with lightning speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with lightning speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens very quickly or rapidly. Example: "The athlete completed the race with lightning speed, leaving his competitors far behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The latter will inflate with lightning speed.

University of California, Berkeley

Change has come with lightning speed.

The New York Times - Food

He cut the pancetta with lightning speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Out on the wings are two players with lightning speed.

The New York Times

"It's personalized, it's targeted and it works with lightning speed".

The New York Times

So they seized control of the process with lightning speed.

The New York Times

In her changing room, Fatou got ready with lightning speed.

The New Yorker

These assessments can be made with lightning speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

They move the ball with lightning speed, tik-tak, quick, quick.

The New York Times - Sports

Member states could act with "lightning speed" to make changes if necessary, he added.

The New York Times

To minimize disruption to the company's operations, Team Auto worked with lightning speed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with lightning speed" to emphasize the remarkable quickness or suddenness of an action or event. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to convey a sense of urgency or impressiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "with lightning speed" in technical or scientific contexts where precise measurements of speed are necessary. Instead, opt for quantifiable metrics to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with lightning speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its use to emphasize the rapidity of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with lightning speed" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the exceptional quickness of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and well-accepted in English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, adding a sense of urgency or impressiveness. While generally neutral, its informality makes it slightly less suitable for highly formal or technical contexts. For more precise descriptions of speed, quantifiable metrics are recommended. Alternative phrases include "at breakneck speed" and "with incredible swiftness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with incredible swiftness

Highlights the quickness and efficiency of the action.

at breakneck speed

Implies a dangerously fast pace.

in a flash

Emphasizes suddenness and speed.

in the blink of an eye

Suggests an instantaneous action.

at warp speed

Evokes a very rapid pace, often used metaphorically.

expeditiously

Highlights the efficiency and speed of a process.

at full tilt

Implies maximum effort and speed.

at a rapid clip

Suggests a brisk and efficient pace.

posthaste

Indicates immediate and urgent action.

double-quick

A term emphasizing rapid movement or execution.

FAQs

How can I use "with lightning speed" in a sentence?

You can use "with lightning speed" to describe an action or event that happens extremely quickly. For example, "The company adapted to the changing market conditions "with lightning speed"."

What are some alternatives to "with lightning speed"?

Alternatives include "at breakneck speed", "with incredible swiftness", or "in the blink of an eye". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "with lightning speed" in formal writing?

Yes, "with lightning speed" can be used in formal writing, but consider your audience and the tone of your piece. In some cases, a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "with lightning speed" and "quickly"?

"Quickly" is a general term for doing something fast. "With lightning speed" implies an exceptionally high speed and often a sense of astonishment or drama. It suggests something happens almost instantaneously.