it was swift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was swift" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or event that occurred quickly or with speed. Example: "The response to the emergency was swift, ensuring everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was swift work, executed with a razor-sharp focus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not so much because it was cruel but because it was swift, impersonal and deluded.

The New York Times - Magazine

At AGC, it was swift and unexpected, the dagger of global competition.

The New York Times

When change finally came late in 1989, it was swift and full of surprises.

The New York Times - Arts

It was swift, carrying the corps to the ocean at a clip of 30 miles a day.

The New York Times

And then it surprised me from the very first chapter: it was swift, witty and satirical, with a fine eye for English manners and English snobbery.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The comet of 1750 had moved too quickly through the sky to be Swift-Tuttle, and the comet of 1737, if it was Swift-Tuttle, had taken a decade too long to come back to Earth.

The New Yorker

Buscombe's predecessor, Christopher Meyer, was a staunch defender of the system, arguing that it was swifter and more effective than any other approach.

The Guardian

It is swift!

The New Yorker

It is swift, economical, single-minded.

The New Yorker

Will it be swift or will it be bloody?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "it was swift" with specific details to provide context and impact. For example, "The company's response to the crisis was swift, deploying resources within hours."

Common error

Avoid repeating the word "swift" too frequently in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, use synonyms like "rapid", "quick", or "prompt" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was swift" functions as a descriptive statement, typically serving as a predicate adjective construction. This expression attributes the quality of swiftness to a subject, indicating that something happened quickly and efficiently. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

14%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was swift" effectively communicates the speed and immediacy of an event or action, making it a valuable tool in various writing contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across multiple domains, especially in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader engagement. Whether describing a decisive action or a quick resolution, understanding the nuances of "it was swift" ensures impactful and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it happened quickly

Focuses on the speed of the occurrence itself.

it transpired rapidly

Uses a more formal vocabulary to emphasize the speed of the event's unfolding.

it occurred promptly

Highlights the immediacy and timeliness of the event.

it unfolded swiftly

Emphasizes the smooth and rapid progression of the event.

it took place speedily

Focuses on the brisk pace at which the action unfolded.

it was expeditious

A more formal way of saying it was efficient and quick.

it was immediate

Indicates there was no delay.

it was fast

A simpler, more direct way of indicating speed.

it was hasty

Can imply that something was done too quickly, potentially with negative consequences.

it was lightning-fast

Emphasizes extreme speed, likening it to the speed of lightning.

FAQs

How can I use "it was swift" in a sentence?

Use "it was swift" to describe an action or event that happened quickly and without delay. For example: "The investigation "it was swift" and efficient."

What are some alternatives to "it was swift"?

Some alternatives include "it was quick", "it was rapid", "it was immediate", or "it was prompt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was swift"?

Yes, ""it was swift"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to describe the speed of an event or action.

What is the difference between "it was swift" and "it was fast"?

While both phrases indicate speed, ""it was swift"" often implies a sense of efficiency and purposefulness, whereas "it was fast" simply denotes high speed.