a fast tempo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fast tempo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the speed or pace of music, dance, or any activity that has a rhythm. Example: "The song has a fast tempo that makes it perfect for dancing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The xipi style also utilizes several unique tempos, including erliu ("two-six"), and kuaiban (a fast tempo).

Wikipedia

The accompaniment is played at a fast tempo on both the rattle and the water drum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Gators were scoring in transition and forcing a fast tempo that favored them.

The New York Times - Sports

— suddenly Mr. Garzone determined a stronger rhythm for the band, playing swung eighth notes in a fast tempo.

The New York Times - Arts

The work features Mr. Reich's familiar patterns, insistently repeated at a fast tempo under a much slower choral line.

The New York Times - Arts

The English plan was to hit the Montenegrins, a team weakened by injuries to almost half of its first-choice lineup, with a fast tempo and quick passing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

She also sang coladeras mornas with a faster tempo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The shift to a faster tempo was accomplished with magical ease.

The New Yorker

"[Even at] such a faster tempo … it sounded exactly the same as regular Cypress flow".

The Guardian - Music

That made me want to make it, on a faster tempo".

The Guardian - Music

"Our trap forces teams to play at a faster tempo than they want to," Coach Billy Donovan said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of different tempo-related adjectives. "Brisk" suggests energy, while "rapid" emphasizes speed alone. Use the word that most accurately reflects the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "a fast tempo" to describe things that lack rhythm or a regular beat. For example, describing a conversation as having "a fast tempo" may be confusing; instead, use "a rapid pace".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fast tempo" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective complement. It describes the characteristic of something, mostly music pieces, having a high speed or pace, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fast tempo" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, predominantly in contexts such as "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Encyclopedias", to depict the speed or pace of rhythmic activities like music. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase. To enhance precision, particularly in musical contexts, specifying the exact numerical tempo is advisable. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance intended, such as "brisk" for energy or "rapid" for simple speed. Avoid using this phrase in non-rhythmic contexts, as it may lead to confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid pace

Emphasizes the speed at which something is happening.

quick rhythm

Highlights the rhythmic aspect of the speed.

brisk tempo

Suggests an energetic and lively speed.

accelerated pace

Focuses on the increase in speed over time.

swift cadence

Implies a smooth and rapid sequence of movements or sounds.

lively speed

Highlights the energetic and vibrant nature of the speed.

flying pace

Conveys a sense of extreme speed or urgency.

high velocity

Focuses on the rate of motion or speed in a more scientific context.

rapid clip

Implies a steady and fast pace.

zippy tempo

Suggests a fun, energetic, and very fast pace.

FAQs

How is "a fast tempo" used in a sentence?

You can use "a fast tempo" to describe the speed of music, dance, or any rhythmic activity. For example, "The song has "a fast tempo", making it ideal for dancing".

What are some alternatives to "a fast tempo"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rapid pace", "quick rhythm", or "brisk tempo". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "a fast tempo" or "an fast tempo"?

The correct phrase is "a fast tempo". The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds.

What's the difference between "a fast tempo" and "a quick pace"?

"A fast tempo" specifically refers to the speed of music or a rhythmic activity. "A quick pace" is more general and can describe the speed of any activity or process. Choose "a quick pace" when rhythm isn't the focus.