Meaning & use
fast-moving
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Moving quickly; traveling or operating at high speed.
Grammar: Typically used before a noun: 'a fast-moving river'.
Patterns
- fast-moving vehicle
- fast-moving water
The fast-moving train sped through the station without stopping.
Rescue teams struggled in the fast-moving floodwaters.
A fast-moving storm is approaching the coast.
adjectivebefore a nounfigurative
Changing or developing rapidly; dynamic and full of activity.
Grammar: Often used for industries, situations, or plots that change quickly.
Patterns
- fast-moving industry
- fast-moving events
The fast-moving tech industry requires constant learning.
The novel has a fast-moving plot that keeps readers engaged.
In the fast-moving world of fashion, trends change weekly.
Common combinations
- fast-moving water
- The kayaker navigated the fast-moving water with skill.
- fast-moving train
- The fast-moving train blurred the scenery outside.
- fast-moving industry
- She thrives in a fast-moving industry like software development.
- fast-moving events
- The news reporter struggled to keep up with fast-moving events.
Synonyms and how they differ
- quick
- More general and often used for short actions; 'fast-moving' specifically describes something in continuous motion or rapid change.
- rapid
- Formal and often used for changes or processes; 'fast-moving' is more vivid and can describe physical movement.
- swift
- Literary or formal; suggests smooth, effortless speed, while 'fast-moving' is neutral and common.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: fast-moving or fast paced?
fast-moving vs fast paced
Often written as 'fast-paced', this describes something with a high rate of activity or speed, especially in stories or events, while 'fast-moving' emphasizes physical motion or rapid change.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
'Fast-moving' is the correct adjective form to describe something that moves quickly. The other options use incorrect verb forms or adverbs.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “fast-moving”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.