yet in a flash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yet in a flash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens quickly or suddenly, often in contrast to an expectation of delay or slowness. Example: "The storm was approaching slowly, yet in a flash, it transformed the calm sky into a chaotic scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet, in a flash she's whacking them with a stick.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He first made his mark in movies by appearing naked (viewed from the rear) in "Thelma & Louise," and he's been uncovered a great deal ever since — with good reason, it turns out, since he's muscular yet slender and quick, uncoiling in a flash.

The New Yorker

Yet that customer will leave in a flash if a better deal is offered elsewhere.

Forbes

And yet there was a flash of vitality to be found in the Biebs this year, in his budding friendship with the singer/rapper Post Malone.

The New Yorker

Probably because each year goes by in a flash and yet is made up of so many distinct emotions.

The Guardian

On 4 September 1919, when Abbe was not yet four years old, his father drowned in a flash flood while training in the mountains.

Wikipedia

Yet in a case straight out of Economics 101, flash prices have stabilized but have not necessarily begun to increase.

Forbes

And yet nothing quite equalled the experience of the games themselves, even though the goals were over in a flash, and did not immediately and mysteriously repeat themselves.

The New Yorker

It happened in a flash.

The New York Times - Sports

All in a flash".

The Guardian - Tech

Gone in a flash.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yet in a flash" to add dramatic effect when describing events in narratives or descriptive writing. It creates a sense of immediacy and surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "yet in a flash" when there isn't a genuine contrast or prior expectation. Using it in a situation where suddenness is expected can weaken the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yet in a flash" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner and timing of an action. It highlights the speed and suddenness with which something occurs, often in contrast to a prior state. As shown by Ludwig, it emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yet in a flash" is an adverbial phrase used to describe events that happen quickly and often unexpectedly, creating a sense of contrast with a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and highlights its use across various news sources. While relatively rare, it effectively conveys suddenness and is best used when a clear contrast exists. When writing, it’s important to avoid using it where suddenness is already expected or where no real contrast is present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and yet instantaneously

Retains "and yet" for contrast but substitutes "in a flash" with the more formal "instantaneously".

but instantly

Uses "but" to introduce a contrast, paired with "instantly" to emphasize the immediacy.

however immediately

Similar to 'but instantly' but replacing 'but' with 'however' and 'instantly' with 'immediately'.

still in an instant

Emphasizes contrast with "still", and uses "in an instant" to express the rapid change.

suddenly however

Replaces the entire phrase with a more straightforward adverb of suddenness and a simple contrastive conjunction.

but in the blink of an eye

Combines the contrast with 'but' and provides a common idiom that means very quickly.

nevertheless in a heartbeat

Employs "nevertheless" for contrast and "in a heartbeat" to highlight the speed.

despite this swiftly

Uses "despite this" to indicate a contrast with what precedes, and "swiftly" to mean something happened very quickly.

even so rapidly

Offers a contrasting viewpoint with "even so", replacing the suddenness with the word "rapidly".

yet without warning

This version stresses the lack of anticipation before the quick action.

FAQs

How can I use "yet in a flash" in a sentence?

Use "yet in a flash" to describe something that happens quickly and unexpectedly, especially when it contrasts with a previous state or expectation. For example, "The negotiations seemed stalled, "yet in a flash", a deal was struck".

What are some alternatives to "yet in a flash"?

Alternatives include phrases like "suddenly however", "but instantly", or "however immediately". These phrases can convey a similar meaning while varying the tone or emphasis.

Is "yet in a flash" formal or informal?

"Yet in a flash" is suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts. It's generally appropriate for descriptive writing, narratives, and news reporting, but might be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing.

Can I use "yet in a flash" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "yet in a flash" might sound awkward. It's generally better to place it within the sentence to emphasize the contrast more effectively. A better sentence structure might be: "The situation seemed hopeless; "yet in a flash", help arrived".