you were quick

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "You were quick" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe how something was done quickly. For example, "You were quick to respond to my email - thank you!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"You were quick!" she said.

The New Yorker

On Saturday, if you were quick, you could catch the hits of a trio of major female UK stars.

The Guardian - Music

If you were quick enough, you could jump on to one, but blink and you missed it: a good lesson for adulthood.

The Guardian - Books

The Leave result came as a shock but you were quick to tell your constituents and local party that you'd absolutely respect the result.

The Times

However, the daddy of all dugout disciplinary matters, as many of you were quick to point out, featured lank-haired Argentine Worzel Gummidge look-alike Claudio Caniggia, who was sent off for dissent in last summer's World Cup finals.

The Guardian - Sport

If you were quick, you could have got odds of 5,000-1 5,000-1ley fon next season's Premier League title with one Burnleyer on Monday – but no longer.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Use the speed trace to see where on the track you were quicker.

WikiHow

You was quick enough when you wanted something.

The New Yorker

If you're quick, you can just get 8-1 now.

The Guardian - Sport

If you're quick, you can see it.

The Telegraph

If that sounds like hedging, you're quick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you were quick" to acknowledge someone's promptness or efficiency. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "you were quick" sarcastically, as it can be easily misinterpreted. Ensure your tone matches the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you were quick" functions as an acknowledgment of someone's speed or efficiency. It serves to commend someone on their prompt action or response. Ludwig examples show it used in both personal interactions and broader contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you were quick" is a grammatically correct phrase used to acknowledge someone's speed or efficiency. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its use in diverse contexts, primarily within News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the tone is appropriate to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "you acted promptly" or "you responded swiftly" for slight variations in meaning or register. The phrase is generally suitable for both formal and informal communications, though it's important to remain mindful of potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you acted promptly

Replaces "quick" with "promptly", focusing on the timeliness of the action.

you responded swiftly

Substitutes "quick" with "swiftly", highlighting the speed of the response.

you were fast to act

Emphasizes the speed of the action taken.

you caught on rapidly

Shifts the focus to understanding something quickly, rather than physical speed.

you were efficient

Highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of the actions.

you didn't hesitate

Emphasizes the lack of delay in taking action.

you jumped right on it

Informal way to express immediate action and response.

you were right on the ball

An idiomatic expression for being alert and responsive.

your reaction was immediate

Focuses on the instantaneous nature of the reaction.

you wasted no time

Highlights the absence of delay or procrastination.

FAQs

What does "you were quick" mean?

It means that someone acted or responded rapidly or efficiently. It's a way of acknowledging their speed and promptness.

What can I say instead of "you were quick"?

You can use alternatives like "you acted promptly", "you responded swiftly", or "you were fast to act" depending on the specific context.

Is "you were quick" formal or informal?

The phrase "you were quick" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, though alternatives might be more suitable for highly formal contexts.

How can I use "you were quick" in a sentence?

Example: "I appreciate that "you were quick" to address the issue." This acknowledges someone's efficient handling of a situation.