Other Ways to Say “Speed Up the Process”: A Grammar Guide

In both professional and casual settings, we often need to express the idea of accelerating a process or making something happen faster. While “speed up the process” is perfectly acceptable, relying on the same phrase repeatedly can make your language sound monotonous.

Mastering alternative expressions not only enhances your communication skills but also allows you to convey nuances and subtleties that a single phrase cannot. This article delves into various ways to express the concept of expediting actions, covering synonyms, idiomatic expressions, and grammatical structures that will enrich your vocabulary and improve your writing and speaking abilities.

English learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, will find this guide invaluable for enhancing their fluency and precision.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition: Speeding Up a Process
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Expressions
  • Synonyms for “Speed Up”
  • Idiomatic Expressions
  • Phrasal Verbs
  • Formal Expressions
  • Informal Expressions
• Examples
  • Synonym Examples
  • Idiomatic Expression Examples
  • Phrasal Verb Examples
  • Formal Expression Examples
  • Informal Expression Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition: Speeding Up a Process

To “speed up the process” means to accelerate or expedite a series of actions or steps required to achieve a specific outcome. It involves taking measures to reduce the time needed to complete a task or project.

This can be achieved through various methods, such as optimizing workflows, allocating additional resources, or removing obstacles. The primary function is to make progress more rapidly than would normally occur.

The phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, from business and technology to everyday life. In a business setting, it might refer to accelerating the production cycle or streamlining the approval process.

In technology, it could mean optimizing code to improve software performance. In everyday life, it might involve finding shortcuts to complete chores more quickly.

Understanding the nuances of this concept and its alternative expressions is crucial for effective communication and problem-solving.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure, “speed up the process,” consists of a phrasal verb (“speed up”) and a noun phrase (“the process”). The phrasal verb is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object.

The noun phrase typically specifies which process is being accelerated. Alternative expressions often follow similar patterns, using different verbs or phrases to convey the same meaning.

For example, “accelerate the timeline” follows the same structure, with “accelerate” acting as the verb and “the timeline” as the noun phrase. Similarly, “expedite the procedure” uses “expedite” as the verb and “the procedure” as the noun phrase.

Understanding this underlying structure allows you to easily substitute different verbs and nouns to create a variety of expressions.

Types and Categories of Expressions

Synonyms for “Speed Up”

The most direct way to vary your language is by using synonyms for “speed up.” These synonyms can be single words or short phrases that convey a similar meaning. Some common synonyms include:

• Accelerate: To increase the rate or speed of something.
• Expedite: To speed up the progress of; hasten.
• Hasten: To be quick to do something.
• Advance: To move forward or make progress.
• Quicken: To make or become faster.
• Boost: To improve or increase something.
• Step up: To increase the pace or intensity of something.
• Fast-track: To accelerate the progress of something.

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose meanings are not deducible from the literal definitions of the words. They add color and personality to your language, but it’s important to use them correctly in context.

Some idiomatic expressions that convey the idea of speeding up a process include:

• Get the ball rolling: To start something happening.
• Move the goalposts: To change the rules or objectives during a process. (Often used when implying unfairness, but can sometimes imply speeding up by altering expectations)
• Pick up the pace: To increase the speed or tempo.
• Light a fire under (someone): To motivate someone to act more quickly.
• Grease the wheels: To make something easier or faster.
• Cut to the chase: To get to the point quickly.

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and a preposition or adverb, which together create a new meaning. Besides “speed up,” other phrasal verbs that express similar ideas include:

• Push forward: To proceed or advance with something.
• Press on: To continue doing something in a determined way.
• Tee up: To prepare or arrange something.
• Ram through: To force something to be approved or accepted quickly, often without proper consideration.
• Wrap up: To finish something. (By finishing one step, you can speed up the overall process)

Formal Expressions

In professional or academic settings, it’s important to use language that is appropriate and respectful. Formal expressions that convey the idea of speeding up a process include:

• Facilitate: To make an action or process easier.
• Optimize: To make something as effective as possible.
• Streamline: To make something more efficient.
• Enhance: To improve the quality, amount, or strength of something.
• Advance: To move something forward.
• Prioritize: To designate something as more important.

Informal Expressions

In casual conversations with friends or colleagues, you can use more relaxed and informal language. Some informal expressions that convey the idea of speeding up a process include:

• Get a move on: To hurry up.
• Chop chop: Hurry up.
• Step on it: To go faster.
• Get cracking: To start doing something quickly.
• Blast off: To start something quickly and energetically.

Examples

Synonym Examples

Let’s explore how to use synonyms for “speed up” in various contexts. The following table provides examples of sentences using different synonyms to convey the idea of accelerating a process.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Synonym
We need to speed up the production process.	We need to accelerate the production process.
The company is trying to speed up the delivery time.	The company is trying to expedite the delivery time.
The government wants to speed up the approval of the new law.	The government wants to hasten the approval of the new law.
The project manager is working to speed up the project’s completion.	The project manager is working to advance the project’s completion.
We need to speed up the response time to customer inquiries.	We need to quicken the response time to customer inquiries.
The new software update will speed up the computer’s performance.	The new software update will boost the computer’s performance.
The team decided to speed up their efforts to meet the deadline.	The team decided to step up their efforts to meet the deadline.
The team decided to speed up their efforts to meet the deadline.	The team decided to step up their efforts to meet the deadline.
The company decided to speed up the hiring process for critical roles.	The company decided to fast-track the hiring process for critical roles.
They are trying to speed up the research and development phase.	They are trying to accelerate the research and development phase.
The manager asked the team to speed up the report writing.	The manager asked the team to expedite the report writing.
The new technology will speed up data processing.	The new technology will hasten data processing.
The consultant advised the company to speed up the decision-making.	The consultant advised the company to advance the decision-making.
The coach told the athletes to speed up their training.	The coach told the athletes to quicken their training.
The extra funding will speed up the project’s progress.	The extra funding will boost the project’s progress.
The marketing team needs to speed up their campaign execution.	The marketing team needs to step up their campaign execution.
The new program will speed up the application process.	The new program will fast-track the application process.
The company needs to speed up its response to market changes.	The company needs to accelerate its response to market changes.
The manager wants to speed up the implementation of the new system.	The manager wants to expedite the implementation of the new system.
The new strategy will speed up the achievement of our goals.	The new strategy will hasten the achievement of our goals.
The team is working to speed up the development of the prototype.	The team is working to advance the development of the prototype.
The new tools will speed up the analysis of the data.	The new tools will quicken the analysis of the data.
The additional resources will speed up the project’s completion.	The additional resources will boost the project’s completion.
The sales team needs to speed up their closing rate.	The sales team needs to step up their closing rate.
The new process will speed up the onboarding of new employees.	The new process will fast-track the onboarding of new employees.

Idiomatic Expression Examples

Idiomatic expressions add flavor to your language. The following table shows how idiomatic expressions can replace “speed up the process” in different situations.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Idiomatic Expression
We need to speed up the project and start making progress.	We need to get the ball rolling on this project.
The project deadline was moved sooner to speed up the process.	They moved the goalposts to get the project done more quickly.
The team needs to speed up their work to meet the deadline.	The team needs to pick up the pace to meet the deadline.
The manager is trying to speed up the employees to improve productivity.	The manager is trying to light a fire under the employees.
To speed up the negotiations, we need to remove any obstacles.	To grease the wheels of the negotiations, we need to remove any obstacles.
Let’s speed up this meeting and get to the important points.	Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the key issues.
We need to speed up the project and start making progress.	We need to get the ball rolling on this project.
The project deadline was moved sooner to speed up the process.	They moved the goalposts to get the project done more quickly.
The team needs to speed up their work to meet the deadline.	The team needs to pick up the pace to meet the deadline.
The manager is trying to speed up the employees to improve productivity.	The manager is trying to light a fire under the employees.
To speed up the negotiations, we need to remove any obstacles.	To grease the wheels of the negotiations, we need to remove any obstacles.
Let’s speed up this meeting and get to the important points.	Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the key issues.
We need to start this project quickly to meet the client’s expectations.	We need to get the ball rolling on this project immediately.
They changed the project’s requirements to speed up the completion.	They moved the goalposts to make the project finish faster.
The team needs to increase their speed to finish the task on time.	The team needs to pick up the pace to finish the task on time.
The boss is trying to motivate the team to work faster.	The boss is trying to light a fire under the team.
To make the process easier, we need to remove any red tape.	To grease the wheels, we need to remove any red tape.
We should skip the unnecessary details and focus on the main points.	Let’s cut to the chase and address the core issues.
Let’s initiate the project without delay.	Let’s get the ball rolling on the project right away.
The rules were adjusted to facilitate a quicker resolution.	They moved the goalposts to ensure a faster resolution.
The team was urged to accelerate their performance.	The team was told to pick up the pace urgently.
The supervisor is pushing the staff to work more efficiently.	The supervisor is trying to light a fire under the staff.
To ensure a smoother process, we need to simplify the procedures.	To grease the wheels, we need to simplify the procedures.
We should focus on the essential information without wasting time.	Let’s cut to the chase and concentrate on what matters most.

Phrasal Verb Examples

Phrasal verbs are versatile and can add a dynamic element to your language. Here’s how you can use phrasal verbs to express the idea of speeding up a process.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Phrasal Verb
We need to speed up the project and continue moving forward.	We need to push forward with the project.
Let’s speed up and continue with the task despite the difficulties.	Let’s press on with the task despite the difficulties.
The manager is trying to speed up the preparations for the presentation.	The manager is trying to tee up the presentation.
The committee decided to speed up the approval of the new policy.	The committee decided to ram through the new policy.
We need to speed up and finish the report by the end of the day.	We need to wrap up the report by the end of the day.
We need to move forward with the project to meet the deadline.	We need to push forward with the project to meet the deadline.
Despite the challenges, we must continue working on the project.	Despite the challenges, we must press on with the project.
The team is preparing everything for the upcoming conference.	The team is teeing up everything for the upcoming conference.
The government quickly approved the new legislation.	The government rammed through the new legislation.
We need to finish this task quickly to move on to the next.	We need to wrap up this task quickly.
Let’s make progress with the development of the prototype.	Let’s push forward with the development of the prototype.
Despite the setbacks, we must continue working on the research.	Despite the setbacks, we must press on with the research.
The organizers are arranging the event meticulously.	The organizers are teeing up the event meticulously.
The board quickly approved the merger without much discussion.	The board rammed through the merger.
We need to finalize this deal before the end of the quarter.	We need to wrap up this deal before the end of the quarter.
We should advance the project despite the obstacles.	We should push forward with the project despite the obstacles.
We must persist in our efforts to achieve our goals.	We must press on in our efforts to achieve our goals.
The team is preparing the agenda for the upcoming meeting.	The team is teeing up the agenda for the upcoming meeting.
The new regulations were quickly forced through the parliament.	The new regulations were rammed through the parliament.
We need to complete this phase of the project as soon as possible.	We need to wrap up this phase of the project as soon as possible.

Formal Expression Examples

In professional contexts, formal language demonstrates respect and competence. Here are examples of formal expressions used to convey the idea of speeding up a process.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Formal Expression
We should speed up the process to make it easier for everyone.	We should facilitate the process to make it easier for everyone.
We need to speed up the workflow to make it as efficient as possible.	We need to optimize the workflow for maximum efficiency.
The goal is to speed up the procedures to make them more efficient.	The goal is to streamline the procedures for greater efficiency.
We aim to speed up the quality of our services.	We aim to enhance the quality of our services.
The company wants to speed up its global expansion.	The company wants to advance its global expansion.
We need to speed up the tasks that are most important.	We need to prioritize the tasks that are most critical.
The new system will make the application process easier.	The new system will facilitate the application process.
The company is working to make its operations more efficient.	The company is working to optimize its operations.
The goal is to make the approval process more efficient.	The goal is to streamline the approval process.
The new training program will improve the skills of the employees.	The new training program will enhance the skills of the employees.
The company is looking to move its operations forward.	The company is looking to advance its operations.
We need to focus on the tasks that are most urgent.	We need to prioritize the tasks that are most urgent.
The new software will make data analysis easier.	The new software will facilitate data analysis.
The company is trying to make its supply chain more efficient.	The company is trying to optimize its supply chain.
The aim is to make the communication process more efficient.	The aim is to streamline the communication process.
The new strategy will improve the company’s performance.	The new strategy will enhance the company’s performance.
The organization is trying to move its mission forward.	The organization is trying to advance its mission.
We need to focus on the projects that have the greatest impact.	We need to prioritize the projects that have the greatest impact.
The additional resources will make project execution easier.	The additional resources will facilitate project execution.
The company is aiming to make its customer service more efficient.	The company is aiming to optimize its customer service.

Informal Expression Examples

In informal settings, relaxed language can help build rapport. Here are examples of informal expressions used to convey the idea of speeding up a process.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Informal Expression
Let’s speed up; we are running late!	Let’s get a move on; we are running late!
Hurry up and finish your work!	Chop chop, finish your work!
Go faster, we need to get there soon.	Step on it, we need to get there soon.
Let’s start working quickly; we have a lot to do.	Let’s get cracking; we have a lot to do.
Let’s start this project with energy!	Let’s blast off with this project!
Come on, we need to hurry if we want to catch the train.	Come on, let’s get a move on if we want to catch the train.
Hurry, the movie is about to start.	Chop chop, the movie is about to start.
Drive faster; we are behind schedule.	Step on it; we are behind schedule.
Let’s start working on this right away; we have a deadline.	Let’s get cracking on this right away; we have a deadline.
Let’s start this party with a lot of energy!	Let’s blast off with this party!
We need to hurry to finish this project on time.	We need to get a move on to finish this project on time.
Hurry up and get ready!	Chop chop, get ready!
Drive faster; we are going to be late.	Step on it; we are going to be late.
Let’s start working immediately on this assignment.	Let’s get cracking on this assignment immediately.
Let’s start this adventure with enthusiasm!	Let’s blast off with this adventure!
Let’s not delay; we have to go now!	Let’s get a move on; we have to go now!
Quickly, get the task done!	Chop chop, get the task done!
Press the accelerator!	Step on it!
Let’s initiate the work!	Let’s get cracking!
Let’s begin the journey with a bang!	Let’s blast off!

Usage Rules

When using alternative expressions for “speed up the process,” consider the context and audience. Formal settings require more professional language, while informal settings allow for more casual expressions.

Pay attention to the specific nuances of each phrase to ensure you are conveying the intended meaning accurately.

For instance, “expedite” and “accelerate” are generally suitable for formal contexts, while “get a move on” and “chop chop” are more appropriate for informal settings. Additionally, be mindful of idiomatic expressions, as their meanings are not always obvious and can vary depending on cultural context.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using informal expressions in formal settings, which can come across as unprofessional. Another mistake is misinterpreting the meaning of idiomatic expressions, leading to inappropriate usage.

Additionally, ensure that the verb you choose agrees with the subject of the sentence and that the tense is consistent.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
The CEO told the team to “get a move on” with the quarterly report.	The CEO told the team to expedite the quarterly report.	“Get a move on” is too informal for a CEO to say in a professional setting.
Let’s “cut the chase” and discuss the details.	Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the details.	The correct idiom is “cut to the chase,” not “cut the chase.”
The manager expedite the process.	The manager expedited the process.	The verb “expedite” needs to agree with the subject “manager” and be in the past tense.
To enhance the project, we need to get a move on.	To enhance the project, we need to accelerate the timeline.	“Get a move on” is too informal for this context.
The supervisor said to boost up the production.	The supervisor said to boost the production.	“Boost” does not need “up” after it in this context.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with the following exercises. Choose the best alternative to “speed up the process” in each sentence.

1. The company wants to __________ the delivery time.
   1. a) get a move on
   2. b) expedite
   3. c) chop chop

   Answer: b) expedite

2. We need to __________ the project to meet the deadline.
   1. a) pick up the pace
   2. b) facilitate
   3. c) push forward

   Answer: a) pick up the pace

3. The new technology will __________ data processing.
   1. a) blast off
   2. b) hasten
   3. c) get cracking

   Answer: b) hasten

4. Let’s __________ and start working on the presentation.
   1. a) get cracking
   2. b) streamline
   3. c) advance

   Answer: a) get cracking

5. The manager is trying to __________ the team to improve productivity.
   1. a) grease the wheels
   2. b) light a fire under
   3. c) tee up

   Answer: b) light a fire under

6. We need to __________ the tasks that are most important.
   1. a) prioritize
   2. b) wrap up
   3. c) step on it

   Answer: a) prioritize

7. The committee decided to __________ the approval of the new policy.
   1. a) ram through
   2. b) optimize
   3. c) enhance

   Answer: a) ram through

8. The goal is to __________ the procedures for greater efficiency.
   1. a) move the goalposts
   2. b) streamline
   3. c) get the ball rolling

   Answer: b) streamline

9. Let’s __________ and not waste time on irrelevant details.
   1. a) get a move on
   2. b) cut to the chase
   3. c) press on

   Answer: b) cut to the chase

10. The new software will __________ the data analysis.
    1. a) facilitate
    2. b) step up
    3. c) pick up the pace

    Answer: a) facilitate

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a more formal alternative to “speed up the process.”

1. We need to speed up the delivery of the products.
2. The company is trying to speed up its decision-making.
3. We have to speed up the training of new employees.
4. The project manager wants to speed up the completion of the project.
5. The new software will speed up data analysis.

Answers:

1. We need to expedite the delivery of the products.
2. The company is trying to streamline its decision-making.
3. We have to accelerate the training of new employees.
4. The project manager wants to advance the completion of the project.
5. The new software will facilitate data analysis.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences using a more informal alternative to “speed up the process.”

1. We need to speed up; we are running late.
2. Hurry up and finish your work!
3. Go faster, we need to get there soon.
4. Let’s start working quickly; we have a lot to do.
5. Let’s start this project with energy!

Answers:

1. Let’s get a move on; we are running late!
2. Chop chop, finish your work!
3. Step on it, we need to get there soon.
4. Let’s get cracking; we have a lot to do.
5. Let’s blast off with this project!

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of context-specific language can be beneficial. For example, in legal settings, terms like “expedite the discovery process” or “accelerate the litigation timeline” are common.

In technology, one might discuss “optimizing algorithms for faster processing” or “streamlining code for improved performance.” Understanding industry-specific vocabulary can further enhance your communication skills.

Another advanced topic is the art of persuasion when advocating for speeding up a process. This involves not only using the right language but also presenting compelling reasons and addressing potential concerns.

For instance, you might say, “By streamlining this process, we can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction,” thereby making a persuasive case for change.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering alternative expressions for “speed up the process” is essential for effective communication in various contexts. By understanding the nuances of synonyms, idiomatic expressions, phrasal verbs, and formal/informal language, you can convey your message with precision and professionalism.

Practice using these expressions in your daily conversations and writing to enhance your fluency and confidence. Whether you’re aiming to expedite a project at work or simply encouraging a friend to hurry, a diverse vocabulary will serve you well.

Keep practicing, and you’ll find your communication skills improving rapidly!