a fast lap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fast lap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to racing or sports, where speed is a key factor in performance. Example: "He completed a fast lap during the qualifying session, securing a better position for the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

• • • INSIDE TRACK: A fast lap of luxury.

The New York Times

CADILLAC   PHIL begins to accelerate, turning a fast lap around the square.

The New Yorker

To exercise in interval-training mode, swim a fast lap, rest, and then swim another fast lap.

Harvard University

Sato was the second-fastest Honda driver heading into Friday's practice, posting a fast lap of 223.660 miles per hour.

The New York Times - Sports

Unser, last year's runner-up, was disappointed after a run of 220.921 with a fast lap of 221.141.

The New York Times - Sports

A setup using a higher level of downforce to increase speed in the slow, twisty inner part of the circuit would result in a fast lap.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But Jenson Button drove a faster lap than Massa.

The New York Times

"It's exercise for her," Kenner said, "like swimming a faster lap".

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't know how we could have gotten a faster lap, said Irvan, who finished 10th last year.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, it is like a 5,000-metre 5,000-metreg a fasterunnerthan the frontrunner, who is five laps aheadoingwould, nonetheless, be a rare achievement.

The Economist

Still, during the race Schumacher and Rosberg exchanged roughly the same lap times, with first one, then the other setting a faster lap time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about motorsports or athletics, use "a fast lap" to clearly indicate a single, quick circuit around a track or course. It's a concise and widely understood way to convey speed in these contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a fast lap" metaphorically when referring to tasks or activities unrelated to speed or racing. The phrase is specific to timed circuits and can sound awkward when applied to other situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fast lap" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It describes the act of completing a circuit or course in a short amount of time, often within the context of racing or sports. Ludwig's examples show its common use in describing performance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fast lap" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, particularly within the realms of sports and racing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples demonstrating its usage in contexts related to speed and performance. While alternatives like "a swift lap" or "a speedy lap" exist, "a fast lap" remains a direct and clear way to communicate the idea of completing a circuit quickly. It's important to reserve this phrase for contexts where speed is a relevant factor, avoiding metaphorical uses that might sound awkward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a swift lap

Replaces 'fast' with 'swift', maintaining a focus on speed.

a speedy lap

Substitutes 'fast' with 'speedy', emphasizing the velocity.

a rapid lap

Replaces 'fast' with 'rapid', highlighting quickness.

a flying lap

Uses 'flying' to describe a very fast lap, often used in motorsports.

a blistering lap

Emphasizes the extreme speed of the lap.

a quick circuit

Replaces 'fast' with 'quick' and 'lap' with 'circuit', focusing on the speed of completing a course.

a speedy circuit

Substitutes 'fast' with 'speedy' and 'lap' with 'circuit', emphasizing the velocity of completing a course.

a rapid circuit

Replaces 'fast' with 'rapid' and 'lap' with 'circuit', highlighting the swiftness of completing a course.

a brisk circuit

Substitutes 'fast' with 'brisk' and 'lap' with 'circuit', suggesting a swift completion of a course.

setting a personal best lap

Focuses on achieving the fastest time for an individual.

FAQs

How to use "a fast lap" in a sentence?

You can use "a fast lap" to describe a quick circuit around a track, such as, "The driver recorded "a fast lap" during qualifying."

What can I say instead of "a fast lap"?

You can use alternatives like "a swift lap", "a speedy lap", or "a rapid lap" depending on the context.

What is the meaning of "flying lap"?

A "flying lap" is a lap where the car or driver has a running start before crossing the start line, aiming to achieve the "fastest lap" possible. It's common in qualifying sessions.

Is it okay to say "a faster lap" instead of "a fast lap"?

Yes, "a faster lap" is grammatically correct and used to compare lap times, indicating one lap was completed more quickly than another.