Step up the pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Step up the pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to increase their speed or intensity in completing a task or activity. Example: "If we want to meet the deadline, we need to step up the pace on this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ability to push a regional agenda could be stymied just as others step up the pace.

The Economist

After ten laps, Viren decided to step up the pace.

Stanford University

Then she urged her to step up the pace.

The New York Times

They need a push, we are looking to them to step up the pace".

Independent

In 1985 extra funds were provided to step up the pace of the work.

The New Yorker

Should it step up the pace and grow even larger through mergers and acquisitions?

The New York Times - Tech

Not even the government's recent efforts to step up the pace of privatization have cheered investors.

The New York Times

More than that, we must step up the pace of change.

The Guardian

India's leaders claim to want to step up the pace of reform, and have done so in a modest way.

The Economist

Its suppliers were unable or unwilling to step up the pace because Boeing had mistreated them so often.

The Economist

She seeks to dig herself out of this hole by promising to step up the pace of digital innovation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Step up the pace" when you want to encourage quicker action or progress, especially when there's a goal or deadline in mind.

Common error

While "Step up the pace" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "accelerate" or "expedite" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Step up the pace" functions primarily as an imperative, urging an increase in speed or intensity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to encourage quicker action, and Ludwig's examples confirm its presence across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Step up the pace" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage an increase in speed or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and applicability across diverse scenarios. While it's most frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Formal & Business and Academic contexts. For highly formal situations, alternatives like "expedite the process" might be more suitable. The phrase functions as an imperative, serving to motivate quicker action towards a specific goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pick up the speed

A more informal way to say "Step up the pace", often used in casual conversations.

Accelerate the speed

This alternative emphasizes a quicker increase in speed, suggesting a more rapid change in tempo.

Increase the tempo

This alternative, primarily used in music or dance, highlights a boost in the rate at which something progresses.

Quicken the rhythm

This phrase suggests a more subtle or rhythmic increase in pace, often used in creative or artistic contexts.

Push forward faster

This emphasizes a strong effort to increase speed, often used when facing resistance or challenges.

Expedite the process

This alternative focuses on making a process faster and more efficient, often used in business or formal settings.

Hasten the progress

This phrase implies making progress happen more quickly, focusing on the end result.

Boost the momentum

This alternative suggests not only increasing speed but also the driving force behind the action.

Intensify efforts

While not directly about speed, this implies increasing effort which usually results in a faster pace.

Sharpen the focus

This alternative suggests improving efficiency and concentration to accelerate progress.

FAQs

How can I use "Step up the pace" in a sentence?

You can use "Step up the pace" to encourage faster action or progress. For example, "If we want to finish this project on time, we need to "step up the pace"."

What are some alternatives to "Step up the pace"?

Alternatives include "accelerate the speed", "increase the tempo", or "pick up the speed", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Step up the pace" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "expedite the process" or "hasten the progress" in highly formal or academic writing.

What does "Step up the pace" mean?

"Step up the pace" means to increase the speed or intensity at which something is done. It's a call to action to work or move faster.