with astonishing rapidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with astonishing rapidity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens very quickly or at an impressive speed. Example: "The technology evolved with astonishing rapidity, surpassing all expectations in just a few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

New sulfonamides, which appeared with astonishing rapidity, had greater potency, wider antibacterial range, or lower toxicity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For an author who leapt with astonishing rapidity from youthful promise into adult virtuosity, the juvenilia may prove especially illuminating.

The New Yorker

Once the bow had been devised, it spread with astonishing rapidity, its effectiveness making it the weapon par excellence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

French troops marched through Italy in 1494 and, with their guns, reduced castle after castle with astonishing rapidity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Slate generates a remarkable amount of thoughtful material with astonishing rapidity, thus driving the reading public to Maxim and Us.

The New York Times - Arts

People entering isolated communities may carry a disease such as measles with them, and the disease may then spread with astonishing rapidity and often with enhanced virulence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Schumann, however, had no way of predicting Yevgeny Kissin, a pianist who plays this piece with such astonishing rapidity that its original design dissolves into a blur.

The New York Times - Arts

In "Steptext," a quartet for a woman, in a lipstick-red unitard, and three men, to fragments from Bach's Chaconne from the Partita No. 2, Diana Vishneva dances with a breathtaking intensity and a burnished, astonishing rapidity and fluency of movement.

The New York Times - Arts

And equally naturally he recovered with amazing rapidity.

The New York Times - Books

It was the Germans who, with amazing rapidity, were turning good.

The Guardian - Books

Churches come and go with astonishing speed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with astonishing rapidity" when you want to emphasize not only the speed of an event but also how surprising or remarkable it is. This phrase adds a layer of astonishment to the speed, making it more impactful for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "with astonishing rapidity" in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it sounds overly formal and can come across as pretentious. Opt for simpler, more natural alternatives like "very quickly" or "incredibly fast" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with astonishing rapidity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes both the speed and the surprising nature of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with astonishing rapidity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes both the speed and surprising nature of an action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and broad applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedic content, and scientific writing. While versatile, remember to reserve it for situations where the speed is genuinely noteworthy and surprising. Consider alternatives such as "with surprising speed" or "at an incredible pace" for varying levels of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with surprising speed

Replaces "astonishing rapidity" with "surprising speed", focusing on the unexpected nature of the quickness.

with remarkable swiftness

Substitutes "astonishing rapidity" with "remarkable swiftness", emphasizing the impressiveness of the speed.

at an incredible pace

Uses "at an incredible pace" instead of "with astonishing rapidity", highlighting the rate at which something happens.

in rapid succession

Replaces the phrase with "in rapid succession", focusing on the sequence of events occurring quickly one after another.

with exceptional velocity

Employs "with exceptional velocity", replacing "astonishing rapidity" to denote high speed or momentum.

with unforeseen haste

Substitutes with "with unforeseen haste", stressing the unexpected and hurried nature of the action.

at breakneck speed

Uses the idiomatic expression "at breakneck speed" to convey extreme quickness, differing in tone and intensity.

with lightning speed

Replaces with the simile "with lightning speed", creating a vivid image of rapid movement.

in the blink of an eye

Uses the idiom "in the blink of an eye", emphasizing the instantaneous nature of an event.

with meteoric rise

Replaces with "with meteoric rise", usually used to denote quick ascendance or success. Shifts focus from general speed to a specific type of rapid advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "with astonishing rapidity" in a sentence?

This phrase typically modifies a verb, describing how something happens very quickly and surprisingly. For example, "The technology evolved "with astonishing rapidity", surpassing all expectations."

What are some alternatives to "with astonishing rapidity"?

Some alternatives include "with surprising speed", "at an incredible pace", or "in rapid succession". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "with astonishing rapidity" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "with astonishing rapidity" is well-suited for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize both the speed and the surprising nature of an event. It is commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "with astonishing rapidity" and "with amazing rapidity"?

While both phrases convey quickness, "with astonishing rapidity" emphasizes the surprise or wonder associated with the speed, whereas "with amazing rapidity" simply highlights the impressiveness of the speed. "Astonishing" carries a stronger sense of unexpectedness compared to "amazing."