initial quickness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial quickness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the speed or promptness of something at the beginning of a process or event. Example: "The initial quickness of the response was impressive, setting a positive tone for the rest of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Charles has good initial quickness.

The New York Times

But he has good initial quickness and understands the game.

The New York Times

Best's initial quickness, acceleration and open-field agility make him a great fit for this offense.

The New York Times

Smith has rare initial quickness – in both his first step and hand punch.

The New York Times

But there's also a hint of initial quickness to his game.

The New York Times

Brown lacks initial quickness in pass protection and absorbs, rather than delivers, blows in the run game.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

As a pass blocker, Ogden usually took his set with enough initial speed and quickness to beat the rusher to the spot.

The New York Times

Benson has underrated lateral agility and short-area quickness, but he lacks the initial burst to explode into cuts early in the run.

The New York Times

Strengths: Quickness, technique, experience.

The New York Times

Weaknesses: Edge quickness.

The New York Times

Weaknesses: Quickness, power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing athletic performance, use "initial quickness" to highlight a player's ability to rapidly accelerate or react at the start of a movement. It's particularly effective when discussing football, basketball or other sports where a fast first step is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "initial quickness" when you mean general speed or agility throughout an action or event. This phrase specifically refers to the very beginning, not sustained or average velocity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial quickness" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "initial" modifies the noun "quickness". It describes a quality, specifically the speed or rapidity at the start of an action or process. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial quickness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the speed and agility at the commencement of an action. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively highlights the importance of rapid starts and swift reactions. Related phrases include "starting speed" and "early agility", though they may carry slightly different nuances. When using "initial quickness", ensure it accurately reflects speed specifically at the beginning, not overall speed or agility. This phrase is a versatile tool for assessing and describing swift initiation in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting speed

Focuses on the speed aspect at the beginning, without necessarily implying agility.

early agility

Emphasizes agility at the start, possibly including coordination and swiftness of movement.

initial burst

Highlights a sudden, rapid acceleration at the beginning.

first step speed

Specifically refers to the speed of the very first movement or action.

early swiftness

Indicates the speed and promptness in the early phase of an activity.

getaway speed

Highlights the ability to quickly escape or move away from a stationary position.

acceleration onset

Emphasizes the beginning phase of acceleration.

prompt responsiveness

Highlights the speed and efficiency of reaction at the start.

starting velocity

Focuses on the speed aspect at the beginning, without necessarily implying agility.

lead off speed

Specifies the speed at the initial stage or action that starts the whole process.

FAQs

How can I use "initial quickness" in a sentence?

You can use "initial quickness" to describe someone's ability to accelerate rapidly. For example: "The player's "initial quickness" allowed him to beat the defender."

What are some synonyms for "initial quickness"?

Alternatives to "initial quickness" include "starting speed", "early agility", or "initial burst".

Is "initial quickness" formal or informal?

"Initial quickness" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts, often appearing in sports commentary and analytical reports. However, for more formal academic or scientific writing, consider using a more precise term depending on the context.

What does "initial quickness" emphasize?

"Initial quickness" emphasizes the speed and agility at the very start of an action or movement, highlighting the ability to react or accelerate rapidly from a standstill. In contrast, general "quickness" refers to overall speed and agility.