quicker than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quicker than expected" is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to note that something is happening sooner than anticipated. For example: My project is coming along quicker than expected; I'm hoping to finish it ahead of schedule.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He met his goal, quicker than expected.

The New York Times - Sports

"Racing quicker than expected, obviously," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

And so, reader, it has come to pass – just a little bit quicker than expected.

The Guardian

We have however got there quicker than expected, and that is a natural cause for celebration.

The Guardian

A bit quicker than expected, Michael Johnson can kiss his 12-year-old record goodbye.

The New York Times - Sports

After last night it seems that implementation is happening quicker than expected.

The Guardian

The Frenchman has recovered quicker than expected from a groin problem, having last played on 17 September against Bayern Munich.

The Guardian - Sport

They say that time speeds up in great sporting contests so that full time appears to arrive quicker than expected.

The Guardian - Sport

The Met Office's Mr Snell told the Mirror: "Cooler Atlantic air will push back quicker than expected.

Independent

A short ball was on to Clark quicker than expected and his pull shot flew back at Broad with interest.

The Guardian - Sport

This is the level the IEA had expected emissions to reach by 2020, indicating that the growth of CO2 emissions has been much quicker than expected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quicker than expected" to emphasize that something happened faster than initially thought, especially when there's an element of surprise or positive outcome.

Common error

While "quicker than expected" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "sooner than anticipated" or "ahead of schedule" to diversify your vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quicker than expected" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the speed or timing of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically correct construction used to express that something happened sooner than initially anticipated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quicker than expected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase to express that something happened faster or sooner than anticipated. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and understood in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sport contexts, it serves to emphasize surprise or satisfaction at an accelerated pace. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives such as "sooner than anticipated" can be employed in formal settings. The most common error is overuse, which can be avoided by incorporating synonyms like "ahead of schedule". Overall, "quicker than expected" is a reliable and versatile phrase for conveying unexpected speed or progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faster than anticipated

Simple synonym using "faster" instead of "quicker".

sooner than anticipated

Uses "anticipated" instead of "expected", implying a slightly more formal tone.

earlier than foreseen

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the element of prediction or foresight.

ahead of schedule

Focuses on project timelines and completion, rather than general expectations.

more rapidly than anticipated

Replaces "quicker" with "rapidly", adding emphasis to the speed of the event.

before the expected time

More descriptive, less idiomatic.

with unexpected haste

Emphasizes the suddenness and speed, adding a sense of urgency.

at an earlier date

Formal and focuses on the time element.

before the due date

Specifically implies about deadlines or due dates being matched earlier than estimated.

expeditiously

Single word replacement focusing on efficiency and speed.

FAQs

How can I use "quicker than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "quicker than expected" to describe events that happen faster than initially anticipated. For example, "The project was completed "quicker than expected", allowing us to move on to the next phase."

What's a formal alternative to "quicker than expected"?

A more formal alternative to "quicker than expected" is "sooner than anticipated". This alternative maintains a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "quicker than expected"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Quicker" is a comparative adjective, and the phrase follows standard English grammar rules.

Which is correct, "quicker than expected" or "more quick than expected"?

"Quicker than expected" is the correct and more common usage. "More quick than expected" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used.