Just like that vs Quickly

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

Just like that

InformalTop 2,000 (common)

Quickly

Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
Most formal: QuicklyMost common: Quickly
 Just like thatQuickly
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //dʒʌst laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //dʒʌst laɪk ðæt//🇬🇧 /["/ˈkwɪkli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkwɪkli/"]/
MeaningSuddenly or easily without effort.In a fast manner
ExampleHe finished his homework, and just like that, he was free to play.She ran quickly to catch the bus.
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A1
Part of speechadverb
Collocationsjust like that, just like magic, just like beforemove quickly, react quickly, think quickly
Antonyms-slowly
Common mistakesUsed in formal contexts where a more precise phrase is needed., Confused with similar phrases like 'just so' which means 'exactly like this'.Using 'quick' instead of 'quickly' when modifying a verb., Placing 'quickly' too far from the verb it modifies., Confusing 'quickly' with 'fastly' since 'fast' is the correct adverb.
Usage notesUsed in casual conversation to indicate something occurs quickly or unexpectedly. Avoid in formal writing.Use 'quickly' when describing how something is done fast. Appropriate in both spoken and written English, but may be overly formal in casual conversations.

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Just like that
Quickly

Frequently asked questions: Just like that vs Quickly

What's the difference between Just like that and Quickly?

Just like that: Suddenly or easily without effort. Quickly: In a fast manner

Which is more formal: Just like that and Quickly?

Quickly is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Just like that and Quickly?

Quickly is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Just like that: He finished his homework, and just like that, he was free to play. Quickly: She ran quickly to catch the bus.

Can I use Just like that and Quickly interchangeably?

Not always. Just like that and Quickly 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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