more quickly than

USAGE SUMMARY

"more quickly than" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to compare the speed or pace of two actions or events. Here are two examples: 1. "The new software processes data more quickly than the old one." (comparing the speed at which the two software programs process data) 2. "She finished the race more quickly than her competitors." (comparing the speed at which she finished the race compared to others).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Subways return more quickly than expected.

The New York Times

Con: Clog more quickly than depth filters.

Princeton University

It ended more quickly than most expected.

The New York Times - Sports

"It shortens more quickly than expected.

The Times

NA-CATH killed Francisella bacteria more quickly than LL-37.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Can be provisioned more quickly than physical servers.

Stanford University

So we need to do things more quickly than that.

Cornell University

these abuses more quickly than the official authorities.

Princeton University

Aquaculture is expanding more quickly than any other food industry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some states are warming more quickly than others.

The New York Times

Some kinds of stimulus pay off more quickly than others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the speed of two actions, ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'It happens more quickly than expected', specify what 'it' refers to: 'The recovery process happens more quickly than expected.'

Common error

Avoid using "more quickly than" when comparing things that aren't directly related to speed or time. For example, don't say 'The book was more quickly than interesting'; instead, use a different comparative adjective: 'The book was more interesting than I expected'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more quickly than" functions as an adverbial phrase of comparison. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate that an action is performed at a higher speed relative to another action or expectation. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more quickly than" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate that one action is performed at a higher speed or rate than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is frequently encountered across a broad spectrum of contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While synonyms like "faster than" exist, "more quickly than" provides a slightly more formal alternative. When using this phrase, ensure that you are comparing directly comparable elements to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quicker than

A simpler, more direct way of saying the same thing.

faster than

The most straightforward and common synonym.

more rapidly than

A more formal synonym, emphasizing speed and swiftness.

more swiftly than

Similar to 'more rapidly', highlighting the quick and smooth nature of the action.

more expeditiously than

A formal way of saying more efficiently and quickly.

at a faster rate than

Focuses on the rate of change or progression rather than just speed.

in less time than

Focuses on the duration aspect of the action.

more promptly than

Highlights the immediacy and lack of delay in the action.

with greater speed than

Emphasizes the degree of speed involved.

sooner than

Emphasizes the time aspect, indicating something happens earlier in comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "more quickly than" in a sentence?

Use "more quickly than" to compare the speed of two actions or processes. For instance, "The new software processes data "more quickly than" the old one" or "She completed the project "more quickly than" anticipated".

What are some alternatives to "more quickly than"?

Alternatives include "faster than", "more rapidly than", "more swiftly than", or "sooner than", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "more quickly than"?

While grammatically sound, "more quickly than" should only be used when comparing the speed or rate of two actions or processes. Avoid using it when comparing non-speed-related attributes; choose a more appropriate comparative adjective instead.

What's the difference between "more quickly than" and "faster than"?

"Faster than" is a simpler and more direct way to express the same comparison of speed. "More quickly than" can sometimes sound slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable in most contexts. Choosing between them often comes down to stylistic preference.