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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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that was rapidly

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was rapidly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that occurred quickly in the past. Example: "The project that was rapidly completed exceeded all expectations and impressed the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Google.cn was introduced into a political environment that was rapidly souring for American high-tech firms in China.

"If the school had a male component that was rapidly dropping, there would be cause for concern," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

They also saw a neighborhood that was rapidly losing the accent and influence that had defined it.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Tonight, the little giant rose to amazing heights," said one message that was rapidly circulated after the 10,000m.

Maybe he was enticed by the growing audience in a neighborhood that was rapidly attracting new residents.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The concoction applied was an "unstable combination", says Larry Keith, the new director of conservation, "[one] that was rapidly yellowing".

He was on tour with a new campaign that was rapidly gaining traction on college campuses across the United States.

News & Media

The Guardian

Stepping over bodies in the packed and now darkened bar, they desperately searched for a way out of a building that was rapidly catching fire.

News & Media

The Guardian

But as he became known as the leading authority in facial feminization — a field that was rapidly being populated by other surgeons — his surgical interventions became more extensive.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Until then, the Asylum concentrated mainly on straight-to-DVD low-budget horror movies — a market that was rapidly being taken over by bigger, savvier companies like Lionsgate.

A quiet church-going person, she maintained that "you don't need to strip to be sexy" - a truth that was rapidly going out of circulation.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was rapidly" to effectively describe processes, changes, or developments that occurred with notable speed. This phrase adds a sense of urgency or dynamism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that was rapidly" to describe static conditions or situations where the speed of change is not relevant. This can create a misleading or unnatural tone. For example, don't say "the house that was rapidly old" unless it visibly aged quickly.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was rapidly" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about its state of change or development. As Ludwig AI suggests, this indicates an action or event happening quickly in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was rapidly" is a versatile relative clause used to emphasize the quick pace of a change or development. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. While generally neutral, its usage should be carefully considered to avoid misuse in static descriptions. Alternatives like "that quickly became" or "that swiftly turned into" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase exhibits high source quality and consistent usage, solidifying its reliability in diverse writing contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that was rapidly" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "that swiftly became", "that quickly developed into", or "that progressed at an accelerated pace". These options replace the simpler "rapidly" with more sophisticated vocabulary.

What's the difference between "that was rapidly" and "that was quickly"?

While both phrases indicate speed, "that was rapidly" ("that was rapidly") often suggests a faster or more noticeable rate of change than "that was quickly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "that was rapidly"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but it can be misused. Avoid using "that was rapidly" when describing something unchanging or static. It's best suited for situations involving dynamic change or movement.

What are some common words that follow "that was rapidly"?

Common words following "that was rapidly" include verbs like "changing", "growing", "developing", "spreading", and "deteriorating", as these words describe actions or processes that can occur at different speeds.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: