What's the Difference Between "Fast" and "Quick"?
Although they are very similar, there are important differences between "fast" and "quick," two words for describing speed. Like other cases of vocabulary that are almost the same, you will need to consider the context and nuance in order to use them correctly.
This article will explain these two words along with some others with similar meanings. We'll also introduce common expressions that include them in order to help you get a clear idea of the variety of ways they can be used.
Basic meanings
Fast
Fast basically refers to something moving or happening with speed. For example, you can use it to talk about things like cars or runners.
Quick/quickly
Quick is an adjective, while quickly is the adverb form. In comparison to fast, which is more general, these two words often give a sense of urgency, as if something sudden is happening or needs to happen with speed.
Differences in usage
To understand more about what makes these words different, let's take a closer look at the contexts in which they are used.
Fast
Fast is generally used in a larger number of situations and describes the speed of an object, person or action over time or distance.
Quick/quickly
On the other hand, quick and quickly are often used to describe brief actions happening in a short period of time.
For example, the phrase "He grabbed the ball quickly" focuses on an action that happens in only a brief moment.
Additionally, they are often used with imperatives for giving commands.
Common idioms and expressions with “fast” and “quick”
You can find each of the words we've covered so far in several common expressions. Sometimes the meaning is clear from the words alone, but in most cases, the figurative meanings must be memorized.
Playing it fast and loose
Meaning: breaking or ignoring traditions or rules
Fast friends
Meaning: close friends
Fast asleep
Meaning: in deep sleep
A quick fix
Meaning: a temporary solution that is usually of low quality
Think quickly
Meaning: processing information with speed, usually to make a decision
Make a quick buck
Meaning: earn money fast
Similar vocabulary
There are other words similar to fast and quick that can be used in mostly the same ways.
Swift
Rapid
Speedy
Nimble
Note that "nimble" also includes the nuance of lightness, which allows for fast movement.
Wrap-up
The differences between fast and quick may be trickier than you imagined. Just remember that quick refers to short moments, while fast usually implies a longer amount of time.
Because of how common these words are in daily conversations, you will have plenty of chances to practice using them. In time, you'll be able to use both naturally and without thinking about it.
Written by Amy, adapted by David