very quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the speed at which an action is performed. Example: "She completed the task very quickly, impressing her supervisor with her efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very quickly.

Yale University

It's dark, very quickly.

The New Yorker

He's learning very quickly.

Independent

Everything happened very quickly.

The New York Times

"That changed very quickly.

The New Yorker

Just not very quickly.

The Economist

"They're blurring very quickly".

The New York Times - Tech

"It happened very quickly.

The New York Times

Things change very quickly.

The New York Times

"We moved very quickly".

The New York Times

It decays very quickly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions, use "very quickly" to emphasize the speed and efficiency of the process. This adds a sense of urgency or immediacy to your writing.

Common error

While "very quickly" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "swiftly", "rapidly", or "expeditiously" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very quickly" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig shows that this phrase enhances the verb's meaning by adding emphasis to the speed and efficiency of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very quickly" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize the speed of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely employed in news, academic, and business contexts. While versatile, it’s wise to avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "swiftly" or "expeditiously" to maintain writing quality. Remember that while "very quickly" is suitable for many scenarios, choosing the most precise synonym can enhance clarity and impact. Avoid common errors by ensuring its usage adds value without sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with great haste

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and speed of an action.

swiftly

This word directly describes a fast and prompt action.

at a rapid pace

This phrase highlights the continuous and fast nature of an activity.

without delay

Emphasizes that there is no waiting time involved.

promptly

Implies that an action is carried out without hesitation.

in short order

Implies that something will be done or happen promptly and efficiently.

expeditiously

This alternative suggests efficiency and speed in handling something.

before long

Suggests that something will happen soon, without much delay.

in a flash

This idiom conveys the idea that something happens instantaneously.

in no time

Indicates that something will happen or be completed almost immediately.

FAQs

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

Use "very quickly" to highlight the speed at which an action is performed. For example, "The situation escalated "very quickly", leaving little time to react".

What are some alternatives to using "very quickly"?

You can use alternatives such as "rapidly", "swiftly", or "expeditiously" to add variety to your writing. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "very quickly" in formal writing?

Yes, "very quickly" is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal writing. However, consider the context and whether a more precise or sophisticated synonym might be more suitable.

What’s the difference between "very quickly" and "quickly"?

"Very quickly" intensifies the meaning of "quickly", emphasizing that something happens at a faster rate. The addition of "very" enhances the sense of speed and urgency.