rather rapidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather rapidly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens quickly or at a fast pace. Example: "The project progressed rather rapidly once the team received the necessary resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That campaign collapsed rather rapidly," Merkt said.

The New Yorker

The initial problem can change rather rapidly.

The New York Times

We need to act rather rapidly, but that has to be comprehensive strategy".

The Guardian

That changed rather rapidly after a 4-4 draw in which they led three times.

The Guardian - Sport

Yeah, the eyes glaze over rather rapidly when I start talking about things like neutrino oscillations.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We all learned to hold our corner, because if we didn't she occupied it rather rapidly.

The Guardian

But what is clear is that south-east Louisiana is sinking, rather rapidly by geological standards.

The Economist

Reinforcing this view, the money supply had expanded rather rapidly, a sign to some forecasters of better days ahead.

The New York Times

Perhaps more unfortunate, "in-i" ends with Ms. Binoche and Mr. Khan, rather rapidly and vaguely, patching things up.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the circumstances that save us from extinction by parathion and the other chemicals of the organic-phosphate group is that they are decomposed rather rapidly.

The New Yorker

"How cool is that?" A trailer park as "permanent" address, even one in Malibu, eventually ceased to be viable, not least because his family expanded rather rapidly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather rapidly" to add a touch of formality or emphasis to the speed of an action or change. It works well in both scientific and news contexts when you want to convey a sense of acceleration.

Common error

Avoid using "rather rapidly" in very informal or casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "pretty fast" or "quite quickly" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather rapidly" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig's examples show it is often used to emphasize the speed or pace of a change or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather rapidly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase effectively conveys that something happens or changes at a considerable speed. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly formal situations, avoiding overuse in casual settings where alternatives like "pretty fast" or "quite quickly" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite quickly

Emphasizes speed with a slightly less formal tone.

fairly swiftly

Synonymous but slightly more formal and literary.

pretty fast

More informal and colloquial than "rather rapidly".

with dispatch

Suggests speed and efficiency, often in a formal setting.

expeditiously

Formal term emphasizing efficient and rapid action.

in short order

Idiomatic expression indicating speed and efficiency.

at a good clip

Informal idiom implying a brisk pace.

apace

More formal and literary, suggesting steady and rapid progress.

on the double

Informal and military-derived expression for doing something quickly.

lickety-split

Very informal and playful way of saying very quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "rather rapidly" in a sentence?

"Rather rapidly" is an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, indicating something is happening or changing quickly. For example, "The company's profits increased "rather rapidly" after the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "rather rapidly"?

Alternatives include "quite quickly", "pretty fast", "fairly swiftly", "expeditiously", or "apace". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "rather rapidly" formal or informal?

"Rather rapidly" is generally considered more formal than phrases like "pretty fast" or "real quick" but less formal than "expeditiously". It fits well in news articles, scientific reports, and business communications.

Is it ever incorrect to use "rather rapidly"?

While grammatically correct, using "rather rapidly" in very casual conversation might sound out of place. In such contexts, consider using more informal alternatives to maintain a natural flow.