being in a hurry

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   the state of needing to move or act quickly because you have little time.

   Grammar: Used after be: she is in a hurry. It describes a temporary situation, not a permanent trait.

   Patterns

   • be in a hurry
   • be in a hurry to do something

   Being in a hurry, she skipped breakfast and ran for the bus.

   I can't talk now — I'm in a hurry to get to class.

   He hates being in a hurry early in the morning.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   the state of being eager to do something soon or too quickly.

   Grammar: Often followed by to + verb: in a hurry to leave.

   Patterns

   • be in a hurry to do something
   • not be in a hurry to do something

   The team is in a hurry to finish the project before Friday.

   She is not in a hurry to make a decision about the job.

Common combinations

in a hurry

Sorry, I'm in a hurry and can't stop.

in no hurry

We're in no hurry, so take your time.

in too much of a hurry

He was in too much of a hurry and dropped his coffee.

leave in a hurry

They left in a hurry when the rain started.

in a hurry to get somewhere

She was in a hurry to get home before dark.

Synonyms and how they differ

rushed

Rushed describes the feeling of having too much to do; 'in a hurry' simply means you need to be quick.

hurriedly

Hurriedly is an adverb describing how you do something, while 'in a hurry' describes your situation.

Opposites

Word family

hurry verb

To move or do something quickly.

hurried adjective

Done quickly, often too quickly.

hurriedly adverb

In a quick, rushed way.

Commonly confused: being in a hurry or in a rush?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “being in a hurry”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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