Quickly now vs Right away

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

Quickly now

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)

Right away

Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Right awayMost common: Right away
 Quickly nowRight away
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈkwɪkli naʊ//🇺🇸 //ˈkwɪkli naʊ//🇬🇧 //raɪt əˈweɪ//🇺🇸 //raɪt əˈweɪ//
MeaningDo something fast, right away.Immediately or without delay
ExampleWe need to leave the house, so quickly now!Please send the report right away.
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsmove quickly now, act quickly now, finish quickly nowact right away, respond right away, call right away
Common mistakesUsing 'quickly now' in formal emails or presentations., Adding unnecessary words, like 'do it quickly now', which sounds awkward.Using 'right away' in a formal context where a more formal phrase is needed., Confusing it with 'right of way,' which means priority in traffic., Using it without a verb, as it normally needs context.
Usage notesUse in casual settings to urge someone to act fast. Not suitable for formal situations.Typically used in both written and spoken English to indicate urgency. Can be polite or direct depending on context.

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Quickly now
Right away

Frequently asked questions: Quickly now vs Right away

What's the difference between Quickly now and Right away?

Quickly now: Do something fast, right away. Right away: Immediately or without delay

Which is more formal: Quickly now and Right away?

Right away is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Quickly now and Right away?

Right away is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Quickly now: We need to leave the house, so quickly now! Right away: Please send the report right away.

Can I use Quickly now and Right away interchangeably?

Not always. Quickly now and Right away 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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