in a flash

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a flash" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It indicates that something happened quickly, without warning. Example: "He ran across the street in a flash, just as the car was about to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It happened in a flash.

The New York Times - Sports

All in a flash".

The Guardian - Tech

Gone in a flash.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then, in a flash, it dissipated.

The New Yorker

Three break points gone in a flash.

The New York Times

Even Hiroshima whizzes by in a flash.

Independent

The spectacle went by in a flash.

The New Yorker

— in a flash of shock and awe".

The New Yorker

On the screen in a flash.

The New York Times - Science

This one just went in a flash.

Independent

He caught her arm in a flash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a flash" to vividly describe events that happen quickly and unexpectedly. This adds impact to your writing and helps readers visualize the speed of the action.

Common error

While "in a flash" is widely understood, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "instantaneously" or "immediately" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a flash" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it modifies a verb or clause to describe the speed at which an action occurs. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to describe how quickly events happen or how rapidly something changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a flash" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe something happening very quickly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing this phrase in formal writing, opting instead for more sophisticated alternatives. It vividly conveys speed and immediacy, enriching descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an instant

Synonymous phrase with a slightly more emphatic tone.

in the blink of an eye

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the speed and brevity of an event.

in no time

Emphasizes speed and efficiency.

instantaneously

Single word adverb replacing the phrase with a more formal tone.

at lightning speed

Metaphorical comparison to lightning, highlighting extreme speed.

in a heartbeat

Idiomatic expression indicating something happened very quickly.

before you knew it

Phrase emphasizing the unexpected and rapid nature of the event.

with blinding speed

Phrase that highlights the velocity of an action.

in a jiffy

Informal synonym, implying a quick and easy action.

just like that

Emphasizes the suddenness and ease of the event.

FAQs

What does "in a flash" mean?

"In a flash" means very quickly or instantaneously. It's used to describe something that happens suddenly and rapidly.

How can I use "in a flash" in a sentence?

You can use "in a flash" to describe actions or events that occur swiftly, such as: "The opportunity disappeared "in a flash"." or "In a flash, the game turned."

What are some alternatives to "in a flash"?

Alternatives to "in a flash" include "instantaneously", "in an instant", "in the blink of an eye", or "immediately".

Is it appropriate to use "in a flash" in formal writing?

While widely understood, "in a flash" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "instantaneously" or "immediately".