quickly and firmly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quickly and firmly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done with both speed and decisiveness. Example: "She responded to the emergency call quickly and firmly, ensuring that everyone was safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"This direction should be quickly and firmly rejected.

The New York Times

Chances are, they will be told quickly and firmly that there should be a single, financially responsible package.

The New York Times

"Four months," Notaro quickly and firmly corrects me when we meet at her house in Los Angeles.

The Guardian

What are your orders?" Gutman realized that if he did not act quickly and firmly things would get out of hand.

The New Yorker

Chelsea have also acted quickly and firmly, not only threatening life bans but wasting no time in identifying and suspending suspected culprits.

The Guardian - Sport

The Jerusalem office of the Anti-Defamation League called on Israel's two chief rabbis to come out "quickly and firmly against this clear violation of Jewish ethical teaching".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

For instance, we should have come out against the 'immigrants go home' van far more quickly and more firmly than we did.

The Guardian

I mastered triangles pretty quickly and stuck firmly to them to draw a picture of Sydney harbour – pale grey triangles for the opera house, darker grey ones for the bridge, brightly coloured ones to represent sailboats.

The Guardian

"Love," said the lady promptly and firmly.

The New Yorker

Things can take U-turns pretty quickly and it is firmly in my mind that there is still a challenge there".

BBC

If Strawberry had been subject to the current N.B.A., N.F.L. or N.H.L. policies with his five documented substance-abuse episodes, he would have been disciplined more firmly, more quickly and perhaps more effectively.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quickly and firmly" to convey a sense of urgency and decisiveness in your writing. It's effective when describing actions that require both speed and strong resolve, such as responding to a crisis or implementing a policy.

Common error

Avoid using "quickly and firmly" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "swiftly and decisively" or "promptly and resolutely" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quickly and firmly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action is carried out with both speed and decisiveness, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

23%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quickly and firmly" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that effectively conveys a sense of speed and decisiveness. As supported by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with applications also extending to wikis and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally acceptable across registers, it's crucial to vary your language to prevent repetition. Alternatives like "swiftly and decisively" or "promptly and resolutely" can provide similar nuance. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended tone and audience, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swiftly and decisively

Emphasizes speed and the conclusive nature of the action.

promptly and resolutely

Highlights immediate action and unwavering determination.

expeditiously and steadfastly

Suggests efficient action combined with a commitment to a fixed course.

rapidly and unyieldingly

Focuses on the fast pace and inflexible nature of the response.

without delay and with conviction

Emphasizes the absence of hesitation and the strength of belief behind the action.

immediately and assertively

Stresses the instantaneous nature and forceful manner of the action.

hastily and determinedly

Indicates quick action motivated by a clear purpose.

forthwith and with resolution

Implies immediate compliance and a firm decision to act.

speedily and with certainty

Focuses on the quick tempo and assured confidence in the execution.

briskly and with assurance

Suggests lively action carried out with self-confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "quickly and firmly" in a sentence?

Use "quickly and firmly" to describe actions taken with both speed and decisiveness. For example, "The company responded "quickly and firmly" to the allegations, launching an internal investigation."

What are some alternatives to "quickly and firmly"?

You can use alternatives such as "swiftly and decisively", "promptly and resolutely", or "expeditiously and steadfastly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "quickly and firmly" in formal writing?

Yes, "quickly and firmly" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing actions that require both speed and resolve. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "quickly and firmly" and "strongly and immediately"?

"Quickly and firmly" emphasizes both the speed and decisiveness of an action, while "strongly and immediately" focuses on the forcefulness and immediacy. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight. "Strongly and immediately" suggests a powerful and instant reaction.