Cool MateFast on our feet vs Nimble
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fast on our feet
Top 3,000 (common)
Nimble
Beyond 10,000 (less common)C2adjective
Most common: Fast on our feet
| Fast on our feet | Nimble | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fæst ɒn aʊər fiːt//🇺🇸 //fæst ɑn aʊər fit// | 🇬🇧 //ˈnɪm.bəl//🇺🇸 //ˈnɪm.bəl// |
| Meaning | able to move quickly or react quickly | Quick and light in movement or action. |
| Example | The dancer was fast on our feet, impressing everyone with her moves. | The dancer was nimble, effortlessly gliding across the stage. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | - | C2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be fast on our feet, remain fast on our feet, get fast on our feet | nimble feet, nimble mind, nimble movements |
| Antonyms | - | awkward, clumsy, slow |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'fast on the ground' which is incorrect., Using inappropriately in contexts about speed without agility., Translating directly to other languages without understanding idiomatic usage. | Confusing with 'nimble' and 'clumsy', Using 'nimble' for inanimate objects that are not quick or flexible, Overusing in formal writing where simpler words like 'quick' might be preferable |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal settings; implies agility or quickness in response. Often positive in tone. | Typically used to describe someone or something that can move quickly and easily. Ideal in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using for heavy or slow objects. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fast on our feet vs Nimble
What's the difference between Fast on our feet and Nimble?
Fast on our feet: able to move quickly or react quickly Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action.
Which is more common: Fast on our feet and Nimble?
Fast on our feet is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Fast on our feet: The dancer was fast on our feet, impressing everyone with her moves. Nimble: The dancer was nimble, effortlessly gliding across the stage.
Can I use Fast on our feet and Nimble interchangeably?
Not always. Fast on our feet and Nimble are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.