things can change quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things can change quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that situations or circumstances may alter rapidly, often unexpectedly. Example: "In the world of technology, things can change quickly, so it's important to stay updated on the latest trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Such things can change quickly.

The Economist

"But I know things can change quickly.

The New York Times

But in politics, things can change quickly.

The New York Times

"At this level, things can change quickly.

Independent

But as the Rockets' reversal of fortune proves, things can change quickly in the N.B.A.

The New York Times - Sports

"The athletes we work with understand that things can change quickly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But if you get the players to understand how you want to play and prioritise, those things you can change quickly.

Independent

"Those are the things that remind you how life can change quickly," she said.

The New York Times

Indeed, things can change pretty quickly.

The New York Times

"In ski racing, things can change very quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

But things can change very quickly in football.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business writing, this phrase is effective for highlighting market volatility or the need for strategic agility. Use it to prepare stakeholders for potential shifts in the competitive landscape.

Common error

Avoid using "things can change quickly" as a standalone statement without providing relevant context or supporting evidence. This can make your writing seem vague and unsubstantiated. Always follow up with examples or explanations to ground the phrase in reality and make it more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things can change quickly" primarily functions as an observation or statement of possibility. It highlights the potential for rapid alteration in circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things can change quickly" is a common and correct English expression used to emphasize the potential for rapid shifts in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, sports, and business contexts, serving as a cautionary statement or a reminder of the need for adaptability. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, overuse without context should be avoided to maintain clarity and impact. For more formal settings, alternatives like "situations can shift rapidly" may be preferred. Always ground the phrase with specific examples to enhance its persuasiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

situations can shift rapidly

Focuses on the speed and abruptness of a change in situations.

circumstances can evolve fast

Highlights the speed and evolving nature of the change.

the situation is fluid

Emphasizes the unstable and changeable nature of a situation.

the landscape is constantly shifting

Implies ongoing and continuous change, like a dynamic environment.

events can take a sudden turn

Focuses on the unexpectedness of a change in events.

the outlook can quickly transform

Highlights a rapid change in perspective or expectation.

fortune can reverse course swiftly

Emphasizes the sudden reversal of fortune or outcomes.

dynamics are subject to prompt alteration

Indicates that underlying forces are prone to quick modifications.

developments are prone to abrupt turns

Shows how changes can suddenly and unexpectedly occur

the variables are subject to immediate variations

Indicates how the elements can vary rapidly and in a short period.

FAQs

How can I use "things can change quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "things can change quickly" to emphasize the dynamic nature of a situation, like in "In the stock market, "things can change quickly", so it's important to stay informed".

What's a more formal way to say "things can change quickly"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "situations can shift rapidly" or "circumstances can evolve fast". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

Is it grammatically correct to say "things can change quickly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English syntax, with "things" as the subject, "can change" as the verb phrase, and "quickly" as an adverb modifying the verb.

What are some situations where "things can change quickly" is particularly relevant?

This phrase is particularly relevant in fields like technology, finance, sports, and politics, where unexpected events and shifts in dynamics are common. It's also useful when discussing personal or organizational planning, where adaptability is key.