in fast

USAGE SUMMARY

"in fast" is not grammatically correct as written.
You could use the phrase "in a fast manner" or "quickly" instead. Example: She ran to the store in a fast manner.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I settled in fast.

Independent

Pledges are coming in fast.

The Economist

At least I am in fast company.

The New York Times

The orders were coming in fast.

The New York Times

It certainly doesn't happen in fast food".

The New York Times

Foxwoods fatigue was setting in fast.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In fast-twitch mode they burn sugar.

The Economist

Like a sky clearing in fast-forward.

The New York Times

He calls Moscow "a city living in fast-forward".

The Guardian - Books

The pine trees flashed by in fast-forward.

The Guardian - Sport

In fast-growing areas, there's a lot more anonymity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace the phrase "in fast" with more grammatically correct alternatives such as "quickly", "rapidly", or "speedily" to ensure clarity and adherence to standard English.

Common error

Avoid using "in" before adjectives that describe speed. It's more appropriate to use adverbs (e.g., "quickly") or prepositional phrases with nouns (e.g., "at a fast pace") instead of saying "in fast".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in fast" functions as an adverbial modifier, attempting to describe the manner in which an action occurs. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates this incorrectness, even while providing examples where the phrase appears.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in fast" is frequently encountered, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. While it appears in various sources, including news and media, its use is generally discouraged in formal writing. Instead, it's recommended to opt for more grammatically sound alternatives like "quickly", "rapidly", or "at a fast pace" to ensure clarity and adherence to standard English. Though widespread, prioritizing grammatical correctness enhances the credibility and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quickly

Replaces the prepositional phrase with an adverb, indicating a fast pace.

rapidly

Similar to 'quickly', but emphasizes the high rate of speed.

speedily

A more formal synonym for 'quickly', suggesting swiftness.

in a speedy manner

Expresses the concept of doing something with speed using a more grammatically correct construction.

at a fast pace

Focuses on the rate at which something is happening.

with haste

Indicates urgency and speed in performing an action.

promptly

Highlights the immediacy and lack of delay.

in short order

Suggests that something will be done quickly and efficiently.

in rapid succession

Implies that events are happening one after another very quickly.

posthaste

An archaic term emphasizing great speed and urgency.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in fast"?

While "in fast" is not grammatically correct, you can use adverbs like "quickly", "rapidly", or phrases like "at a fast pace" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in fast"?

No, the phrase "in fast" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use alternatives that adhere to standard English grammar.

How can I use "quickly" instead of "in fast" in a sentence?

Instead of saying "The returns are coming in fast", you can say "The returns are coming "quickly"".

What's the difference between "in fast" and "at a fast pace"?

"In fast" is not standard English. "At a fast pace" is a grammatically correct alternative that means something is happening "quickly" or rapidly.