unexpectedly quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpectedly quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens faster than anticipated or without prior warning. Example: "The project was completed unexpectedly quickly, surprising everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But now it's all happening in Iraq, unexpectedly quickly, and once again there is that old sense of impending doom.

The New Yorker

Its rapid adaption offers hope that other insects and species may be able to adapt unexpectedly quickly to climate change.

The Guardian

The news that he had been found dead and, perhaps almost as shocking to some, that the man accused of his murder was also Jewish, came unexpectedly quickly.

Independent

John Sudworth says the trial in the city of Hefei ended unexpectedly quickly.

BBC

To the degree that health costs rise unexpectedly quickly between now and 2018, the initial threshold would be adjusted upwards automatically.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then, unexpectedly, Reyes quickly jogged into the Mets' dugout.

The New York Times

"Unless the economy unexpectedly moves quickly into high gear, any credit tightening will, as usual, run into considerable political opposition.

The New York Times

The best moment for me was when Katie Couric (I was with CBS at Buckingham Palace) thought the King of Tonga was Mohamed Al Fayed and informed the United States that Dodi's dad had tipped up unexpectedly – she quickly corrected herself.

The Guardian

Momentum can shift quickly, unexpectedly.

The New York Times - Sports

It ended quickly, unexpectedly, against a Latvian named Ernests Gulbis, who is far younger (24) but had struggled far more in 2012.

The New York Times

PHILADELPHIA — The Nets needed something to readjust their focus from the distraction involving center-forward Andray Blatche on Tuesday, and it came quickly, unexpectedly, as Reggie Evans collected rebound after rebound.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpectedly quickly", ensure the context clearly establishes what was initially expected or anticipated. This provides a stronger contrast and emphasizes the unexpected nature of the speed.

Common error

Avoid pairing "unexpectedly quickly" with other adverbs that express similar meanings, such as "very" or "extremely". This redundancy weakens the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "unexpectedly quickly" functions to modify verbs or clauses, indicating that an action occurred with both speed and a lack of anticipation. Ludwig examples show it describing project completion, adaptation of species, and the ending of a trial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpectedly quickly" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe actions or events that occur faster than anticipated. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatical and usable, it is more common in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register making it suitable for various writing styles. While there are not so many occurrences of the expression, it’s recommended to ensure the context clearly shows what was initially expected and to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprisingly fast

Emphasizes the element of surprise regarding the speed.

faster than anticipated

Highlights the difference between the actual speed and what was expected.

sooner than expected

Focuses on the timing being earlier than predicted.

with unforeseen speed

Emphasizes that the speed was not predicted or planned.

at an unanticipated rate

Highlights the unexpected pace of the event.

unforeseeably rapidly

Similar to "unexpectedly quickly", but with a stronger emphasis on the speed of the action.

in surprisingly short order

Implies not only speed but also efficiency and ease.

more rapidly than predicted

Focuses on surpassing previous forecasts or predictions.

with unexpected velocity

Highlights the speed or rate of motion in an unforeseen manner.

promptly without warning

Highlights both speed and the lack of advance notice.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpectedly quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpectedly quickly" to describe actions or events that happen faster than anticipated. For example: "The project was completed "unexpectedly quickly", surprising everyone involved."

What are some alternatives to "unexpectedly quickly"?

Alternatives include "surprisingly fast", "faster than anticipated", or "sooner than expected", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "unexpectedly" and "quickly" together?

While both words relate to speed, "unexpectedly" emphasizes the lack of anticipation, while "quickly" emphasizes the speed itself. Using them together can strengthen the sense of surprise about the speed, but be mindful of potential redundancy. Consider if "surprisingly fast" might be a better alternative.

What is the difference between "unexpectedly quickly" and "surprisingly quickly"?

"Unexpectedly quickly" highlights that the speed was not foreseen or predicted, whereas "surprisingly quickly" simply emphasizes that the speed was surprising. The former focuses on the lack of anticipation, while the latter focuses on the emotional response to the speed.