in quick time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in quick time" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means to do something quickly or efficiently, so it can be used in any situation where that meaning applies. For example: "The team was able to finish the project in quick time, despite the last-minute changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Things happen in quick time.

The New Yorker

Butler also worked in quick time to build all the sympathy he could for McNamee.

The New York Times - Sports

But aces out wide to win another game in quick time.

The Guardian - Sport

France contained them both, and after Ménez had a goal ruled offside, the goals came in quick time.

The New York Times - Sports

4 Mick Lanes Instead of bus lanes to get me round Essex and into London in quick time.

The Guardian

"There again, it's a beautifully constructed melody that steps up, evolves, and slips back, all in quick time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In 2005, Hoon approved a £1bn contract to this company, which was controversially declared a preferred bidder, despite claims that other companies could have provided better value-for-money helicopters in quicker time.

The Guardian

England, however, would have run through the Essex batting in quicker time had they not been defied by 90 from opener Jaik Mickleburgh.

BBC

In addition, prostate cancer studies have demonstrated that Src kinase expression and activation is associated in quicker time to relapse and shorter disease-specific survival (Tatarov et al, 2009).

British Journal of Cancer

Even the lights in these tanks are programmed to reproduce, in quick-time, the weather recorded at Giverny when Monet was painting the Nymphéas that now hang in the Musee de l'Orangerie.

The Guardian - Arts

The Scots had all qualified for the final in quicker times than their Bury-born rival but finished fifth, seventh and eighth respectively.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in quick time" when you want to emphasize the speed and efficiency with which something is accomplished. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Do not use "in very quick time" as it is redundant. "In quick time" already implies a high degree of speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in quick time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the manner or speed with which an action is performed. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a proper and valid expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in quick time" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is done rapidly or efficiently. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is used across various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing, though it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. For more formal writing, alternatives like "expeditiously" may be more suitable. Remember to avoid redundant phrasing such as "in very quick time". The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the speed of an action. The authoritative sources, like The Guardian and BBC, frequently employ this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in short order

An idiom conveying the idea of something happening soon and efficiently.

rapidly

Single-word adverb replacing the prepositional phrase, indicating speed.

swiftly

Suggests a fast and smooth execution.

speedily

Similar to 'rapidly', but with a slightly more formal tone.

promptly

Focuses on the immediacy and lack of delay.

without delay

Emphasizes the absence of any waiting period.

expeditiously

Implies efficiency and promptness in handling something.

in a flash

An idiomatic expression suggesting something happens almost instantaneously.

in a jiffy

Informal idiom meaning very quickly.

at warp speed

A hyperbole suggesting exceptional speed.

FAQs

What does the phrase "in quick time" mean?

The phrase "in quick time" means rapidly or efficiently. It suggests that something is done or achieved swiftly and without delay.

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

You can use "in quick time" to describe an action that is completed quickly. For example, "The team finished the project "in quick time", thanks to their efficient workflow."

What are some alternatives to saying "in quick time"?

Some alternatives to "in quick time" include "rapidly", "swiftly", or "expeditiously". Each of these words conveys a sense of speed and efficiency.

Is "in quick time" formal or informal?

"In quick time" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "expeditiously" might be preferred in highly formal writing.