Make it fast vs Rush

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

Make it fast

InformalTop 3,000 (common)

Rush

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most formal: RushMost common: Rush
 Make it fastRush
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //meɪk ɪt fɑːst//🇺🇸 //meɪk ɪt fæst//🇬🇧 /["/rʌʃ/","/ˈrʌʃɪz/","/rʌʃt/","/ˈrʌʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rʌʃ/","/ˈrʌʃɪz/","/rʌʃt/","/ˈrʌʃɪŋ/"]/
MeaningDo something quickly.to move quickly or hurry
ExampleCan you make it fast? I have to leave soon.I had to rush to the station to catch my train before it left.
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B2
Part of speechverb
Collocationsmake it quick, make it smooth, make it easy, make it happen, make it on timeheadlong, 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
Antonyms-slow, dawdle, linger
Common mistakesUsing it in formal situations where a more polite phrase is needed., Confusing it with 'make it quick' - they are similar but 'fast' implies speed and urgency., Adding unnecessary words, like 'please make it fast' sounds less urgent.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 'make it fast' when you're asking someone to hurry up. This phrase is more casual and suited to informal conversations. Avoid using it in formal settings.Commonly used when talking about a need to hurry, like catching a bus. Avoid in very formal situations.

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Make it fast

Frequently asked questions: Make it fast vs Rush

What's the difference between Make it fast and Rush?

Make it fast: Do something quickly. Rush: to move quickly or hurry

Which is more formal: Make it fast and Rush?

Rush is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Make it fast and Rush?

Rush is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Make it fast: Can you make it fast? I have to leave soon. Rush: I had to rush to the station to catch my train before it left.

Can I use Make it fast and Rush interchangeably?

Not always. Make it fast 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.

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