a blistering pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blistering pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a very fast or intense speed, often in the context of work, competition, or progress. Example: "The team completed the project at a blistering pace, finishing ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Jets have run the ball at a blistering pace.

The New York Times

There is some wisdom to that – new technologies and standards are emerging at a blistering pace.

Columbia University

Kaki set a blistering pace through the first 400, while Aman led the trailing pack.

The New York Times

After Flip's guest appearance, its sales continue to accelerate at a blistering pace.

The New York Times

America's labour productivity grew at a blistering pace in the third quarter.

The Economist

The latest artificial-intelligence techniques are being adopted by companies at a blistering pace.

MIT Technology Review

"We've slowed from a blistering pace to a simmering pace," Mr. Flick said.

The New York Times

Redfern sets a blistering pace and never breaks stride or tone.

The New York Times - Books

But even by Chinese standards, things have been moving at a blistering pace of late.

The New York Times

Mr. Gergiev made strenuous demands on the players, taking some of the trickiest tumbling and thumping at a blistering pace.

The New York Times - Arts

Even as the overvalued currency slowed industrial production, it fueled consumer spending at home and abroad at a blistering pace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a blistering pace" to describe processes, activities, or progress that are happening remarkably quickly or intensely. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of urgency or impressiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "a blistering pace" to describe situations that are intentionally slow or gradual. The phrase implies high speed and intensity, which would be contradictory in a slow-moving context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blistering pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the speed or rate at which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a blistering pace" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something occurring with great speed and intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's most frequently found in News & Media, but it also appears in academic and business contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to highlight remarkable quickness or intensity, avoiding its use when describing slow or gradual situations. Alternatives like "a rapid pace" or "breakneck speed" can be used to achieve slightly different nuances. Understanding these usage patterns will help ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At breakneck speed

Emphasizes danger and recklessness in the rapid movement.

At a rapid clip

Implies a quick but steady and consistent speed.

At full tilt

Suggests maximum effort and speed, often in a competitive context.

At a lightning speed

Uses a simile to emphasize the extreme quickness.

At a cracking rate

Suggests a fast rate with an element of excitement.

At an accelerated rate

Emphasizes the increase in speed over time.

At a swift tempo

Highlights a quick and lively pace.

At a fever pitch

Implies an intensity and excitement along with speed.

Expeditiously

Emphasizes efficiency and speed in completing a task.

Posthaste

Indicates immediate and urgent speed.

FAQs

How can I use "a blistering pace" in a sentence?

You can use "a blistering pace" to describe something happening very quickly. For example, "The company is expanding at "a blistering pace"." or "The runner set "a blistering pace" from the start of the race".

What are some alternatives to "a blistering pace"?

Alternatives include "a rapid pace", "a breakneck speed", or "an accelerated rate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a blistering pace" in formal writing?

Yes, "a blistering pace" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing economic growth, technological advancements, or competitive situations where speed and intensity are key factors.

What does it mean when something is described as happening at "a blistering pace"?

It means that something is happening extremely quickly and intensely. It suggests a high level of activity and rapid progress.