rapidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rapidly' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to physical movements or changes that occur quickly or in a short amount of time. For example: "The rabbit rapidly hopped across the meadow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Ebola crisis – the Guardian briefing The rapidly dropping number of cases will make it a considerable challenge to trial vaccines against Ebola.

The Guardian

Inside the cocoon of an event where the main sponsors don't accept that human caused climate change is even real, the news from Beijing seemed to further outline how rapidly the world could change – whether the coal industry likes it or not.

The Guardian

"Since its very first exhibition in 2007, Harma Gallery has known great recognition, overcome visitors' expectations and gained popularity and customer loyalty very rapidly.

The Guardian

The coalition rapidly downsized Prevent and shifted it to a police-led initiative.

The Guardian

The ruling National Front coalition has been weakened by dissent against Abdullah, who has seen his authority erode rapidly since the March vote.

The Guardian

It goes on to warn: In addition, house prices have increased rapidly and may create risks to financial stability in the case of a downward adjustment".

The Guardian - Business

"We needed to secure a safe supply of water rapidly, or people would have had to continue walking westwards.

The Guardian

Miliband, who has been criticised privately by some Labour MPs for not making his mark on the leadership rapidly or firmly enough, insisted that union members would remain a vital part of decision-making.

The Guardian

Anti-hunt campaigners say the market for captured dolphins in China is growing rapidly.

The Guardian

"We know that it is far easier to walk rapidly down this corridor, far easier to look away," Michele J Sison, the US deputy representative to the UN, told the gathered crowd of diplomats and journalists.

The Guardian

Jenkins said Gold had been selected because he understood "the rapidly changing regulatory landscape" and would help to improve returns for shareholders in the "evolving market environment".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rapidly", consider whether a more specific adverb might provide a clearer picture of the speed or manner of the action. For instance, instead of "The market grew rapidly", you might say "The market grew exponentially" or "The market grew unexpectedly fast" to add precision.

Common error

Avoid using "rapidly" to describe states or conditions that are inherently static. For example, saying "The building was rapidly old" is incorrect; instead, use phrases like "became old quickly" or "aged rapidly" to reflect a change over time.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "rapidly" functions primarily as an adverb of manner, modifying verbs to describe the speed at which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples, indicating its role in specifying the quickness of events or changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rapidly" is a versatile adverb indicating speed or quickness, most commonly used in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various domains. While alternatives like "quickly" or "swiftly" exist, "rapidly" offers a more formal tone. Remember to use "rapidly" to describe actions that change over time, rather than static states. By considering its function, purpose, and common contexts, writers can effectively utilize "rapidly" to convey precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swiftly

Highlights the promptness and agility with which an action is performed.

expeditiously

Focuses on the efficient and prompt completion of a task or process.

at a fast pace

Emphasizes the rate of progress or change, focusing on the speed of the activity itself.

with great speed

Focuses on the high velocity or swiftness with which something is done.

in quick succession

Highlights that events or actions are following each other closely with little time in between.

in short order

Implies that something will be completed or accomplished quickly and efficiently.

at warp speed

A more figurative expression suggesting extreme speed or acceleration, often used informally.

on the double

An informal idiom urging someone to do something very quickly and without delay.

lickety-split

A colloquial term indicating that something is done very fast, often with a sense of urgency.

posthaste

An archaic term meaning to do something as quickly as possible, conveying a sense of urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "rapidly" in a sentence?

"Rapidly" is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating speed or quickness. For example: "The company's profits increased "rapidly"." or "Technology is "rapidly" changing the way we work."

What are some alternatives to "rapidly"?

Alternatives to "rapidly" include "quickly", "speedily", "swiftly", or "expeditiously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "rapid" or "rapidly"?

"Rapid" is an adjective describing something characterized by speed, while "rapidly" is an adverb describing how something is done. For example: "a rapid pace" (adjective) versus "moving rapidly" (adverb).

What's the difference between "rapidly" and "fast"?

Both "rapidly" and "fast" indicate speed, but "rapidly" is generally more formal. "Fast" can be both an adjective and an adverb, whereas "rapidly" is exclusively an adverb.