unusually quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusually quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurs at a speed that is not typical or expected. Example: "She completed the project unusually quickly, impressing her supervisor with her efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The courts are moving unusually quickly.

The Economist

With the mutated gene, people break down triglycerides unusually quickly.

The New York Times

The government reacted unusually quickly and blamed negligence for the disaster.

The New York Times

Working unusually quickly with few lines, he conveys character and recognisable faces.

The Guardian - Music

It was impossible to verify the authenticity of the claim, but it came unusually quickly.

The New York Times

For example, one copy of the gene for transglutaminase, which helps the mating plug coagulate, has evolved unusually quickly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The strange and unusually short interview segment quickly gained the attention of media critics, because criticism of Fox News is rarely aired on Fox News.

The New York Times

That unusually high figure was quickly overshadowed by Senator Barack Obama's announcement that he had raised the same amount in 36 hours since the 22-state contest on Tuesday, in addition to the $32 million that he raised in January.

The New York Times

Less than a tenth of recipients also receive cash payments from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programme (TANF), the reformed version of welfare; roughly a third get at least some income from wages.Spending on food stamps has risen so quickly because, unusually, almost all the needy are automatically and indefinitely eligible for them.

The Economist

They fought back quickly, becoming unusually accessible to the media and adept at off-the-record briefings through their public relations team.

BBC

"That he was unusually talented was clear very quickly," said Mr. Schwingel's partner, Stefan Schubert.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation you wish to convey. "Unusually quickly" can imply efficiency, surprise, or even suspicion, depending on the situation.

Common error

While acceptable, relying too heavily on "unusually quickly" in formal writing can make your tone sound less sophisticated. Diversify with alternatives like "remarkably fast" or "exceptionally rapidly" to maintain a professional style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually quickly" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates a speed that is not typical or expected. Examples show it modifying verbs across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusually quickly" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that describes actions happening at a pace faster than expected. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and scientific sources. Alternatives like "remarkably fast" or "surprisingly swiftly" can offer nuanced emphasis. While generally neutral, be mindful of potential connotations of suspicion. Ultimately, ensure the context establishes a clear baseline for comparison to maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably fast

Emphasizes the degree of speed, highlighting how notable it is.

surprisingly swiftly

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the speed.

exceptionally rapidly

Suggests a high degree of speed that goes beyond the norm.

unexpectedly promptly

Highlights both the speed and the lack of anticipation for such speed.

at an accelerated pace

Uses a more formal tone to convey the increased speed.

with unusual haste

Indicates speed coupled with a sense of urgency.

more rapidly than normal

Directly compares the speed to a standard or expected rate.

in record time

Implies the speed is so fast it sets a new benchmark.

at breakneck speed

Suggests an extremely high and potentially dangerous speed.

with great velocity

Uses a scientific term to describe a high rate of motion.

FAQs

What does "unusually quickly" mean?

The phrase "unusually quickly" describes something happening at a speed that is faster than what is normally expected or common. It implies a deviation from the typical pace.

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

You can use "unusually quickly" to modify a verb, indicating the speed at which an action is performed. For example, "The plant grew "unusually quickly" this spring because of the warm weather."

Which is more appropriate, "unusually quickly" or "remarkably quickly"?

Both "unusually quickly" and "remarkably quickly" are appropriate, but "remarkably quickly" might suggest a more significant degree of speed than "unusually quickly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Are there any negative connotations to using "unusually quickly"?

While generally neutral, "unusually quickly" can sometimes imply suspicion or artificiality, depending on the situation. For example, if a court case proceeds "unusually quickly", it might raise concerns about fairness.