a fast clip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fast clip" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is happening quickly or at a rapid pace. Example: "The project progressed at a fast clip, allowing us to meet the deadline ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they have been increasing at a fast clip.

The New York Times

Tires are rolled into the store at a fast clip.

The New York Times

Soon, we were headed down a country road at a fast clip.

The New York Times - Travel

"I expect this will grow as the economy continues to grow at a fast clip".

The New York Times

He emerged from the studio at a fast clip, leaving little time for a question.

The New York Times

Technology spending is increasing at a fast clip in places like China and Russia.

The New York Times

In the last several weeks, those rolls have been growing at a fast clip.

The New York Times

And bars and restaurants are still hiring at a fast clip, the Labor Department said.

The New York Times

The horses walked at a fast clip without breaking a sweat.

The New York Times - Travel

Dr. Dean was not the only one spending money at a fast clip.

The New York Times

A white jogger dressed in white whizzes by at a fast clip.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fast clip" when you want to convey a sense of rapid progress or speed without being overly formal. It's suitable for news articles, blog posts, and general writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a fast clip" in highly formal or technical documents where more precise language might be preferred. Phrases like "rapid rate" or "accelerated pace" may be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fast clip" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action occurs quickly or rapidly. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fast clip" is a common and generally accepted way to describe something happening quickly or at a rapid pace. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across different contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal writing, with alternatives like "rapid pace" being more appropriate for formal settings. The expert analysis indicates that using "a fast clip" effectively involves ensuring contextual clarity and avoiding overuse in technical documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a good clip

A slightly less intense version of the original phrase, indicating a reasonably fast pace.

at a rapid pace

Focuses on the speed of progress or movement, replacing "clip" with "pace".

at a brisk rate

Emphasizes the quick and efficient nature of the action, using "rate" to convey speed.

at a swift speed

Highlights the velocity of the action, substituting "clip" with "speed".

at a quick tempo

Suitable for contexts involving timing or rhythm, such as music or project management.

at an accelerated rate

Implies a deliberate increase in speed or progress.

at full tilt

Suggests maximum effort or speed, often used in dynamic or energetic contexts.

at a lightning speed

Emphasizes extreme rapidity, comparing the speed to that of lightning.

at a cracking pace

An informal expression indicating high speed or progress.

at warp speed

A science fiction reference suggesting very high speed or rapid advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "a fast clip" in a sentence?

You can use "a fast clip" to describe something happening or progressing quickly. For instance, "The company's growth occurred at "a fast clip" after the new marketing campaign was launched."

What are some alternatives to "a fast clip"?

Alternatives include "at a rapid pace", "at a brisk rate", or "at a swift speed", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a fast clip"?

It's appropriate in general writing, news articles, and blog posts where you want to convey a sense of quick progress. However, avoid using it in very formal or technical documents.

Is "a fast clip" formal or informal?

"A fast clip" leans towards the informal side. For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "rapid rate" or "accelerated pace".