a breakneck pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a breakneck pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a speed that is extremely fast, often to the point of being dangerous or reckless. Example: "The project was completed at a breakneck pace, leaving little time for thorough quality checks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A breakneck pace had been set.

The New York Times - Sports

Others were added at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

India is developing at a breakneck pace.

The Guardian

But Facebook is growing at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

And that overhaul isn't exactly proceeding at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

In Timothy Draper's world, change occurs at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

Eighteen holes of golf at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

It's really exciting to take on a program that's been growing at such a breakneck pace.

Princeton University

Snyder walks at a breakneck pace, while Morgenthau has a painfully slow shuffle.

The New Yorker

The Warriors scored in bunches and ran the floor at a breakneck pace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Domestic and foreign hotel companies are adding rooms at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a breakneck pace" to vividly describe situations where speed is a defining and often risky characteristic. It's suitable when conveying both rapid progress and potential danger or lack of control.

Common error

While "a breakneck pace" is widely understood, overuse in formal or academic writing can detract from a professional tone. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "rapidly" or "at an accelerated rate" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a breakneck pace" functions as a noun phrase, typically used adverbially to modify verbs, describing the manner in which an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it adds emphasis to the speed and intensity of the action, often implying a sense of urgency or potential danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a breakneck pace" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something happening at a dangerously fast speed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives like "rapidly" or "at an accelerated rate" in certain academic or professional settings. Its usage spans across news, academia, and science, with a slightly informal tone due to its vivid imagery. When you want to express speed and potential risk, "a breakneck pace" remains a powerful choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an accelerated rate

Focuses on the increasing speed of something, emphasizing the acceleration.

at a blistering speed

Emphasizes the extreme quickness, suggesting an almost uncontrollably fast movement.

at a rapid tempo

Highlights the fast rhythm or beat of an activity, suitable for describing processes.

at a lightning speed

Uses the metaphor of lightning to convey extreme speed and suddenness.

at full tilt

Suggests something is happening with maximum effort and speed, often implying a sense of risk.

at warp speed

Borrowing from science fiction, this phrase implies an exceptionally high and often unrealistic velocity.

at a frantic speed

Conveys not only speed but also a sense of urgency and potential chaos.

at a meteoric rate

Like a meteor, implies a fast, bright, and possibly short-lived burst of activity or growth.

at a cracking pace

Mostly British expression, suggesting quick and efficient progress.

at a good clip

Informal term for moving or progressing quickly and steadily.

FAQs

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

You can use "a breakneck pace" to describe something happening very quickly, often implying risk or lack of control. For example: "The company expanded at "a breakneck pace", leading to some quality control issues."

What does "a breakneck pace" mean?

"A breakneck pace" describes something occurring at a dangerously fast speed, where the speed itself poses a risk.

What are some alternatives to saying "a breakneck pace"?

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

Is it correct to use "a breakneck pace" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a breakneck pace" may sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "rapidly" or "at an accelerated rate" for a more professional tone.