real quick

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'real quick' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression and it is used to denote that something should be done quickly and with a sense of urgency. For example: "I'll need you to check the report real quick so I can submit it to the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He cracked real quick".

The New Yorker

They transition real quick.

The New York Times - Sports

We real quick got dressed.

The New Yorker

"They'll show ya real quick".

The New York Times

"Reality hit real quick.

The New York Times - Sports

"It happened real quick".

The New York Times - Sports

Call 911 real quick".

The New York Times

That'll change things real quick.

The Washington Post

"We found out the truth real quick.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was real quick," Cano said, smiling.

The New York Times - Sports

"I got out of it real quick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "real quick" in informal settings where a sense of urgency or brevity is needed. It's suitable for conversations, quick favors, or when implying something takes very little time.

Common error

Avoid using "real quick" in formal documents or professional emails. Opt for more formal alternatives like "quickly" or "expeditiously" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real quick" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the speed or swiftness of an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "real quick" is a common and acceptable idiom used to express that something will be done rapidly. According to Ludwig AI, while grammatically correct, its informality makes it more suitable for casual conversations and less appropriate for formal writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as sports contexts, and less often in academic or scientific publications. Alternatives like "very quickly" or "rapidly" can be used in more formal settings. Remember to reserve "real quick" for situations where a relaxed and informal tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapidly

A more formal and direct synonym for quickly.

very quickly

Emphasizes the speed of the action with a slightly more formal tone.

right away

Focuses on immediacy and the lack of delay.

in a jiffy

Offers a more informal and playful way to express speed.

momentarily

Indicates something will happen in a brief period.

in short order

Suggests that something will be done efficiently and rapidly.

expeditiously

Stresses efficiency and speed, suitable for more formal contexts.

with haste

Implies a sense of urgency and speed.

at warp speed

Uses a science fiction reference to humorously emphasize great speed.

before you know it

Highlights how quickly something will be completed, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

What does "real quick" mean?

The phrase "real quick" is an informal way of saying something will be done or happen very quickly or rapidly.

Is it grammatically correct to say "real quick"?

While "real quick" might not be considered strictly formal, it's a common and accepted idiom in everyday speech. In formal writing, using "very quickly" might be more appropriate.

What can I say instead of "real quick"?

You can use alternatives like "very quickly", "rapidly", or "in a jiffy" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "real quick" and "really quick"?

Both phrases are used to express speed. "Really quick" might be perceived as slightly more emphatic, but they are largely interchangeable in informal contexts.