was very quick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was very quick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that acted or responded rapidly in a past context. Example: "The response to the emergency was very quick, ensuring everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was very quick.

The New York Times

It was very quick!

The New York Times

The fall was very quick.

The Guardian - Opinion

The procedure was very quick.

The Guardian

"He was very quick, mobile, agile.

The Guardian - Sport

The government was very quick to mobilize troops.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It was very quick," said Joel DeSpain, a police spokesman.

The New York Times - Sports

The clean-up of that bomb was very quick.

The New Yorker

"It ripped through and it was very quick.

The Guardian

The referee was very quick to get the red card up.

The New York Times - Sports

"It happens to all of them, I suppose, but with Tony it was very quick.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or action that occurred quickly, consider using "was very quick" to emphasize the speed and efficiency. Be sure the context clearly indicates what "was very quick."

Common error

Avoid using "was very quick" without clearly specifying what action or process occurred rapidly. Lack of context can make the sentence vague and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was very quick" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate speed or rapidity in the past. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its common occurrence in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was very quick" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe the speed or rapidity of something in the past. Ludwig confirms its versatility and acceptability across various contexts. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific and academic writing. To ensure clarity, always provide sufficient context to specify what action or process "was very quick". Alternatives such as "responded swiftly" or "acted promptly" can be used to add nuance. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse audiences and purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responded swiftly

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the response.

acted promptly

Highlights the immediacy and lack of delay in the action.

was really fast

Uses a more informal tone while retaining the meaning of high speed.

moved rapidly

Focuses on the speed of movement or progression.

proceeded expeditiously

Indicates that something was done quickly and efficiently, often in a formal context.

was extremely agile

Highlights the nimbleness and dexterity involved in the action.

advanced rapidly

Focuses on the speed of advancement or progress.

completed swiftly

Emphasizes the quickness of the completion of a task or process.

was lightning-fast

Emphasizes extreme speed and quickness.

worked efficiently

Highlights the productivity and lack of wasted time in the work done.

FAQs

How can I use "was very quick" in a sentence?

You can use "was very quick" to describe the speed of an action or process. For example, "The response time "was very quick", which helped to mitigate the damage".

What are some alternatives to saying "was very quick"?

Alternatives include "responded swiftly", "acted promptly", or "was really fast" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "was very quick" or "was quick"?

"Was very quick" emphasizes the degree of speed more than simply "was quick". Both are grammatically correct, but the former adds intensity to the description. The choice depends on the level of emphasis desired.

In what contexts is "was very quick" most appropriate?

The phrase "was very quick" is suitable in various contexts where describing rapid action or speed is important, such as in news reports, scientific analyses, or general descriptions of events.