Drive fast vs Hurry

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

Drive fast

Top 2,000 (common)

Hurry

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most common: Hurry
 Drive fastHurry
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //draɪv fæst//🇺🇸 //draɪv fæst//🇬🇧 /["/ˈhʌri/","/ˈhʌriz/","/ˈhʌrid/","/ˈhʌriɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɜːri/","/ˈhɜːriz/","/ˈhɜːrid/","/ˈhɜːriɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo move quickly in a vehicle.To go fast or make someone go fast.
ExampleThey like to drive fast on the open road.You need to hurry if you want to catch the bus.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B1
Part of speechverb
Collocationsdrive fast, drive safely, drive recklessly, drive too fast, drive in traffichurry up, in a hurry, hurry home, hurry along, hurry to finish
Antonyms-delay, slow, pause
Common mistakesConfusing with 'drive slowly' when describing speed., Using 'fastly' instead of 'fast'.Confusing 'hurry' with 'rush' in different contexts., Using 'hurry' without an object when one is needed., Mispronouncing 'hurry' as if it has two syllables.
Usage notesUsed in casual contexts, often regarding speeding or excitement. Not suitable for formal writing.Use 'hurry' when you need to act quickly. It's suitable for all types of communication but avoid it in very formal contexts.

See it in real clips

Drive fast
Hurry

Frequently asked questions: Drive fast vs Hurry

What's the difference between Drive fast and Hurry?

Drive fast: To move quickly in a vehicle. Hurry: To go fast or make someone go fast.

Which is more common: Drive fast and Hurry?

Hurry is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Drive fast: They like to drive fast on the open road. Hurry: You need to hurry if you want to catch the bus.

Can I use Drive fast and Hurry interchangeably?

Not always. Drive fast and Hurry 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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