move too fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move too fast" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is progressing at a speed that is considered excessive or inappropriate. Example: "If we move too fast, we might overlook important details." Alternative expressions include "rush too quickly" and "proceed too rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things move too fast.

The New York Times

Slow down, you move too fast.

The New York Times

But they do not want to move too fast.

The New York Times - Science

We don't move too fast in any direction".

The New Yorker

But I don't want to move too fast.

The New York Times - Arts

You can't move too fast or you just lose everybody.

The Guardian - Music

In fact, sometimes things move too fast at Zucca.

The New York Times

"That's it?" "Usually you don't try to move too fast on a first date".

The New Yorker

"If we move too fast, we will become a slave to Turkey".

The New Yorker

"Most people move too fast with this one and try to skip steps.

The New York Times

(In fact, Mr. Bailey's therapist had urged him not to move too fast).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, use this phrase to describe literal particles or data points that exceed a measurable threshold for accurate observation.

Common error

Avoid using "move too fast" in contexts where literal velocity is regulated by law (e.g., "the car was moving too fast") if you are writing a formal legal report; instead, use "exceeded the speed limit" or "travelling at excessive speed" to avoid sounding overly colloquial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move too fast" functions as a verb phrase composed of the intransitive verb "move" modified by the adverbial intensifier "too" and the adverb "fast". According to Ludwig, it is used to indicate a rate of progress or velocity that is deemed counterproductive or unsustainable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move too fast" is a versatile and essential English phrase used to warn against excessive speed in various domains. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is equally at home in scientific descriptions of electron behavior as it is in sociopolitical analyses of democratic transitions. While "move too quickly" provides a slightly more formal alternative, the main phrase remains a staple for expressing the risks of impatience. Whether you are writing about technology, relationships or logistics, using "move too fast" correctly ensures your audience understands the delicate balance between progress and stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move too quickly

Uses the adverbial form for a more formal or precise grammatical structure.

rush things

Focuses more on the impatience of the actor rather than the speed of the action.

proceed too rapidly

More formal, suitable for technical, scientific or business reports.

act too hastily

Emphasizes the lack of deliberation or care in the decision-making process.

jump the gun

An idiomatic expression specifically for starting something before the appropriate time.

advance too soon

Highlights the premature nature of the progression.

accelerate excessively

Suggests a physical or systemic increase in speed that goes beyond safety limits.

outpace the situation

Suggests that the speed of action has exceeded the context or environment's capacity.

run before you can walk

A metaphorical idiom used to criticize someone trying to do something difficult too early.

overstep the pace

Implies a rhythmic or procedural error in the speed of development.

FAQs

Is it better to say "move too fast" or "move too quickly"?

Both are correct, but "move too quickly" is often preferred in formal writing, whereas "move too fast" is more common in conversational English and journalism.

What can I say instead of "move too fast" in a business context?

You might consider using "expand too rapidly" or "scale prematurely" to sound more professional.

Does "move too fast" apply to relationships?

Yes, it is very commonly used to describe emotional or physical progression that feels rushed, often suggested as "rush into things" or "moving too soon".

Can "move too fast" be used in science?

Absolutely. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe objects like satellites or molecules that "travel too fast" to be accurately tracked or imaged.