swift

USAGE SUMMARY

'swift' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that describes something that happens quickly or with great speed. For example: "The car flew by at a swift speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Clinton said on Tuesday she supported the swift release of her emails amid reports that the State Department would not publicly release them all until January 2016.

The Guardian

It was immediately followed by Tebbit's secret plea for tougher action to bring a swift end to the strike.

The Guardian

Israel accused Hamas of violating the latest of a series of temporary ceasefires after rockets were launched from Gaza on Tuesday hours before the end of the latest truce, triggering a swift military and political response.

The Guardian

The network demands swift action from human rights organisations around the world in order for the Syrian government to be pressured into releasing Dr Omar and his family" Human rights activist Omar Arnous was arrested with his family in a dawn raid on his flat.

The Guardian

Many were swift to note that they had been unfairly written off right to the last.

The Guardian - Sport

Madrid had scored; Barcelona had to do so too and the response was swift.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Swift Sword was planned months ago and few of the troops here are likely to be in the military action across the Gulf.

The Guardian

At this year's show – the 30th – that meant a twerking Miley Cyrus, a cursing Taylor Swift and a reuniting boy band.

The Guardian

Other US big names such as Taylor Swift and LeAnn Rimes have been bringing country-style music into the pop charts, while Dolly Parton's appearance on last year's Glastonbury Pyramid stage was a success that took even the organisers by surprise.

The Guardian - Music

From Stevie Nicks to Taylor Swift, there had been almost no major act from the last four decades that he had not somehow touched.

The Guardian - Books

Taylor Swift fans who pre-ordered her latest album 1989 are waking up today to a notification from Apple that it's available to download from iTunes – the latest high-profile album to shun streaming services like Spotify in favour of Apple's music downloads store.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "swift", consider the context. It's most effective when you want to emphasize not just speed but also efficiency and decisiveness. For example, "a swift resolution" implies a quick and effective solution.

Common error

While "swift" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise vocabulary might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "expeditious" or "prompt" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swift" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something happening quickly or with great speed. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in phrases like "swift action" and "swift release".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swift" functions primarily as an adjective to denote speed and efficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. With a neutral register, it commonly appears in contexts like news and media. For alternative wording, you might consider "rapid" or "quick". Remember to use "swift" when emphasizing both speed and effectiveness, and avoid overuse in overly formal contexts. By paying attention to these nuances, you can use the word "swift" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid

Replaces "swift" with a direct synonym, emphasizing speed.

quick

Another direct synonym for "swift", focusing on speed and immediacy.

speedy

Similar to "swift", but may imply eagerness or willingness in addition to speed.

prompt

Focuses on acting without delay; immediate.

expeditious

Emphasizes efficiency and speed in achieving a result.

fleet

Implies gracefulness and agility in addition to speed.

hasty

Suggests speed but also potential carelessness or lack of thoroughness.

nimble

Implies quickness and dexterity, particularly in movement or thought.

accelerated

Focuses on the increase in speed or rate.

immediate

Indicates no delay; happening right away.

FAQs

How to use "swift" in a sentence?

You can use "swift" to describe actions or movements that occur quickly and efficiently, like "a swift response" or "a swift decision".

What can I say instead of "swift"?

You can use alternatives like "rapid", "quick", or "speedy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "swift" or "speedy"?

Both "swift" and "speedy" are correct and can often be used interchangeably, but "swift" may imply a bit more elegance and decisiveness compared to "speedy".

When is it best to use "swift" over other synonyms?

Use "swift" when you want to emphasize both the speed and the effectiveness or efficiency of an action or movement. For example, "swift action" implies a fast and effective response.