wasted no time

USAGE SUMMARY

"wasted no time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean that someone acted quickly or didn't hesitate. For example, "Once we got the go-ahead from the boss, we wasted no time getting started on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Choi wasted no time refocusing.

The New York Times - Sports

I wasted no time.

The Washington Post

Marko wasted no time.

The New York Times - Travel

He wasted no time.

The New York Times

Suresh wasted no time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Regardless, Moscow wasted no time.

Stanford University

Both mothers wasted no time getting help.

The New York Times

Mr Deutsch wasted no time in responding.

The Economist

The Head of Mission wasted no time.

The New Yorker

Fearing the worst, Kaskel wasted no time.

The New York Times

On Saturday, Mr. Kerry wasted no time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context. "Wasted no time" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. You can use synonyms such as "acted swiftly" or "took immediate action" for more formal situations.

Common error

While "wasted no time" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "immediately started" or "acted swiftly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wasted no time" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize the speed and lack of delay with which someone took action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase. It adds a sense of urgency or decisiveness to the narrative, highlighting the promptness of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

11%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wasted no time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that someone acted quickly and without delay. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media, but also appears in academic writing. While versatile, consider using synonyms like "immediately proceeded" or "acted swiftly" to avoid repetition. The phrase emphasizes efficiency and immediacy, making it a valuable tool for conveying urgency in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost no time

A very similar phrase, almost interchangeable with the original.

took immediate action

Highlights decisiveness and prompt response to a situation.

without delay

Emphasizes the absence of any waiting period.

promptly started

Stresses the immediacy and readiness to begin.

acted swiftly

Focuses on the speed and efficiency of the action.

moved quickly

Highlights the pace of movement or action.

immediately proceeded

Emphasizes the direct and uninterrupted continuation of action.

at once

Indicates instantaneous action or response.

sped up the process

Suggests acceleration and efficiency in completing a task.

jumped right in

Implies immediate and enthusiastic involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "wasted no time" in a sentence?

You can use "wasted no time" to indicate that someone acted quickly and without hesitation. For example, "Upon receiving the news, she "wasted no time" in contacting her lawyer."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "wasted no time"?

Some alternatives include "acted swiftly", "immediately proceeded", or "lost no time", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "didn't waste any time" instead of "wasted no time"?

Yes, "didn't waste any time" is grammatically correct and carries the same meaning as "wasted no time". Both phrases are acceptable and can be used interchangeably.

What is the difference between "wasted no time" and "took their time"?

"Wasted no time" implies acting quickly and efficiently, while "took their time" suggests acting slowly or deliberately. They are antonyms and convey opposite meanings.