quickly I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quickly I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey that a thought occurred to you in a rapid manner, often in a narrative or reflective context. Example: "As the situation unfolded, quickly I thought about the best course of action to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But quite quickly I thought: who is this person who's got time to do this?

The Guardian

"I thought perhaps we would have a relationship, but very quickly I thought this has to be something more.

The New York Times

Feeling triumphant — the buzz must have died down quickly, I thought — I marched toward the revolving doors and asked a bright-eyed young uniformed attendant how to get to the café.

The New Yorker

I knew as an African-American coach that it was possible I might not get another chance quickly; I thought of Art Shell and how he didn't get hired again right away.

The New York Times - Sports

Schumer writes: "When I startled and looked down, he immediately removed himself from me and yelled quickly, 'I thought you knew!'" He abruptly left her house; Schumer cried; the next day, he came around to apologise and she comforted him.

The Guardian

He spoke as though it had all happened so quickly—"I thought actually this thing was going to go to June 7th at the very least, probably to a Convention, and so this is all pretty new for us"—that he had not yet had a chance to get more of an idea of who Trump was.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We went in too quickly, I think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rutherford could definitely have scored quickly, I think.

The Guardian - Sport

Being in the public eye so quickly, I think I would have freaked out about that.

Independent

"I feel I bounce back pretty quickly; I think I take care of myself.

The New York Times - Sports

You have to learn to fit in, and you grow up more quickly, I think.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quickly I thought", ensure the sentence structure supports the emphasis on the speed of the thought process. It works best when describing a sudden realization or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "quickly I thought" in formal or academic writing where a more direct phrasing like "I quickly thought" might be preferred. The reversed structure can sound informal or stylized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quickly I thought" functions as an interjection or parenthetical expression within a narrative. It emphasizes the suddenness or speed of a thought occurring to the speaker. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quickly I thought" is a grammatically correct, albeit uncommon, construction used to emphasize the speed and suddenness of a thought. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in narrative and reflective writing. While its primary context is News & Media, its structure suggests a more informal or stylized tone. Consider using alternatives like "I realized quickly" or "it occurred to me swiftly" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Overall, use "quickly I thought" to add immediacy and personal reflection to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I realized quickly

Omits the "thought" element, concentrating solely on realization.

I considered rapidly

Focuses on the speed of consideration, using an adverb and lacks the 'thought' aspect.

It occurred to me swiftly

Emphasizes the suddenness of the idea's arrival, replacing 'thought' with 'occurred'.

A thought flashed through my mind quickly

Uses a more descriptive and figurative approach to convey the speed of the thought.

I had a rapid realization

Highlights the realization aspect and its quick onset instead of the general process of thinking.

It dawned on me quickly

Emphasizes the sudden understanding, replacing 'thought' with 'dawned'.

I figured out fast

Focuses on the speed of understanding and figuring something out.

I promptly surmised

Replaces "thought" with "surmised", indicating a more formal deduction.

My mind raced to

Suggests a frantic speed of thought towards a specific idea.

Quickly, I came to the conclusion

Highlights the arrival at a conclusion, rather than the thinking process itself.

FAQs

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

Use "quickly I thought" to describe a rapid thought process, such as, "The opportunity arose, and "quickly I thought", this is my chance".

What's the difference between "quickly I thought" and "I quickly thought"?

"Quickly I thought" emphasizes the immediacy and suddenness of the thought. "I quickly thought" is a more standard phrasing, focusing on the speed of your thinking process without the added emphasis. Choosing between them depends on the effect you want to create.

Are there alternatives to using "quickly I thought"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "I realized quickly", "I suddenly thought", or "it occurred to me swiftly" to convey a similar meaning.

In what contexts is "quickly I thought" most appropriate?

"Quickly I thought" is suitable for narrative writing, personal reflections, and scenarios where you want to highlight the speed and spontaneity of a thought. It's less appropriate for formal or academic contexts.