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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

They were quick to take actions vs. They quickly took actions

I wonder how they differ in meaning? Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

Context might give them different meanings, but in many cases they'd be used interchangeably. I think the second version has a greater sense of immediacy. You feel like you're with the actors.

— Avangi

  • Context might give them different meanings, but in many cases they'd be used interchangeably.
  • I think the second version has a greater sense of immediacy.
  • You feel like you're with the actors.
  • You're there witnessing both the incident and the response.
  • With the first version, the subject may be a forest fire, and the quick responders may be putting their boots on twenty miles away.
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3 Answers
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Context might give them different meanings, but in many cases they'd be used interchangeably.

I think the second version has a greater sense of immediacy. You feel like you're with the actors. You're there witnessing both the incident and the response.

With the first version, the subject may be a forest fire, and the quick responders may be putting their boots on twenty miles
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to take action is the general phrase. Use of the plural should probably include examples.
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Hi,

I'd just like to clarify that the standard and most common expression is 'take action' in the singular.

The meaning is 'do something' in a general sense.

eg After the earthquake, the government was quick to take action.

Clive
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