very prompt

USAGE SUMMARY

"very prompt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone or something that is quick in responding or acting. For example, "My mailman is always very prompt with delivering my letters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We appreciate your very prompt response in issuing [a disaster declaration]," she says.

The Guardian

"He was very prompt in responding, most of the time within a couple hours," Mr. Oxford said.

The New York Times

"These were allegations that came internally, and the Police Department took very prompt action and worked very closely with the district attorney's office," Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times

Here is a wonderful site with good children's literature, a delivery time of only days and a very prompt e-mail response: Great Tapes for Kids (www.greattapes.com).

The New York Times - Tech

($19.95), and an oceanfront and poolside grill is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Room service is from 6 a.m. to 1 30 a.m. and very prompt.

The New York Times - Travel

It is found that the concentration changes in oxygenated hemoglobin measured from both breast and prostate tumors often display a very prompt rise, followed by a gradual persistence throughout the intervention.

Methods in Enzymology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

When you ask a bargaining counterpart for advice, you may very well prompt him to look at the world from your vantage point.

Harvard University

"Arrears on such obligations would not constitute a default event from a sovereign rating perspective but very likely prompt a downgrade even as debt obligations continued to be met".

The New York Times

Arrears on such obligations would not constitute a default event from a sovereign rating perspective but very likely prompt a downgrade even as debt obligations continued to be met," Fitch wrote.

The New York Times

If Brazil's endemic "corruption, nepotism, cheating and dishonesty" ever caused, say, the national team to fail to qualify for the World Cup finals, popular outrage would very likely prompt reform.

The New York Times - Books

The questionable practices of business partners might very well prompt the hiring of a forensic accountant.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very prompt" to describe a response or action that is noticeably faster or more timely than expected. This emphasizes efficiency and reliability.

Common error

Avoid using "very prompt" when describing something that should naturally be fast. Overusing it can dilute its impact and sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very prompt" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "prompt". It describes the quality of being quick and efficient in responding or acting. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very prompt" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to emphasize the speed and efficiency of a response or action. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, use "very prompt" to convey satisfaction with timeliness, but avoid overusing it in situations where speed is already expected. Consider alternatives like "highly punctual" or "incredibly quick" for nuanced meaning. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is used to describe someone or something quick in responding or acting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly punctual

Emphasizes adherence to schedules and timelines more than general responsiveness.

incredibly quick

Highlights speed of action more directly than the original phrase.

extremely timely

Focuses on the appropriateness of the timing rather than just speed.

impressively expeditious

Focuses on efficiency and speed in completing a task or process.

exceptionally rapid

Stresses the speed of the action or response.

decidedly immediate

Highlights the lack of delay, suggesting an almost instantaneous response.

super efficient

Highlights a high level of efficiency and speed in achieving results.

remarkably swift

Similar to rapid but can also imply elegance or ease of movement/action.

unusually fast

Focuses on the deviation from the norm in terms of speed.

lightning-fast

A more figurative way to express speed, implying extreme quickness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "very prompt" in a sentence?

Use "very prompt" to emphasize the speed and efficiency of a response or action. For example, "The customer service team provided a "very prompt" response to my inquiry".

What are some alternatives to "very prompt"?

Alternatives include "highly punctual", "extremely timely", or "incredibly quick" depending on the context.

Is "very prompt" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "very prompt" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to highlight the efficiency and speed of a response or action in a professional setting.

What's the difference between "very prompt" and "immediate"?

"Immediate" implies happening without any delay, while "very prompt" suggests a quick response that is still within an acceptable timeframe. "Very prompt" indicates efficiency, whereas immediate indicates instantaneous action.