More Quickly vs. Quicker – Which is Correct?
Both “more quickly” and “quicker” are grammatically correct and widely used in English. While “quicker” is the comparative form of the adjective “quick” (often functioning as an adverb), “more quickly” is an adverbial phrase using the comparative form of the adverb “quickly.” “More quickly” is generally preferred in formal writing, whereas “quicker” is common in everyday speech and less formal contexts.
More Quickly or Quicker – Which is Correct?
The good news is that both “more quickly” and “quicker” are grammatically acceptable in American English, though they carry subtle differences in formality and typical usage. “Quicker” serves as the comparative form of the adjective “quick” and can also function as a flat adverb. “More quickly” is an adverbial phrase formed by adding “more” to the adverb “quickly.” The choice often comes down to stylistic preference and the desired tone of your communication.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To decide which to use, consider the “Adverb Test.” If you can replace the word or phrase with another common adverb (like “faster” or “soon”), then both “more quickly” and “quicker” are likely suitable, with “more quickly” often sounding more formal. If you are directly comparing speeds and “quicker” feels natural as a single-word comparison, it’s probably a good fit. For example, “He ran quicker than me” sounds natural, as does “He ran more quickly than me.” The latter simply adds a touch more formality.
| Word/Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| More Quickly | Adverbial Phrase | At a faster speed; with greater swiftness (comparative form of “quickly”) | The new system processes data more quickly than the old one. |
| Quicker | Adjective (comparative), Adverb (flat) | Faster in speed; swifter (comparative form of “quick”) | She found a quicker route to the office. (adjective) He finished the race quicker than expected. (adverb) |
How to Use More Quickly
“More quickly” is an adverbial phrase used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating a greater speed or swiftness. It is generally considered the more formal and grammatically traditional option when comparing how an action is performed. While “quicker” is often used colloquially as an adverb, “more quickly” explicitly uses “more” with the adverb “quickly,” making its comparative function unambiguous and preferred in academic or professional writing.
Example 1: To meet the deadline, we need to complete the report more quickly.
Example 2: The new software allows users to navigate the interface more quickly and efficiently.
Example 3: The doctor advised the patient to recover more quickly by following the prescribed regimen.
Etymology of the phrase More Quickly
The phrase “more quickly” combines the adverb “quickly” with the comparative adverb “more.” “Quickly” traces its roots to Old English cwiclic (meaning “lively, swift”), derived from cwic (meaning “alive, living, rapid”). The addition of “more,” from Old English mara (meaning “greater, larger, more numerous”), signals a higher degree of the action or quality described by “quickly.” This construction has been a standard way to form comparative adverbs in English for centuries.
How to Use Quicker
“Quicker” is the comparative form of the adjective “quick,” meaning faster or swifter. It can be used to describe nouns (e.g., “a quicker solution”). Importantly, “quicker” can also function as a flat adverb, particularly in informal contexts, directly modifying a verb (e.g., “run quicker”). While grammatically acceptable, its use as an adverb is sometimes considered less formal than “more quickly” by prescriptive grammarians, though it is very common in everyday speech and many forms of writing.
Example 1: We need a quicker way to solve this problem. (adjective)
Example 2: Can you finish your homework quicker tonight? (adverb)
Example 3: She developed a quicker method for learning new languages. (adjective)
What are the different forms of Quicker?
“Quicker” is the comparative form of the adjective “quick.” Adjectives typically have three degrees: positive, comparative, and superlative. These forms allow us to compare the intensity of a quality between two or more things.
- Positive: Quick (describes a quality without comparison)
- Comparative: Quicker (compares two things)
- Superlative: Quickest (compares three or more things)
Etymology of the word Quicker
The word “quicker” directly descends from “quick,” which originates from the Old English word cwic, meaning “alive,” “living,” or “rapid.” Over time, its primary meaning shifted towards “fast” or “speedy.” The suffix “-er” is a standard English morphological marker used to form the comparative degree of adjectives and some adverbs. Thus, “quicker” literally means “more quick” or “more fast.”
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts like adverbs and comparative adjectives can help clarify the usage of “more quickly” and “quicker.”
- Adverbs: Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about how, when, where, or to what extent an action is performed. “Quickly” is an adverb.
- Comparative Adjectives: Adjectives used to compare two nouns or pronouns, showing which has a greater or lesser degree of a particular quality. “Quicker” is a comparative adjective.
Examples from Media and Literature
Here are some examples demonstrating the use of “more quickly” and “quicker” in various contexts:
- From a news report: “Scientists are working to develop vaccines more quickly than ever before.”
- From a sports commentary: “The sprinter managed to gain speed much quicker than his competitors in the final stretch.”
- From a business article: “Companies that adapt to market changes more quickly tend to be more successful.”
- From a novel: “She wished the hours would pass quicker so she could go home.”
- From a technical manual: “The new processor can execute complex calculations more quickly, improving overall system performance.”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence.
- The new software processes information _______ than the old one. (more quickly / quicker)
- If you want to finish _______, you should start earlier. (more quickly / quicker)
- She needs a _______ solution to this ongoing problem. (more quickly / quicker)
- He learned the new skill _______ than anyone else in the class. (more quickly / quicker)
- To achieve the best results, you must react _______ to changes. (more quickly / quicker)
Answer Key
- more quickly / quicker (Both are acceptable, with “more quickly” being slightly more formal.)
- more quickly / quicker (Both are acceptable, with “more quickly” being slightly more formal.)
- quicker (Here, “quicker” functions as an adjective modifying “solution.”)
- more quickly / quicker (Both are acceptable, with “more quickly” being slightly more formal.)
- more quickly / quicker (Both are acceptable, with “more quickly” being slightly more formal.)
More Quickly Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Faster | At a higher speed. |
| More rapidly | With greater speed or swiftness. |
| More speedily | In a more prompt or rapid manner. |
Quicker Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Faster | Moving or capable of moving at high speed. |
| Swifter | Moving or capable of moving with great speed. |
| More rapid | Happening or moving with great speed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “quicker” always informal compared to “more quickly”?
While “quicker” is very common in informal speech and writing, its use as a flat adverb is generally considered less formal than “more quickly.” However, “quicker” as a comparative adjective (e.g., “a quicker response”) is perfectly standard in all contexts.
Question 2: Can “quicker” be used as an adverb?
Yes, “quicker” can function as a flat adverb, meaning it takes the same form as its adjective counterpart when modifying a verb (e.g., “He ran quicker”). This usage is widespread, especially in spoken English, though “more quickly” is often preferred in formal written contexts.
Question 3: When should I definitely use “more quickly” over “quicker”?
In highly formal, academic, or professional writing, “more quickly” is generally the safer and more traditional choice when you intend to modify a verb, especially to maintain a formal tone. If “quicker” functions as an adjective modifying a noun, it is always appropriate.
Conclusion
In the debate between “more quickly” and “quicker,” both are grammatically sound in American English, yet they carry subtle differences in connotation and usage. “More quickly” is typically favored for its explicit adverbial comparison and is often considered more formal, making it a strong choice for academic or professional writing. “Quicker,” while serving as the comparative adjective for “quick,” also functions effectively as a flat adverb, especially in everyday conversation and less formal texts. Understanding this nuance allows you to choose the most appropriate phrase for your desired tone and context.
Pro Tip: When in doubt in a formal setting, opt for “more quickly” to ensure your writing maintains a traditional and polished tone. For casual communication, feel free to use “quicker” when it sounds natural.
