lightning fast

USAGE SUMMARY

"lightning fast" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It's an idiom that means something is happening or happening at an extremely fast rate. For example, you could say, "The new computer processor runs lightning fast".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Lightning fast.

The New York Times

We're going lightning fast.

The New Yorker

This time the track was lightning fast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On paper, Ruhl's career looks lightning fast.

The Guardian

"So it's got to be lightning fast".

The New York Times - Tech

He could tell lightning fast when something was good.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He's a lightning-fast MetroCard swiper.

The New York Times - Magazine

These lightning-fast beasts are fed methanol.

The New York Times - Travel

With lightning-fast skating and daring lifts, they were mesmerizing.

The New York Times - Sports

Within that culture is a lightning-fast information network.

The New York Times

Wakenshaw's transformations are lightning-fast: blink and you'll miss them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lightning fast" to describe processes, actions, or events that occur with exceptional speed and efficiency. For instance, "The new software update installed lightning fast, improving system performance immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "lightning fast" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or scientific terminology is expected. Opt for alternatives like "rapid" or "high-speed" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lightning fast" primarily functions as a compound adjective to describe the speed or quickness of a noun. It modifies nouns by emphasizing their exceptionally high speed. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lightning fast" is a commonly used adjective phrase to describe something exceptionally quick or rapid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts, to emphasize speed and efficiency. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to informal settings. For more formal contexts, synonyms such as "highly expeditious" or "incredibly rapid" might be more appropriate. Its primary function is to modify nouns, highlighting their remarkable speed and enabling writers to create vivid and impactful descriptions of rapid actions or processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swift as lightning

Inverts the structure and employs a simile to directly compare the speed to lightning.

blindingly fast

Replaces "lightning" with "blindingly" to emphasize the extreme speed, suggesting it's almost too fast to perceive.

ultra-quick

Emphasizes speed using the prefix "ultra-" to denote the highest degree of quickness.

incredibly rapid

Substitutes both words for synonyms that maintain a formal tone, indicating high speed.

with the speed of light

Uses a common comparison to the fastest thing known, similar to 'lightning fast'.

supersonic

Uses a term typically associated with exceeding the speed of sound to describe something very fast.

with extreme rapidity

Replaces both words with synonyms, while keeping the general meaning of speed and quickness.

at breakneck speed

Uses a more informal expression to indicate dangerous or reckless speed.

zippy

More informal and playful way to indicate something is fast and energetic.

highly expeditious

Emphasizes efficiency and speed in a formal, almost business-like manner.

FAQs

How can I use "lightning fast" in a sentence?

You can use "lightning fast" to describe something that is extremely quick or rapid. For example: "The server's response time was "lightning fast", providing a seamless user experience."

What's a more formal alternative to "lightning fast"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "highly expeditious", "incredibly rapid", or "extremely quick" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "lightning fast" appropriate for academic writing?

While "lightning fast" is widely understood, it might be too informal for strict academic writing. Opt for more precise or technical language like "high-speed" or "rapid" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "lightning fast" and "swift as lightning"?

"Lightning fast" is a direct adjective phrase denoting speed, whereas "swift as lightning" is a simile, comparing the speed to that of lightning. Both convey similar meanings, but the latter is more descriptive and figurative.