one swift motion

USAGE SUMMARY

"one swift motion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase anytime you want to emphasize a quick and decisive action. For example: With one swift motion, she grabbed her keys and ran out the door.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

With a line of players to his left he takes the pass and moves it on in one swift motion.

The Times

Other designs include condoms that can be unwrapped and applied in one swift motion, that wrap on, that tighten during intercourse and that cling rather than squeeze.

Huffington Post

He slid the wide end of his knife's blade under the pile of herbs on the cutting board and with one swift motion transferred them to the bowl with the vinegar mixture.

The New York Times - Food

Then he guffawed and wiped his handkerchief over his entire face in one swift motion.

The New Yorker

In one swift motion, Ratna seized the boy's head, yanked it back, held it for a moment like that, and then slammed it against the tree.

The Guardian - Books

A whale with intent moves much faster underwater than we ever will; 30 metres is a dimension the whale can inhabit with one swift motion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I grabbed her hand in one swift movement.

The New Yorker

When I was freelancing, I would roll out of bed and pick up a can of Red Bull in one swift, practiced motion.

Vice

A hydraulic feller buncher, which looks like a power shovel with claws and saws, can grasp, cut and delimb a Douglas fir in one terrifyingly swift motion.

The New York Times - Magazine

In one swift, beautifully executed motion, the Rams raised their franchise to another level, beating the Buccaneers, 11-6.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike other shooters, who pause with the ball at hip height to gather and set themselves, his is a single-motion shot: he enters a deep knee bend and cocks his hands to shoot in one swift, upward-flinging movement.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one swift motion" to vividly describe actions that are both quick and decisive, adding impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "one swift motion" when simpler terms like "quickly" or "immediately" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one swift motion" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing how an action is performed. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

21%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one swift motion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a quick, decisive action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is found across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general descriptions. When using the phrase, ensure it adds value and does not lead to redundancy. As shown by Ludwig, it emphasizes the speed and efficiency of an action, enhancing the descriptive impact of your writing. Consider alternatives like "a single quick movement" or "one rapid action" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single quick movement

Replaces "swift motion" with "quick movement" and uses "a single" instead of "one", maintaining the emphasis on speed and singularity.

one rapid action

Substitutes "swift motion" with "rapid action", highlighting the fast nature of the action.

a single fluid gesture

Replaces "swift motion" with "fluid gesture", emphasizing grace and speed.

one rapid gesture

Substitutes "swift motion" with "rapid gesture" to describe a fast, expressive movement.

one seamless move

Uses "seamless move" to convey the smoothness and speed of the action.

one smooth action

Highlights the effortless and rapid nature of the action.

one brisk movement

Emphasizes a lively and prompt action by using "brisk movement".

a quick flick

This describes a very rapid, light movement and suggests a flicking action.

a fast maneuver

Replaces "motion" with "maneuver", suggesting a quick, skillful movement.

a single stroke

Implies a swift, continuous movement typically associated with drawing or painting.

FAQs

How can I use "one swift motion" in a sentence?

You can use "one swift motion" to describe a quick and decisive action. For example, "With "one swift motion", she grabbed her keys and left the house".

What phrases are similar to "one swift motion"?

Similar phrases include "a single quick movement", "one rapid action", or "a single fluid gesture", all emphasizing speed and efficiency.

Is "one swift motion" formal or informal?

The phrase "one swift motion" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the writing style and purpose.

When should I avoid using "one swift motion"?

Avoid using "one swift motion" in situations where simpler alternatives like "quickly" or "immediately" would be more appropriate or less repetitive.