with a rapid gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a rapid gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or swift movement made by a person, often to emphasize urgency or decisiveness. Example: "She dismissed the idea with a rapid gesture of her hand, signaling that she wanted to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If a person's phone rang during a meeting, a rapid touch gesture could silence it or send a particular text message in response.

MIT Technology Review

He looked up the mountain and saw not what she now, no doubt, saw clearly but figures, spinning and bowing in a rapid dance on huge, lithe, stony legs, beckoning with expansive gestures, flinging their great arms wide in invitation.

The New Yorker

NED (with a savage gesture): Shut up!

The New Yorker

Other Yankees mostly responded with a glove gesture.

The New York Times

Keith Emerson would do this with a big gesture.

Cornell University

The evening began with a perfect gesture.

The New York Times

With a noble gesture and delicate propriety.

Huffington Post

But, then, with a sweeping gesture, he cut bangs.

Huffington Post

For example, in referring to a round shape with a symmetrical gesture, each hand draws half of a circle.

Cognitive Computation

We also intended to manipulate facial expressivity and pleasantness independently by including a highly positive expressive facial gesture (a smile) along with a slightly positive gesture (a lip protrusion indicating a kiss).

Brain

"Ah," said Giuseppe with an expansive gesture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a rapid gesture" to describe actions that are both quick and carry a sense of urgency or decisiveness. It's effective when you want to emphasize the speed and intent behind a movement.

Common error

Avoid using "with a rapid gesture" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "swift", "quick", or more specific action verbs that imply speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a rapid gesture" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the manner in which an action is performed, specifically emphasizing the speed and decisiveness of the gesture. It adds detail about how something was done.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a rapid gesture" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe an action performed with speed and decisiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it is not a particularly common phrase, it appears mostly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether synonyms like "with a swift gesture" or "with a quick gesture" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid overuse to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a swift gesture

Replaces "rapid" with "swift", emphasizing speed and smoothness.

with a quick gesture

Substitutes "rapid" with "quick", indicating a fast and immediate action.

with a brisk gesture

Replaces "rapid" with "brisk", suggesting a sharp and energetic movement.

with a hasty gesture

Substitutes "rapid" with "hasty", implying a rushed or hurried movement.

with an abrupt gesture

Replaces "rapid" with "abrupt", indicating a sudden and unexpected movement.

with a sudden gesture

Similar to "abrupt", but may emphasize the unexpected nature more.

with a fleeting gesture

Emphasizes the brevity and transience of the movement.

with a sharp gesture

Highlights the precision and distinctness of the movement.

with an impulsive gesture

Implies the gesture was done without much thinking

with a momentary gesture

Highlights the briefness and ephemeral nature of the movement.

FAQs

How can I use "with a rapid gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "with a rapid gesture" to describe someone making a quick, decisive movement. For example, "She dismissed the suggestion with a rapid gesture, indicating she was not interested".

What are some alternatives to "with a rapid gesture"?

Some alternatives include "with a swift gesture", "with a quick gesture", or "with a brisk gesture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "with a rapid movement" instead of "with a rapid gesture"?

Yes, "with a rapid movement" is grammatically correct and can be used as a broader alternative. However, "with a rapid gesture" specifically implies a purposeful, communicative action, while "with a rapid movement" might describe any quick motion.

What is the difference between "with a rapid gesture" and "with a slow gesture"?

"With a rapid gesture" implies a quick and possibly impulsive action, while "with a slow gesture" suggests deliberation, emphasis, or theatricality. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.