make haste

USAGE SUMMARY

'make haste' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression used to express the need to be quick or do something quickly. For example: "We must make haste if we are going to make it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So we want to make haste slowly".

The Guardian - Sport

"One of my friends said to me, 'Make haste slowly.

The New York Times

Oh! be swift to love, make haste to be kind".

Independent

Saban said things like he wanted to "make haste slowly".

The New York Times - Sports

The cells make haste to cut and paste.

The New York Times - Science

But that is another reason to make haste.

The New York Times - Arts

Ziauddin confides: "I make haste, she takes time.

The Guardian

–The editors at Asymptote Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.

The Guardian - Books

And the choir replies, musically, "O Lord, make haste to help us".

The New Yorker

I think I would choose "Festina lente," meaning "Make haste slowly," from Erasmus.

The New Yorker

Gearin-Tosh, a teacher of English literature at Oxford University, refused to make haste.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make haste", consider the context. It's suitable for situations where a degree of urgency is required, but avoid overuse in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "hurry up" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "make haste" is a correct and usable phrase, it can sound overly formal or archaic in everyday conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "hurry up" or "let's go" in informal settings to avoid sounding stilted.

Linguistic Context

"Make haste" serves as an imperative phrase, urging swift action or movement. It functions similarly to synonyms like "hurry up" or "rush", as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples showing its use in contexts requiring promptness. The grammatical function is to command or strongly encourage rapid progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make haste" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as an imperative urging swift action. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to note that its register is generally neutral to formal, making it more suitable for news, media, and formal business contexts than casual conversations. Alternatives like "hurry up" or "speed up" may be more appropriate in informal settings. The phrase's purpose is to convey a sense of urgency, and its consistent use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry up

A direct and common imperative urging someone to move faster.

speed up

Implies increasing the pace of an activity or process.

move quickly

A straightforward way to express the need for rapid movement.

act promptly

Focuses on initiating action without delay.

rush

Suggests moving with great speed and urgency, sometimes implying carelessness.

hasten

A more formal synonym for "hurry", indicating swiftness.

expedite

Emphasizes accelerating a process or task.

step on it

An informal idiom urging someone to increase their speed.

get a move on

An idiomatic expression meaning to start moving or acting quickly.

look sharp

Means "be quick" or "hurry up"

FAQs

How can I use "make haste" in a sentence?

You can use "make haste" to urge someone to act quickly, as in "We must "make haste" if we want to catch the train" or "Make haste and gather your belongings before we leave".

What can I say instead of "make haste"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hurry up", "speed up", or "move quickly". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make haste" formal or informal?

"Make haste" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "hurry up" or "get a move on". It's suitable for situations where a degree of urgency needs to be expressed without being overly casual.

What is the origin of the phrase "make haste"?

The phrase "make haste" has historical roots and is often found in older literature. It's a more literary way of expressing the need to hurry or act quickly, giving it a slightly old-fashioned feel.