a fast speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fast speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the rate at which something moves or operates, emphasizing that the speed is quick. Example: "The car was able to reach a fast speed on the open highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The instructor comes running forward at a fast speed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The vehicle came at them at a fast speed".

The New York Times

Since that event, the world has polarised at quite a fast speed".

The Guardian - Film

You have a relatively small man or woman on a relatively large animal, going at a fast speed around the track.

The New York Times - Sports

Almost all of the early American racing was on tracks, in long races sometimes employing pacers who rode ahead of contestants at a fast speed and then dropped away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you're taking hand-held H.D.R. photos, though, be sure your shutter is set to a fast speed, burst mode and auto bracketing — and you'll still have to be as steady as possible.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But seemingly in no time I also started moving at a faster speed.

The New York Times

In 1965, when the 70mph limit was set, few vehicles were able to maintain a faster speed.

The Economist

Nyad said: "We were definitely traveling north at a faster speed than what I can do on my own.

The New York Times - Sports

QUESTION FROM LINDA: In your article, you discussed how the gay rights movement is similar to the civil rights movement, but at a faster speed.

The New Yorker

Of those, fewer than 1% upgraded to a faster speed.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing motion or processes, use "a fast speed" to emphasize the quickness of movement or operation. For example, "The data was processed at a fast speed."

Common error

Do not use "very fast speed". The adjective "fast" already implies a high degree of speed, making "very" redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fast speed" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes how something moves or operates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fast speed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe quick movement or operation. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. The analysis of usage patterns reveals that while common across different domains, it particularly appears in scientific and news media contexts. When writing, remember to avoid redundancy by not adding "very" before "fast". Consider alternatives like "a high velocity" or "a rapid pace" for different shades of meaning. Using these guidelines will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A high velocity

Emphasizes the rate of change in position over time; more formal.

A rapid pace

Focuses on the quickness of progress or action, not necessarily physical speed.

A quick tempo

Relates to the speed or rate of something, particularly in music or rhythmic activities.

A swift rate

Suggests a fast and efficient progression or occurrence.

A brisk velocity

Implies a lively and energetic speed.

A speedy tempo

Informal way of saying quick pace. More commonly used in conversation

A prompt rate

Describes the speed of something that occurs without delay.

A meteoric rate

Expresses that something is happening very fast. It's uncommon.

A breakneck speed

Implies that something is dangerous as it is fast.

A blistering speed

Suggests an exceptionally fast pace, often used figuratively.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a fast speed"?

Alternatives include "a high velocity", "a rapid pace", or "a quick tempo", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a fast speed"?

Yes, "a fast speed" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a standard way to describe the rate at which something moves or operates.

In what contexts is "a fast speed" most appropriate?

It's appropriate in various contexts, including describing the movement of vehicles, the pace of data processing, or the rate of economic growth. Ludwig provides many examples.

How does "a fast speed" differ from "a faster speed"?

"A fast speed" refers to a generally high rate, while "a faster speed" implies a comparison to another, slower rate.