Common Mistakes : Rapid

Rapid-Adjective

BAD: These new trains are very rapid

GOOD: These new trains are very fast

BAD: I rapidly took the gun out of my pocket

GOOD: I quickly took the gun out of my pocket

When used in connection with movement, rapid and rapidly usually refer to something that happens at a very fast rate: ‘She could hear rapid footsteps approaching.’ ‘The patient often develops a fever and breathing becomes rapid

Note that these words are mainly used to describe the speed with which something changes, develops, spreads etc: ‘Investors have profited from the country’s rapid economic growth.’ ‘Unemployment has been increasing rapidly over the past 8 years