not so fast

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so fast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to caution somebody to pause before continuing with an action or thought. For example, you could say, "Wait, not so fast - you haven't considered all the options yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Again, not so fast.

Independent

Actually, not so fast.

The New York Times

Not so fast, please.

The New York Times

Not so fast, pardner.

The New York Times

Not so fast, comrades.

The New York Times - Sports

Not so fast, Mom.

The New York Times

But not so fast.

The New York Times

Not so fast, daddy.

Independent

"Whoa, not so fast".

The New York Times

Not so fast, commissioner.

The New York Times - Sports

Not so fast, Ma.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so fast" to inject a sense of caution or anticipation, particularly when addressing potential oversights or premature assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "not so fast" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrases like "however" or "further consideration is needed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so fast" primarily functions as an interjection or adverbial phrase. It is used to interrupt or challenge a previous statement or action, indicating that further consideration is needed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to caution or delay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not so fast" is a versatile phrase used to express caution or prompt reconsideration. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's considered grammatically correct and widely used in English. While it appears frequently in news and media contexts, it is less common in formal academic writing. To maintain a professional tone in formal writing, it is better to consider alternatives such as "however" or "before proceeding". Consider this advice when using this interjection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not so quick

A shorter, more direct way to tell someone to wait a moment.

Wait a minute

Implies that something needs to be clarified or reconsidered before proceeding.

Hold your horses

Emphasizes patience and delaying action, more informal.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves

Cautions against overconfidence or premature celebration, focusing on expectations.

Don't jump to conclusions

Specifically advises against hasty judgments, focusing on reasoning.

Think twice

Advises careful consideration before acting, emphasizes thoughtfulness.

Take a step back

Suggests pausing to gain perspective, less about speed and more about evaluation.

Pause for a moment

Encourages a brief halt to assess or reflect.

Settle down

Implies calming excitement or agitation, directing to wait until things are clearer.

Take your time

Indicates no need to rush, emphasizing thoroughness and deliberation.

FAQs

How can I use "not so fast" in a sentence?

You can use "not so fast" to caution someone against making a hasty decision or jumping to a conclusion. For example, "You think you've solved the problem, but "not so fast"; there are still a few details to consider."

What's a more formal alternative to "not so fast"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "however", "before proceeding", or "further consideration is needed" instead of "not so fast".

Is it appropriate to use "not so fast" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "not so fast" is generally too informal for academic writing. More suitable alternatives include "however", "on the other hand", or "a more nuanced approach is required".

What does "not so fast" imply?

"Not so fast" implies that a previous statement or action may be premature or that there are additional factors to consider before moving forward.