in a trice

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a trice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an informal phrase which means 'very quickly' and is usually used at the end of a sentence. For example, "I finished my homework in a trice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a trice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a trice she was after him.

The New Yorker

It can come in a trice.

The Guardian

Can you live with that?" She'll agree in a trice.

The New York Times

But such headlines can change their target in a trice.

The Guardian - Opinion

A naval blockade could stop them in a trice.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a trice, the atmosphere had been transformed.

The Guardian - Sport

Nobody shouts here, and nobody laughs; youth flows by in a trance, and in a trice.

The New Yorker

Indeed, they feel they have recaptured in a trice the Australian way.

Independent

And, in this age of outsourcing, what decent jobs there are can vanish in a trice.

Independent

But a clever advertiser will solve that problem in a trice.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a trice" to add a touch of informality and emphasize the speed with which something happens. It works well in descriptive writing to create a sense of swiftness and ease.

Common error

While "in a trice" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "quickly" or "immediately" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a trice" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the speed or swiftness of an action. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct. It describes how something happens, similar to adverbs like "quickly" or "instantly."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a trice" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial, which means "very quickly" or "in an instant." Ludwig AI confirms it as a correct and usable phrase. While grammatically sound and frequently used, as demonstrated by numerous examples in news and media, it's best suited for informal contexts. More formal alternatives like "immediately" or "swiftly" are preferable in academic or professional writing. When used appropriately, "in a trice" effectively conveys a sense of speed and ease, adding a touch of informality to descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an instant

Focuses on the immediacy and lack of delay, similar to "in a trice" but slightly more formal.

in the blink of an eye

Highlights the speed and near-instantaneous nature of the action.

in a flash

Emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the action.

in a jiffy

An informal alternative, similar in tone to "in a trice".

in a moment

Indicates a short period of time, but can be slightly longer than "in a trice".

in no time

Suggests that something will happen or be done rapidly.

very quickly

A straightforward and less figurative way to express speed.

swiftly

Highlights the rapid manner in which something is done.

before you know it

Emphasizes the unexpected quickness of an event.

at once

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of any delay.

FAQs

What does "in a trice" mean?

"In a trice" means very quickly or in an instant. It's an informal way to describe something happening rapidly.

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

You can use "in a trice" to describe how quickly an action is completed. For example, "The cake disappeared "in a trice"."

What are some alternatives to "in a trice"?

Alternatives to "in a trice" include "in an instant", "in a flash", or "very quickly". Choose the best alternative based on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "in a trice" formal or informal?

"In a trice" is considered an informal expression. It is better suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. Use more formal alternatives in academic or professional contexts.