swiftly

USAGE SUMMARY

Swiftly is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is done quickly or urgently. For example: "He ran swiftly away from the danger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The tweets were swiftly deleted and we apologise for any offence".

The Guardian

As swiftly as it came, it disappeared, leaving no trace.

The Guardian

While the FBI and other government tallies have long been criticized for underreporting, an admission of the problem at the top levels of US government is swiftly emerging.

The Guardian

The Forest of Bowland is a triangle of bleak Lancashire moorland which most visitors swiftly pass in search of the more scenic Lake District.

The Guardian

As the draw unfolded, there were cheers and sharp inhales of breath in the room as Mexico drew Brazil, though any schadenfreude swiftly turned to groans as Honduras landed in the softer group of Switzerland, Ecuador and France, and the USA's last hopes of a softer landing faded.

The Guardian - Sport

The impact was immediate: stockmarkets jumped higher and the bond yields of Spain, and Italy, went swiftly into reverse.

The Guardian

But they also tweeted that they didn't know what was happening and that the woman had "swiftly exited" before they could stop her.

The Guardian - Film

The defeat of independence removed one mortal threat to Labour, only for it to be swiftly succeeded by another.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aged 16, he left Wales and his career swiftly took off after he photographed Bowie on his Ziggy Stardust tour.

The Guardian - Arts

At Amorikot, the first head swiftly acquired a local reputation for corruption, seriously undermining the trust between teachers and parents that is critical when parents pay the teachers' salaries.

The Guardian

Things swiftly move into Monty Python territory when it comes to the rules of getting dressed for work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swiftly" to add a touch of formality and precision when describing actions that occur with notable speed. For example, "The company acted swiftly to address the security breach."

Common error

Avoid using "swiftly" in very informal settings where a more common word like "quickly" would be more appropriate. "Swiftly" can sound stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swiftly" is as an adverb of manner, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and provides numerous examples of its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "swiftly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe actions performed with speed and efficiency. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it adheres to standard grammar rules and finds extensive use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it may be more formal than alternatives like "quickly", it effectively conveys a sense of promptness and is well-suited for professional and neutral writing styles. When choosing an alternative, consider the subtle differences in nuance and context to ensure the most appropriate word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapidly

Emphasizes a high rate of speed or occurrence, often suggesting continuous or repeated action.

quickly

A more general term for speed, suitable for a wide range of contexts, but slightly less formal.

expeditiously

Implies efficiency and a lack of delay, often used in formal or business contexts.

speedily

Similar to quickly, but can also suggest eagerness or enthusiasm in addition to speed.

promptly

Suggests acting without delay and often implies a sense of duty or responsibility.

in short order

An idiomatic phrase meaning quickly or without delay, often used informally.

in a timely manner

Emphasizes that something is done within an appropriate or expected timeframe.

with haste

Indicates speed and urgency, often suggesting a sense of pressure or necessity.

at full speed

Emphasizes maximum velocity or rate of progress.

posthaste

An archaic term meaning with great speed and urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "swiftly" in a sentence?

You can use "swiftly" to describe an action performed quickly. For example, "The fire department responded "quickly" and extinguished the flames "swiftly"."

What are some alternatives to the word "swiftly"?

Some alternatives to "swiftly" include "rapidly", "quickly", "speedily", and "expeditiously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always better to use "swiftly" instead of "quickly"?

Not necessarily. "Swiftly" carries a slightly more formal tone than "quickly". Choose the word that best fits the overall tone and style of your writing.

Can "swiftly" be used in all types of writing?

While "swiftly" is grammatically correct and versatile, consider your audience and the context. It is well-suited for formal writing, news reports, and academic papers, but may sound out of place in casual conversation or informal writing where "quickly" might be more appropriate.