in one fell swoop

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "in one fell swoop" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom that means to do something quickly or at once. Example: The company completed the project in one fell swoop.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Everything has changed in one fell swoop.

The Guardian

"It met everybody's objectives in one fell swoop," Knapp said.

The Washington Post

The explosion killed 198 people in one fell swoop.

The Washington Post

It's the ordinary and the extraordinary in one fell swoop".

The New York Times - Arts

All your experienced people will go in one fell swoop.

The New York Times

In one fell swoop they have kept a key manager".

The Guardian - Tech

From con to consultant in one fell swoop.

The Guardian - Film

The Taliban were smashed in one fell swoop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Presentation of a poetry unit in one fell swoop and only then is another drawback.

Yale University

In one fell-swoop.

TechCrunch

Leo did it all in one fell swoop, which is amazing".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. While the phrase is versatile, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing. It's more suitable for news articles and less so for scientific/formal papers unless used to describe a sudden shift.

Common error

Avoid using "in one fell swoop" when describing gradual or incremental processes. It specifically denotes a sudden, complete action, not a step-by-step progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in one fell swoop" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It emphasizes the sudden and complete nature of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "in one fell swoop" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe an action that is performed quickly and completely. Ludwig's examples show its widespread use in news, media, and academic contexts. Although versatile, its appropriateness depends on the formality of the writing, with more neutral alternatives available for highly formal contexts. It's a powerful way to convey a sense of immediacy and decisiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at one stroke

Highlights the decisiveness and efficiency of an action.

in one go

Emphasizes completing something in a single attempt or effort.

in one hit

Similar to 'in one go', implying a single, successful attempt.

all at once

Focuses on the simultaneity of an action, without necessarily implying completeness.

with a single action

Highlights the singular nature of the act leading to a broader outcome.

in a single move

Highlights the strategic and efficient nature of an action.

in one step

Suggests a direct and uncomplicated approach to achieving something.

in a flash

Stresses the speed and suddenness with which something is accomplished.

in an instant

Focuses on the immediacy and abruptness of a change or accomplishment.

at a single bound

Emphasizes the ease and swiftness of overcoming an obstacle or achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "in one fell swoop" in a sentence?

Use "in one fell swoop" to describe an action that achieves multiple outcomes simultaneously or a sudden, sweeping change. For example, "The new policy addressed several issues "all at once"".

What does "in one fell swoop" mean?

"In one fell swoop" means to do something quickly, completely, or all at once. It implies that something is accomplished in a single, decisive action.

What phrases are similar to "in one fell swoop"?

Similar phrases include ""all at once"", "in one go", or "at one stroke", which all convey the idea of accomplishing something completely and quickly.

Is it appropriate to use "in one fell swoop" in formal writing?

While "in one fell swoop" is generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone. In highly formal or scientific contexts, a more neutral phrase like "simultaneously" or "at the same time" may be more appropriate.