quick-footed

USAGE SUMMARY

"quick-footed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe someone or something that moves quickly or nimbly. For example, you could say: "The cheetah is a quick-footed animal, capable of reaching speeds of up to 65 mph!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's quick-footed, similar to Aaron.

The New York Times - Sports

He ascends stairs with an awful, quick-footed walk.

The New York Times

It sounded diminutive, jittery, quick-footed — all the archetypal qualities of a shortstop.

The New York Times - Magazine

All set up by Griffin's quick-thinking and quick-footed ability to avoid the sack.

The New York Times - Sports

They are recent immigrants, quick-footed, eager, confident.

The New York Times - Sports

Though not big, he fits a trend in the league toward quick-footed, smaller cornerbacks.

The New York Times - Sports

Evolution itself, a long, successful negotiation with changeable climates, depends on diversity and quick-footed inventiveness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of more concern is the sense of entropy in Clarke's batting, the draining away of that vital quick-footed puppery.

The Guardian - Sport

We get a look at the aliens, who are good-sized, quick-footed things that resemble yetis wrapped like mummies.

The New York Times

To be sure, much of Nietzsche -- maybe the best of him -- was as lucid, critical and quick-footed as Stendhal.

The New York Times - Books

The police say Ben-Msyly Gil-Elie was a quick-footed street criminal with a cosmopolitan touch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing athletes or dancers, using "quick-footed" can effectively convey their agility and speed. For example, "The quick-footed midfielder dodged defenders with ease."

Common error

Avoid using "quick-footed" to describe abstract concepts or situations where physical agility isn't relevant. For example, instead of saying "a quick-footed solution", consider alternatives like "a swift solution" or "an agile strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick-footed" primarily functions as a compound adjective that modifies a noun. It describes the subject's ability to move with speed and agility using their feet. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage in contexts ranging from sports to describing animals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sports

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "quick-footed" is a compound adjective used to describe someone or something that moves swiftly and nimbly on their feet. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Sports contexts. Common synonyms include "nimble-footed" and "fleet-footed". While versatile, it's best to reserve "quick-footed" for scenarios where physical agility is pertinent, avoiding its application in overly abstract situations. When aiming to underscore agility and speed in foot movements, "quick-footed" emerges as an apt and expressive choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nimble-footed

Uses a different adjective with a very similar meaning to describe foot agility.

fleet-footed

Employs a more literary adjective to denote speed and lightness of foot.

light-footed

Indicates grace and ease in movement, similar to being "quick-footed".

agile

Shifts from a compound adjective to a single adjective, focusing on overall agility.

swift

Replaces the compound adjective with a simple adjective emphasizing speed.

speedy

A more informal adjective emphasizing rapid movement.

fast-moving

Describes something that moves quickly, not specifically related to feet.

rapid

Focuses on the speed of movement, without specifically referring to feet.

dexterous

Highlights skill and precision in movement, applicable to more than just feet.

lithe

Describes a flexible and graceful type of movement, broader than just footwork.

FAQs

How can I use "quick-footed" in a sentence?

You can use "quick-footed" to describe someone or something that moves swiftly and nimbly on their feet. For example, "The "quick-footed dancer" amazed the audience with their intricate steps."

What is a synonym for "quick-footed"?

Synonyms for "quick-footed" include "nimble-footed", "fleet-footed", and "light-footed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quick-footed" appropriate for formal writing?

"Quick-footed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it’s best used when describing physical agility. Consider alternatives like "efficient" or "prompt" in more abstract or business-related contexts.

What's the difference between "quick-footed" and "fast"?

"Fast" is a general term for speed, while "quick-footed" specifically describes agility and speed related to foot movement. A runner might be fast, but a dancer is more likely to be described as "quick-footed" if their footwork is particularly impressive.