in quick order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in quick order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done promptly or without delay. Example: "The team completed the project in quick order, impressing the client with their efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Other parties have emerged in quick order.

The New York Times

In quick order, Goodman took another shot from about the same spot, and sank that one.

The New York Times - Sports

"Heartland's true colours finally came through, and now people are jumping ship in quick order".

The Guardian

In quick order, a joint American-Bahamian rescue effort was under way.

The New York Times

In quick order, the skiffs surrounded the swans and herded them toward shore.

The Washington Post

And after we'd argued over it I carried the day, and in quick order chopped the tree down.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

In its pearl form, which has the external husk removed, it cooks in fairly quick order — less than 30 minutes.

The New York Times

Most of all, contractors are appealing when a victory is possible in relatively quick order.

The New York Times

From dominance to parity in fairly quick order was not what either of them had envisaged.

The Guardian - Sport

"Hapless males will die in very quick order, while successful females will have to escape the attentions of birds and people," says Pearce-Kelly.

Independent

It led to a bit of a messy aftermath, but it ended the war's major combat operations in fairly quick order.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in quick order" to emphasize the speed and lack of delay in a sequence of events. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting efficiency or rapid response.

Common error

While "in quick order" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "promptly", "swiftly", or "immediately" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in quick order" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done rapidly or without delay. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in quick order" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies speed and efficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify verbs, emphasizing the rapid or immediate nature of an action. While versatile, overuse should be avoided for stylistic reasons. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its register leans towards neutral yet remains accessible in various contexts. Synonyms like "promptly" or "swiftly" can provide stylistic variation. In summary, the phrase is a useful and correct addition to a writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in short order

Similar meaning, but uses different wording.

without delay

Directly states the absence of any waiting period.

promptly

Emphasizes immediate action without delay.

swiftly

Highlights the speed and efficiency of an action.

immediately

Highlights the instantaneous nature of an action.

rapidly

Focuses on the fast pace at which something happens.

in rapid succession

Emphasizes the closely spaced occurrence of multiple events.

speedily

Similar to swiftly but may imply more organization.

expeditiously

Suggests efficiency and speed in handling a task.

forthwith

An older, more formal way of saying immediately.

FAQs

How can I use "in quick order" in a sentence?

You can use "in quick order" to describe events that happen rapidly or tasks that are completed swiftly. For example, "The firefighters arrived "in quick order" and extinguished the blaze."

What phrases are similar to "in quick order"?

Alternatives to "in quick order" include "promptly", "swiftly", "rapidly", and "immediately". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in quick order"?

Yes, "in quick order" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something happens quickly or without delay.

What is the difference between "in quick order" and "in short order"?

"In quick order" and "in short order" are very similar in meaning. Both phrases indicate that something happens or is completed rapidly. The choice between them is often a matter of personal preference.