ran quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ran quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in sentences such as "The dog ran quickly across the field" or "She ran quickly to catch the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I ran quickly" becomes "I sprinted".

The Guardian

At first, she ran quickly through her answers, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

In other words, all of the rain ran quickly off the surface into nearby streams.

The Economist

It did, late in the game, when Elia took an expert pass from Sneijder in the Danish half of the field and ran quickly at goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Escaping from the cold into the Cornelia Street Café, Ms. Schenkar ran quickly upstairs to the 170-square-foot studio she lives in when not in Paris.

The New York Times - Books

If pursued, it ran quickly into the nearest sett and digging it out was a tedious task ill-suited to a gentleman.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

I used to run quickly.

The Guardian

They run quickly over short distances.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus making video games run quickly is important to developers.

Stanford University

The workers run quickly up and down the rows to dump the grapes at the tractor.

Cornell University

Another excludes all the additives that allow bread machines to run quickly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, consider replacing "ran quickly" with a more descriptive verb that encapsulates both the action and the speed, such as "sprinted" or "dashed". This adds dynamism and conciseness to your sentences.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on adverbs like "quickly". Instead, opt for stronger verbs that inherently convey speed. For example, rather than "ran quickly", use "sprinted" or "raced".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ran quickly" is to describe the manner in which an action (running) is performed. "Quickly" functions as an adverb modifying the verb "ran", indicating speed. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ran quickly" is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe the act of running at a fast pace. However, as Ludwig AI points out, more descriptive verbs like "sprinted" or "dashed" can often replace the phrase for enhanced conciseness and impact. Its usage spans across various contexts including news, science and academia. While grammatically correct, writers are encouraged to consider stronger, more evocative verbs to express speed and motion. Therefore, while "ran quickly" is perfectly acceptable, exploring alternative phrasing can elevate the quality and dynamism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sprinted

Replaces the verb phrase with a single verb implying quick running.

dashed

Similar to 'sprinted', this verb emphasizes a sudden burst of speed.

raced

Implies a competitive element or urgency in running.

hurried

Suggests running with the intention of reaching a destination promptly.

scampered

Describes a light and rapid running motion, often used for small animals or children.

bolted

Conveys running away suddenly and quickly, often due to fear or surprise.

fled

Implies running away from danger or an unpleasant situation.

made haste

A more formal way of saying someone ran quickly.

moved swiftly

Focuses on the overall swiftness of movement, not specifically running.

gained ground rapidly

Emphasizes the progress made while running, suitable in contexts where distance covered is important.

FAQs

What verbs can replace "ran quickly"?

Alternatives include "sprinted", "dashed", "raced", or "bolted", each carrying slightly different connotations of speed and urgency.

Is it grammatically correct to say "ran quickly"?

Yes, "ran quickly" is grammatically correct, as "quickly" is an adverb modifying the verb "ran". However, stronger verbs can often replace the need for the adverb.

How can I make my writing more concise instead of using "ran quickly"?

Replace the phrase with a single, more descriptive verb like "sprinted" or "darted". This eliminates redundancy and enhances clarity.

What is the difference between "ran quickly" and "ran fast"?

"Ran quickly" and "ran fast" are very similar, with "fast" being a slightly more informal alternative. Both describe the speed of running, but using a single, powerful verb can be even more effective.