proceed quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proceed quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a type of imperative sentence, used to introduce a sense of urgency. For example, you could say "We need to proceed quickly if we want to make our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To be fruitful, negotiations must proceed quickly to core issues.

The New York Times

In such cases, managers should proceed quickly and inexpensively.

Harvard Business Review

But Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, insisted: "It is essential we proceed quickly.

Independent

"It's important the prosecution proceed quickly … to a resolution," Hayes said.

The Guardian

The request will hamper Oracle's ability to proceed quickly on its takeover bid.

The New York Times

In any case, the team president, Donnie Walsh, conceded that the free-agent musical-chairs game would not proceed quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ammiano said that if his bill does not proceed quickly in the next month, he will hold it to await the results of the vote.

The New York Times

Its "adoption by psychiatrists and patients," he predicts, "will proceed quickly if the organizers cope with the irrational responses of some users".

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The officers say the formal investigation is proceeding quickly.

The New York Times

Decollectivization became a government goal in the post-Soviet period, and privatization proceeded quickly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Peace negotiations proceeded quickly, resulting in the Treaty of Nanjing, signed on August 29.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proceed quickly", ensure the context supports the need for urgency. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Common error

A common mistake is using "proceed quickly" when "proceed carefully" is more appropriate. Always consider whether speed is more important than accuracy or safety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceed quickly" functions as an imperative, urging swift action or progression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, highlighting its role in introducing a sense of urgency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proceed quickly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signals a need for rapid advancement or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's an effective way to convey urgency. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, it's versatile enough for use in various professional settings. When using "proceed quickly", remember to consider whether speed outweighs other factors such as accuracy or caution. Alternatives like "act swiftly" or "move expeditiously" can add nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act swiftly

Focuses on the speed of taking action, rather than the continuation of a process.

move expeditiously

Emphasizes efficiency and speed, suitable for formal contexts.

expedite matters

Focuses on making things happen faster, often in a business or formal setting.

advance rapidly

Highlights the speed of progress or development.

fast-track

Implies accelerating a process, often by bypassing standard procedures.

hasten the process

Suggests accelerating a process that is already underway.

accelerate progress

Similar to hasten, but focuses specifically on making progress faster.

press on rapidly

Highlights continuing with something without delay.

rush forward

Implies a sense of urgency and haste, sometimes at the expense of caution.

make haste

An older, more formal way of saying to hurry or act quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "proceed quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "proceed quickly" to indicate the need for urgency in a particular situation. For example, "We must "proceed quickly" to secure the necessary funding."

What are some alternatives to "proceed quickly"?

Alternatives to "proceed quickly" include "act swiftly", "move expeditiously", or "fast-track", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "proceed quickly"?

Yes, using "proceed quickly" may be inappropriate when caution and thoroughness are more important than speed. In such cases, phrases like "proceed carefully" or "take your time" might be more suitable.

What does it mean to "proceed quickly"?

To "proceed quickly" means to advance or continue with something at a rapid pace, often implying a need for urgency or efficiency.