Guide 97 / 200 4 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “speed up”
Four upgrades for the rush verb.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Speed up" is informal and vague about what gets faster. "Accelerate" is the formal default; "expedite" is for processes; "hasten" is literary; "fast-track" signals a bypass or priority lane.
ii · The swaps4 ways
- 01Accelerate formal
increase pace (growth, timeline, tech)
Accelerate the rollout to all regions.
- 02Expedite formal
hurry a process along
Expedite the procurement request.
- 03Hasten formal
literary, slightly dramatic
Hasten the end of the review cycle.
- 04Fast-track neutral
bypass the normal queue
Fast-track the hire through HR.
iii · And what not to sayKeep this one
"Expedite the process" is corporate filler — say what part of the process, and why.