quick work

USAGE SUMMARY

"quick work" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about completing a task in a short period of time. For example, "I was able to finish the report quickly because I made quick work of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After that, he dug in and made quick work of the Reds' lineup.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't quick work.

The Guardian - Books

Quick work all round.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"And that's fundamentally not quick work".

The New York Times

Many hands make quick work of the mountain of tomatoes.

The New York Times - Food

Assembling the dishes is quick work, Mr. Machado said.

The New York Times

Cleopatra made quick work of her siblings, which sounds uncouth.

The New York Times

Quick work with a steam iron made the dress wearable.

The New York Times

Only quick work by the Hellenic coastguard saved their lives.

The Guardian

The prosecutors make quick work of the immigrants.

The New York Times

Rapport's Kilocore chip makes quick work of video processing.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task completed efficiently, use "quick work" to emphasize the speed and lack of wasted time. For instance, "The team made quick work of the project, finishing ahead of schedule."

Common error

Avoid using "quick work" when the speed compromises quality or thoroughness. If the speed of completion results in errors or omissions, it is better to describe the work as "rushed" or "hasty" rather than "quick".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick work" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the manner or speed at which a task is completed. It often appears after verbs like "make", "do", or "thanks to", indicating efficient and rapid execution. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase denoting the rapid and efficient completion of a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, typically used to express approval or satisfaction with the speed and effectiveness of an action. It is versatile across various registers, from news media to academic writing, but is especially prevalent in journalistic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the speed does not compromise the quality of the work; otherwise, consider alternative descriptors like "rushed" or "hasty". Semantically similar phrases include "swift work" and "speedy completion", each carrying nuanced connotations that may better suit specific contexts. The high source quality and consistent usage underscore its reliability and broad acceptance. It's important to highlight that Ludwig shows a very high number of examples of this expression, making it a very safe bet.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Swift work

Emphasizes the speed and promptness of the action.

Speedy completion

Focuses on the fast pace at which something is finished.

Rapid execution

Highlights the quick and efficient performance of a task.

Expedited effort

Implies that the work was accelerated or given priority.

Prompt action

Stresses the immediacy and readiness in addressing something.

Fast turnaround

Highlights the short time it takes to complete a process or task.

Efficient handling

Emphasizes the streamlined and effective management of a task.

Nimble performance

Suggests agility and swiftness in carrying out an action.

Expeditious handling

Indicates a swift and efficient way of handling something.

Accelerated pace

Highlights the increased speed and tempo of the work.

FAQs

How can I use "quick work" in a sentence?

"Quick work" is often used to describe the efficient and rapid completion of a task. For example, "The construction crew made "quick work" of demolishing the old building" or "She did "quick work" of answering all the emails this morning".

What are some alternatives to "quick work"?

Alternatives to "quick work" include "swift work", "speedy completion", and "rapid execution". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "quick work" in formal writing?

Yes, "quick work" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing efficiency or speed in a neutral or positive way. However, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "expeditious completion" or "swift resolution".

What does it mean when someone says "make quick work of" something?

To "make "quick work" of" something means to complete it rapidly and efficiently. For example, "The new software helped them make "quick work" of processing the data".