swift and violent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swift and violent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur quickly and with great force or intensity. Example: "The storm arrived with swift and violent winds, uprooting trees and causing widespread damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Retaliation from the rightwing twittersphere was swift and violent, as Khalek documented in an exhaustive (and exhausting) post at Alternet.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Niru's father finds it — and the notifications populating the home screen from men who want to date his son — the confrontation is swift and violent.

Columbia University

In short, the brigadier says, "the US army has developed over time a singular focus on conventional warfare, of a particularly swift and violent kind".

The Guardian

If the Queen had remained alive and well, and continued to broadcast her special scent, the response to any usurper would have been swift and violent: to reproduce in the presence of a healthy queen is strictly forbidden.

The New Yorker

If both trends continue, more and more Americans will come to associate guns not with healthy outdoorsmanship, as the NRA would like, but with swift and violent human death.

The Economist

The Hizbullah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, tried to answer them in a conciliatory speech, asserting that despite its swift and violent takeover of Sunni districts in Beirut earlier this month, his Iranian-backed party had no intention of imposing its rule.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The responses were swift and vehement.

The New York Times

The response was swift and fierce.

The New York Times

The retaliation came swift and fierce.

Vice

In northeastern Zambia, too, the process of imposing colonial rule came later, but in the end it was swifter and less violent than it had been to the south or east.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many blame President Nicolás Maduro for the oil-rich country's swift descent into unrest, and violent protests demanding his resignation have rocked the capital for months on end.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event or action, use "swift and violent" to effectively convey both the speed and intensity with which it occurs, creating a vivid and impactful image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "swift and violent" in situations where the intensity is not genuinely high, as overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "quick and intense" or "rapid and forceful" for less extreme scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swift and violent" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its characteristics. It denotes a combination of speed and intensity in an action or event. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "swift and violent" is a grammatically sound and versatile descriptor used to convey both speed and intensity in an action or event. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a range of sources, confirms its proper usage, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki contexts. While Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, it's wise to avoid overuse in overly dramatic contexts to maintain its impact. Considering alternatives like "rapid and intense" or "quick and forceful" can also enhance the precision and suitability of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid and intense

Replaces "swift" with "rapid" and "violent" with "intense", focusing on the speed and degree of force or feeling.

quick and forceful

Substitutes "swift" with "quick" and "violent" with "forceful", emphasizing the speed and the application of power.

immediate and brutal

Replaces "swift" with "immediate" and "violent" with "brutal", highlighting the lack of delay and the harshness of the action.

sudden and fierce

Uses "sudden" instead of "swift" to emphasize the unexpected nature and "fierce" to convey intensity.

prompt and aggressive

Emphasizes the immediacy and the proactive, attacking nature of the action.

expeditious and destructive

Highlights the efficiency and the damaging consequences of the action.

lightning-fast and devastating

Uses a simile to illustrate the speed and emphasizes the destructive impact.

rapid and tumultuous

Conveys speed and a sense of chaotic disruption.

sharp and overwhelming

Highlights the keenness or acuteness and the overpowering nature of the event.

sudden and overwhelming

Highlights the unexpectedness and the overpowering nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "swift and violent" in a sentence?

The phrase "swift and violent" is used to describe something that happens quickly and with great force. For example, "The storm's arrival was "swift and violent", causing widespread damage."

What are some synonyms for "swift and violent"?

Alternatives to "swift and violent" include "rapid and intense", "quick and forceful", or "immediate and brutal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "swift and violent" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal writing, ensure the tone aligns with the intensity described. Alternatives like "rapid and intense" may be more suitable for certain formal contexts.

What's the difference between "swift and violent" and "quick and aggressive"?

"Swift and violent" emphasizes the speed and force of an action, while "quick and aggressive" highlights speed and an attacking nature. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the impact or the assertive nature of the action.