in a hurry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a hurry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe that someone needs to do something quickly. For example, "I have to finish my report by tomorrow, so I'm working on it in a hurry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's in a hurry.

The New Yorker

"Everybody's in a hurry".

The New York Times

Lydia left in a hurry.

The New Yorker

America is in a hurry.

The Economist

"We're not in a hurry.

The New York Times

"I'm in a hurry, anyway.

The New Yorker

A businessman in a hurry.

The New Yorker

Or those in a hurry?

The Economist

"I'm in a hurry now".

The New Yorker

I was in a hurry.

The New York Times

In a hurry between shows?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a hurry" to convey a sense of urgency or lack of time. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overusing "in a hurry" in highly formal writing can sound slightly informal. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "expeditiously" or "promptly" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a hurry" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of needing to act quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a hurry" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone is short on time or needs to act quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While appropriate for various contexts, consider using more formal synonyms like "expeditiously" in professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, reflecting its widespread usage in describing time-sensitive situations. Related phrases include "rushed" and "pressed for time", providing alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rushed

Focuses on the state of being pushed for time.

pressed for time

Highlights the limited amount of time available.

short on time

Similar to "pressed for time", emphasizing a lack of time.

running late

Indicates that someone is behind schedule.

in haste

More formal synonym for "in a hurry".

quickly

Focuses on the speed of action.

expeditiously

Emphasizes efficiency and speed.

posthaste

An archaic way to say "as quickly as possible".

without delay

Focuses on the immediate commencement of an action.

at full speed

Emphasizes the maximum velocity of an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a hurry" to describe someone who is rushing or short on time. For example, "She left "in a hurry" because she was late for her appointment."

What's the difference between "in a hurry" and "in a rush"?

While similar, "in a hurry" generally implies a need to complete something quickly due to time constraints, whereas "in a rush" can also imply being flustered or disorganized. They're often interchangeable, but context matters.

What are some alternatives to "in a hurry"?

Alternatives include "rushed", "pressed for time", or "short on time" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "in a hurry" is generally acceptable, but in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "expeditiously" or "promptly" for a more sophisticated tone.