that was fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "that was fast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or admiration at the speed of something. For example, "I ordered the pizza just five minutes ago and it's already here - that was fast!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Jesus Christ that was fast," Marlon said.

The New Yorker

"We just wanted a robot that was fast," Fife said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the 1960s and '70s, a movement arose to recover a technology that was fast disappearing.

The New York Times - Science

To cultural preservationists here, she is the guardian of a local culture that was fast disappearing.

The New York Times

It was just another car on the track that was fast.

The New York Times - Sports

Well that was fast.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We're food that's fast".

The New York Times

That is fast changing.

The Guardian - Sport

And That's Fast.

The New York Times - Science

But that is fast enough for video.

The Economist

Sounds slow, but geomorphologically that is fast.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was fast" to acknowledge efficiency or speed in a positive or surprised tone. It's appropriate in both casual conversations and more formal settings where a touch of informality is acceptable. For example, after receiving prompt customer service, you might say, "Wow, that was fast!"

Common error

Avoid using "that was fast" sarcastically in situations where speed is detrimental to quality or thoroughness. Sarcasm might not be evident in written communication, potentially leading to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was fast" primarily functions as an exclamatory remark expressing surprise or acknowledgment of the speed at which something occurred. It is commonly used in response to a quick action, delivery, or completion of a task. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was fast" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing surprise or appreciation regarding the speed of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in English. Its primary function is exclamatory, serving to acknowledge swiftness in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's most appropriate in neutral to informal settings, with careful consideration needed to avoid unintended sarcasm. Alternatives like "that was quick" or "that didn't take long" can offer similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was quick

Uses a synonym for "fast", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

that was speedy

Employs a different synonym emphasizing speed.

that happened quickly

Rephrases to focus on the action happening rapidly.

that didn't take long

Expresses a similar sentiment by stating the process was short.

that was sooner than expected

Highlights the unexpected swiftness of the event.

that concluded rapidly

Focuses on the rapid conclusion or ending of something.

that's remarkably fast

Adds emphasis to the speed, indicating it's noteworthy.

it's already done

Highlights the completion of something very quickly.

that was lightning fast

Uses a simile to emphasize the extreme speed.

how did that finish so fast

Asks a rhetorical question to emphasize the short amount of time the task lasted.

FAQs

How can I use "that was fast" in a sentence?

You can use "that was fast" to express surprise or appreciation when something happens quickly. For example: "The delivery arrived an hour after I ordered it; "that was fast"!"

What are some alternatives to saying "that was fast"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "that was quick", "that didn't take long", or "that was speedy".

Is "that was fast" appropriate for formal communication?

While generally acceptable, "that was fast" is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal settings, consider a more professional tone such as "the response was prompt" or "the service was efficient".

What does it mean when someone says "that was fast"?

Typically, it implies the speaker is impressed or surprised by how quickly something was completed or occurred. The specific meaning can vary depending on the tone and the context of the conversation.