that was quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was quickly" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks a clear context or subject.
It can be used in a sentence where "quickly" modifies a verb, but it needs to be part of a complete thought. Example: "The task that was quickly completed impressed everyone."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It follows the department's disastrous "Go home" vans initiative that was quickly scrapped following public outrage.

Independent

A Microsoft spokeswoman said the episode was "a one-time event that was quickly resolved".

The New York Times - Tech

"This year there was an approach from Tottenham that was quickly rejected.

Independent

Lauren reappeared in a gray stretch tank dress that was quickly nixed for being uncomfortable.

The New Yorker

In December the Old Pretender landed in Scotland, provoking an armed rebellion that was quickly suppressed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In response, he organized a brief armed resistance in the south that was quickly repressed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then came Ms. Lauper, strutting out in a long red wig that was quickly whisked aside.

The New York Times - Arts

This week, the government finally devalued the Zimbabwe dollar, a move that was quickly applauded.

The New York Times

I was attempting to look fetching in a white trouser suit that was quickly becoming speckled.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With his right he outlined a melody that was quickly recognizable as "Body and Soul".

The New York Times

A tweet that was quickly deleted when the guffaws that followed it almost broke the internet.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always complete the phrase with a subject and verb to form a coherent sentence, for example, "The problem that was quickly identified was also quickly resolved."

Common error

Avoid using "that was quickly" as a standalone phrase. It needs a subject and a complete verb phrase to make sense. Instead of saying "That was quickly", specify what "that" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was quickly" functions as part of a clause, typically modifying a verb to indicate the speed or promptness of an action. Ludwig highlights its use within larger sentences, adding context and grammatical completeness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that was quickly" is grammatically incomplete as Ludwig AI explains, requiring a subject and verb to form a coherent sentence. It's used to emphasize the speed of an action or resolution and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. However, due to its fragmented nature, it's essential to complete the phrase to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Consider using alternatives like "that was promptly" or "that was swiftly" for a more complete and polished expression. Remember to provide sufficient context to improve readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that issue was addressed promptly

Replaces the original with a more descriptive and grammatically sound alternative.

that question was answered immediately

Replaces "was quickly" with "answered immediately", focusing on the timing of the response.

that action happened fast

Replaces "was quickly" with a more descriptive and grammatically complete phrase.

that problem was fixed rapidly

Replaces the original with a more descriptive and grammatically sound alternative.

that response was immediate

Replaces "quickly" with "immediate", focusing on the timing of the response.

that event occurred rapidly

Substitutes "was quickly" with a formal alternative that provides a complete thought.

that situation resolved swiftly

Replaces the original with a more descriptive and grammatically sound alternative.

that development unfolded fast

Replaces the phrase with a more descriptive and grammatically sound alternative.

that process concluded promptly

Substitutes "was quickly" with a formal alternative that provides a complete thought.

that matter was settled expeditiously

Substitutes "was quickly" with a formal alternative that provides a complete thought.

FAQs

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

To use "that was quickly" correctly, ensure it's part of a complete sentence. For example, "The issue "that was quickly resolved" prevented further delays" provides a clear subject and verb.

What are some alternatives to "that was quickly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that was promptly", "that was swiftly", or "that was immediately" depending on the intended emphasis and context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "that was quickly"?

Starting a sentence with "that was quickly" is usually grammatically incorrect, as it typically creates a sentence fragment. It needs to be part of a larger clause to be correct. For example, "The action, "that was quickly taken", averted disaster."

What is the difference between "that was quickly" and "it was quickly"?

"That was quickly" implies a specific previously mentioned subject, while "it was quickly" introduces a new or general subject. For example, "The fire started, but "that was quickly extinguished"" (referring to the fire), versus "It was quickly decided to evacuate the building" (introducing a decision).