running swiftly

USAGE SUMMARY

"running swiftly" is correct and it is an example of an adverb modifying the verb "run".
You can use it when you want to describe how someone is running quickly, typically in an imaginative or figurative context. Example: The wind was running swiftly through the night, carrying away her dreams.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A wary bird, the great bustard is difficult to approach, running swiftly when endangered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On this night, the river was dark and glassy and running swiftly southward toward New York Harbor.

The New York Times

Even though his horses have won 13 Triple Crown races, including four Kentucky Derbys, Lukas knows that a horse running swiftly for him on any given day is a dicey proposition.

The New York Times - Sports

CBI director-general John Cridland urged the government to get the bank running "swiftly", adding that it could "play a vital role in packaging up and selling debt from medium-sized companies, allowing them to access vital finance streams".

BBC

We can guess that most of you won't see your bird alive before this year's big feast, but if you did, you'd most likely find yourself running swiftly in the opposite direction.

Huffington Post

With regard to outdoor play, given that center-based environments tend to be heavily regulated, staff may be inclined to display increased safety concerns for the children's wellbeing while outdoors, and may therefore limit more vigorous and rambunctious play during care hours (e.g., running, swiftly climbing on jungle gym equipment, etc).

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Seriemas run swiftly over the plains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'To run swiftly' or 'swiftly to run' is correct; not 'to swiftly run'".

The Guardian

Clayton and Duper can both run swiftly and Marino loves to throw deep to them.

The New York Times - Sports

He ran swiftly around the track, and the audience went wild with good feeling.

The New Yorker

They can run swiftly and occasionally attack and kill human beings.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running swiftly" to add a touch of vividness to your writing when describing movement. It is especially effective in narrative contexts where a character's speed is significant to the plot.

Common error

Avoid using "running swiftly" in highly formal or technical documents where a more direct term like "moving quickly" might be more appropriate. Save it for scenarios requiring impactful imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running swiftly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "run". It describes the manner in which the action of running is performed, indicating speed and quickness. Ludwig confirms this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

13%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running swiftly" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe the manner of running, emphasizing speed and quickness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use the adverb “swiftly” to modify the verb "run". While the phrase is not extremely common, with a frequency rated as Uncommon, it appears in a variety of contexts, especially news & media, encyclopedias, and science. The phrase is generally neutral in register, leaning towards slightly formal, and it serves to create a vivid image of rapid movement. When writing, it’s best to use this phrase in scenarios requiring impactful imagery and avoid overuse in strictly formal contexts where simpler language might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running rapidly

Emphasizes the high speed of the running action.

moving quickly

Focuses on the general act of moving with speed, not specifically running.

sprinting fast

Implies a short burst of very high-speed running.

racing swiftly

Implies a competitive element to the fast running or movement.

dashing rapidly

Suggests a quick and energetic movement, often over a short distance.

bolting swiftly

Implies a sudden and quick escape or start.

hastening swiftly

Emphasizes the urgency or need to hurry while moving.

proceeding quickly

Describes the act of moving forward or continuing a process at a rapid pace.

progressing quickly

Refers to advancement or development happening at a fast pace.

advancing rapidly

Similar to progressing quickly, often used in strategic or military contexts.

FAQs

What does "running swiftly" mean?

"Running swiftly" means to run at a fast pace. It combines the action of running with the adverb "swiftly", emphasizing speed and quickness.

How can I use "running swiftly" in a sentence?

You can use "running swiftly" to describe a character's movement in a story, like: "The hare was "running swiftly" to escape the tortoise".

What are some alternatives to "running swiftly"?

Alternatives include "running rapidly", "moving quickly", or "sprinting fast". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "running swiftly" more formal than "running fast"?

Yes, "running swiftly" tends to be slightly more formal and literary than "running fast". "Running fast" is more common in everyday conversation, while "running swiftly" can add a touch of elegance or intensity to your writing.