in haste

USAGE SUMMARY

"in haste" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that was done quickly and/or without proper consideration. For example, "I packed my bags in haste and forgot to include several important items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

C. A. Purpus ?in haste!

University of California, Berkeley

DIVORCE in haste, repent at leisure.

The Economist

A MESSENGER enters in haste.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The two married in haste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's not something to dismiss in haste.

Independent

Nor was this decision undertaken in haste.

Yale University

THE Hanford Nuclear Reservation was conceived in haste.

The Economist

Legislate in haste, repent at leisure.

The Guardian

A balloon dartboard abandoned in haste.

The New Yorker

Regulate in haste, repent at leisure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, tweet in haste, repent at leisure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in haste" to vividly describe actions done quickly and potentially carelessly, adding a layer of nuance that simple adverbs like 'quickly' might miss. For example, instead of writing 'He signed the document quickly', consider 'He signed the document in haste', which implies he may not have read it carefully.

Common error

While "in haste" is widely accepted, overuse in formal or academic writing can make the writing appear less sophisticated. Opt for more precise and nuanced alternatives like 'expeditiously' or 'promptly' when appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in haste" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is common. As seen in the examples, it indicates that an action is carried out quickly and often without careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in haste" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier, indicating that an action was performed quickly and potentially without due consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Remember to use it judiciously, especially in formal writing, where more precise alternatives might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hastily

This single-word adverb directly conveys the meaning of doing something quickly and without much thought.

hurriedly

Similar to 'hastily', but suggests a sense of urgency and rapid movement.

in a hurry

This phrase conveys a similar sense of urgency and speed as the original phrase.

in a rush

Expresses a state of being hurried or pressed for time.

quickly

A more general term for speed, lacking the connotation of carelessness.

rapidly

Focuses on the speed of the action, without necessarily implying a lack of caution.

expeditiously

Implies efficiency and speed, often in a more formal or business context.

without delay

Indicates that something is done promptly, but doesn't necessarily imply a lack of care.

at full tilt

Suggests doing something with maximum effort and speed, potentially recklessly.

at warp speed

An informal and hyperbolic way to describe something done very quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "in haste" to describe an action performed quickly and often without much thought or care. For example, "She packed "in haste" before the storm arrived" or "The decision was made "in haste" without considering all the consequences".

What are some alternatives to "in haste"?

Alternatives to "in haste" include "hastily", "hurriedly", "quickly", or "in a hurry". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in haste" or "hastily"?

"In haste" is a prepositional phrase, while "hastily" is an adverb. Both convey the idea of doing something quickly. "In haste" can sometimes add a bit more emphasis on the lack of deliberation.

What is the difference between "in haste" and "in a rush"?

While both phrases indicate speed, "in haste" often implies a lack of care or thoroughness due to the speed, whereas "in a rush" simply means doing something quickly because of time constraints. For example, someone might leave a meeting "in a rush" to catch a train, but make a decision "in haste" without considering all the facts.