Hurry Up: Definition and Synonyms
Hurry Up – Definition and Part of Speech
“Hurry up” is a commonly used idiom or verb phrase in English, which means to act more quickly or to expedite one’s actions. The primary purpose is often to prompt someone to speed up their pace in order to achieve something within a certain timeframe. This expression can function as an imperative verb form when directing someone to increase their speed.
Grammatical Forms
- Imperative Use: Often used in its base form, e.g., “Hurry up!”
- Continuous Tense: Used for ongoing actions that need speeding up, e.g., “He is hurrying up the preparations.”
Core Synonyms
The following table presents several synonyms of “hurry up,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and appropriate styles or registers.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerate | To increase speed or rate of progress. Often used in contexts where a process is being quickened. | “Please accelerate your work to meet the deadline.” | Formal, Business |
| Sprint | To move very quickly over a short distance; implies urgency and rapid action. | “Let’s sprint through this presentation.” | Informal, Casual |
| Make haste | A somewhat formal way of urging someone to act quickly. | “We must make haste if we’re going to catch the train.” | Formal |
| Move faster | Directly indicates a need for increased speed in actions or tasks. | “Can you move faster? We’re falling behind schedule.” | Informal, Business |
| Step on it | Casual idiom urging someone to increase their pace or speed up. | “Come on, step on it! The clock is ticking!” | Casual |
Usage Notes
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Accelerate: This term is preferred in formal and business contexts where you wish to imply an enhancement of speed without sounding too urgent or abrupt.
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Sprint: Best used in informal settings where there’s a need for rapid action, often over short durations. It can also be applied metaphorically in creative writing to convey urgency.
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Make haste: Suitable for formal occasions, this phrase adds a touch of antiquity and elegance while urging quickness.
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Move faster: Commonly employed in both business and casual contexts where straightforward communication is preferred without sounding overly stiff or commanding.
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Step on it: This idiom is great for informal scenarios among friends or family, conveying urgency with a bit of humor.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake when using these synonyms is failing to match them with the appropriate context or formality level. For instance:
- Using “sprint” in a formal report may seem out of place due to its casual tone.
- Conversely, phrases like “make haste” might feel too old-fashioned in casual conversation.
It’s essential to consider the setting and relationship between speaker and listener when choosing among these synonyms.
Final Recap
In summary, while all the discussed synonyms share a common theme of urging someone to increase their speed or efficiency, they vary significantly in terms of formality and context. “Hurry up” remains versatile and commonly used, but expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives can enhance both clarity and style across different communication settings.
To solidify understanding, practice crafting sentences using each synonym in varying contexts—academic writing for formal synonyms like “accelerate,” creative storytelling when employing metaphoric expressions like “sprint,” or casual chats where phrases such as “step on it” fit naturally. Engaging with these terms actively will help you become more adept at selecting the most suitable expression based on your communicative needs.