At the right speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At the right speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the appropriate pace or velocity for a particular task or activity. Example: "To ensure safety while driving, it's important to maintain control of the vehicle and drive at the right speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

At the right speed, on the right stretch of highway, his truck becomes a time machine; Murphy's flux capacitors engage and he's transported back to a vanished, vigorous, manly America.

The New Yorker

At the right speed, you should do about 5 sets of rescue breaths and compressions within approximately two minutes.

WikiHow

I think we're moving at the right speed".

The New York Times

When you see them at the right speed, and with live music, they can be overwhelming.

The New Yorker

He taught us that we dance with our bodies, at the right speed; that's all.

The New York Times - Arts

When "Au Clair de la Lune" was played at the right speed, the singer was Scott.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

So it's simple: kick the ball at just the right point, at just the right speed, creating just the right spin, and you, too, can bend it like Beckham.

The New York Times - Magazine

To get them to split, you have to hit them with a neutron going at exactly the right speed.

The Economist

If the spring is stationary, it will oscillate, but if it is rotating at just the right speed, it will remain stretched.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As you suck, a meter tells you how your victim feels; if the person is too tense, you will be noticed and swatted, but if you suck at just the right speed you can drink for much longer.

The New York Times - Tech

Their initial power source was a well-worn T equipped with a Pullford tractor conversion, its huge steel drive wheels turning at just the right speed to reel skiers up the mountain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "At the right speed", ensure the context clearly defines what 'right' means in terms of achieving a specific goal or maintaining safety. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "At the right speed" without providing context. Saying something should be done "at the right speed" is meaningless if you don't explain what that speed is or why it's important in the given situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At the right speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the appropriate pace or velocity for an action. It adds crucial information regarding how something should be done, in order to be successful. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "At the right speed" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile adverbial phrase used to specify the ideal pace or velocity for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applications span numerous contexts, particularly within news and media, but also in scientific and instructional settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining what constitutes the 'right' speed within the given context. Its numerous real-world examples point to a robust and diverse applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At the correct pace

Emphasizes the tempo or rate at which something should be done.

At the appropriate velocity

Highlights the importance of the correct speed for a specific purpose.

At the optimum tempo

Focuses on achieving the best rhythm or pace for maximum effectiveness.

At the suitable rate

Stresses the fitting or proper speed for a given situation.

With proper timing

Highlights the importance of synchronization.

At an ideal speed

Highlights achieving the best speed for a given condition.

Moving at the intended rate

Highlights moving at the speed someone desires or expects.

Proceeding at the necessary velocity

Emphasizes moving at a speed is crucial to achieving a certain task.

Maintaining the accurate pace

Focuses on continuously keeping the proper speed.

In a timely manner

Emphasizes that something occurs without delay, and happens at just the right moment.

FAQs

How can I use "At the right speed" in a sentence?

Use "At the right speed" to describe the ideal pace or velocity for a particular action or process. For example, "To land the plane safely, it's essential to approach the runway "at the right speed" and angle."

What are some alternatives to "At the right speed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at the correct pace", "at the appropriate velocity", or "with proper timing". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of appropriateness.

Is it grammatically correct to say "At a right speed" instead of "At the right speed"?

No, using "a" instead of "the" is not grammatically correct in this context. "The right speed" implies a specific, known, or optimal speed, while "a right speed" suggests any speed that is merely acceptable.

What's the difference between "At the right speed" and "at the right time"?

"At the right speed" refers to the velocity or pace of an action, while "at the right time" refers to the opportune moment for something to happen. They address different aspects of appropriateness.