lightning speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"lightning speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happens or works very quickly - for example, "She answered the question at lightning speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rumours travelled at lightning speed.

The Guardian

At lightning speed, in fact.

The New York Times - Food

I'm moving at lightning speed.

The New York Times

Change has come with lightning speed.

The New York Times - Food

Chemical reactions occur at lightning speed.

The Guardian

From there things moved at lightning speed.

The New York Times

TMZ did this at lightning speed.

The Guardian

He cut the pancetta with lightning speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The murder hunt moved at lightning speed.

The Guardian - Travel

At lightning speed the debate became grandiose.

The New York Times

Out on the wings are two players with lightning speed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lightning speed" to emphasize not just quickness, but also the sudden and impressive nature of the speed. For example, "The company adapted to the market changes at lightning speed."

Common error

Avoid using "lightning speed" when referring to gradual improvements or processes. It is best suited for instances of sudden and remarkable swiftness, unlike a "gradual increase" for example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lightning speed" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the speed at which an action occurs. As Ludwig AI suggests, it effectively communicates rapid and impressive swiftness, seen in examples like "Rumours travelled at lightning speed" or "Chemical reactions occur at lightning speed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lightning speed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the extreme quickness of an event or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. It is prevalent in news and media contexts, where it serves to vividly illustrate rapid developments. While versatile, it's best reserved for instances where a sense of sudden and remarkable swiftness is intended, rather than gradual change. Related phrases include "rapid pace" and "breakneck speed", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning. Overall, "lightning speed" remains a useful and expressive way to convey exceptional rapidity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme rapidity

Highlights the quickness, with a focus on the rate at which something occurs.

rapid pace

Focuses on the rate of movement or progress rather than a burst of speed.

swiftness

Emphasizes the quickness and ease of movement.

breakneck speed

Implies a dangerously high speed.

blazing speed

Conveys a sense of intense heat or energy in addition to speed.

instantaneously

Highlights something happening immediately or without any delay.

high velocity

More formal and technical, referring to the rate of change in position.

promptly

Refers to doing something without delay, emphasizing readiness and efficiency.

accelerated rate

Focuses on the increasing speed of something over time.

meteoric rise

Describes a very fast and dramatic increase in success or popularity.

FAQs

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

You can use "lightning speed" to describe actions or processes that occur very quickly. For instance, "The news spread at "lightning speed"" or "She completed the project with "lightning speed"".

What are some alternatives to "lightning speed"?

Alternatives include "rapid pace", "breakneck speed", or "extreme rapidity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lightning speed" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

While "lightning speed" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "high velocity" or "accelerated rate" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "lightning speed" and "meteoric rise"?

"Lightning speed" generally refers to the quickness of an action or process. "Meteoric rise" specifically describes a rapid and dramatic increase in success or popularity, often in a career or market context.