste. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hurry" is a versatile word, functioning as both a verb and a noun, generally employed to convey the necessity for speed or prompt action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The analysis reveals that "hurry" is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a variety of writing styles. For alternatives, consider using "rush", "hasten", or "expedite" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the word "hurry", make sure that you don't say that "Hurry is needed" instead of "Haste is needed" or "There is a need to hurry".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rush

Slightly more informal and can imply a sense of being overwhelmed or disorganized.

speed up

A phrasal verb that is straightforward and widely applicable.

hasten

More formal and suggests an effort to accelerate something.

make haste

An older, more literary way to say "hurry".

expedite

Focuses on making a process faster and more efficient, often in a business context.

get a move on

An informal idiom that encourages someone to start moving or acting quickly.

step on it

An idiomatic expression, typically used informally to urge someone to go faster, especially in driving.

shake a leg

An older, slightly humorous way to tell someone to hurry.

look lively

An order to hurry up, often used in a military or similar context.

get cracking

Informal, British English for starting something quickly and with energy.

FAQs

How can I use "hurry" in a sentence?

You can use "hurry" as a verb, such as "We need to hurry if we want to catch the train", or as a noun, as in "What's the hurry?"

What are some alternatives to the word "hurry"?

Alternatives include "rush", "hasten", or "expedite", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "in a hurry" or "in hurry"?

The correct phrase is "in a hurry". For example, "I left in a hurry this morning".

What is the difference between "hurry" and "rush"?

"Hurry" generally implies a need for speed, while "rush" can also suggest a lack of organization or being overwhelmed. You might "hurry" to catch a bus, but you might feel a "rush" of adrenaline.