Hurry vs Rush

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Hurry

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb

Rush

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
 HurryRush
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈhʌri/","/ˈhʌriz/","/ˈhʌrid/","/ˈhʌriɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɜːri/","/ˈhɜːriz/","/ˈhɜːrid/","/ˈhɜːriɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/rʌʃ/","/ˈrʌʃɪz/","/rʌʃt/","/ˈrʌʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rʌʃ/","/ˈrʌʃɪz/","/rʌʃt/","/ˈrʌʃɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo go fast or make someone go fast.to move quickly or hurry
ExampleYou need to hurry if you want to catch the bus.I had to rush to the station to catch my train before it left.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelB1B2
Part of speechverbverb
Collocationshurry up, in a hurry, hurry home, hurry along, hurry to finishheadlong, madly, quickly, along, from, into, come rushing, go rushing, rush to somebody’s rescue, headlong, madly, quickly, along, from, into, come rushing, go rushing, rush to somebody’s rescue
Antonymsdelay, slow, pauseslow, dawdle, linger
Common mistakesConfusing 'hurry' with 'rush' in different contexts., Using 'hurry' without an object when one is needed., Mispronouncing 'hurry' as if it has two syllables.Incorrectly using 'rush' as a noun without an article when needed., Using 'rushed' as a present tense instead of the correct form., Confusing 'rush' with 'push' in the context of moving quickly.
Usage notesUse 'hurry' when you need to act quickly. It's suitable for all types of communication but avoid it in very formal contexts.Commonly used when talking about a need to hurry, like catching a bus. Avoid in very formal situations.

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Hurry

Frequently asked questions: Hurry vs Rush

What's the difference between Hurry and Rush?

Hurry: To go fast or make someone go fast. Rush: to move quickly or hurry

Which is more advanced: Hurry and Rush?

Rush is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Hurry and Rush the same CEFR level?

Hurry: B1, Rush: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Hurry and Rush?

Hurry: verb, Rush: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Hurry: You need to hurry if you want to catch the bus. Rush: I had to rush to the station to catch my train before it left.

Can I use Hurry and Rush interchangeably?

Not always. Hurry and Rush 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.