a need for speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a need for speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone expresses a desire for quickness or efficiency, often in relation to activities like driving or gaming. Example: "In the world of competitive racing, there is always a need for speed to stay ahead of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Even his clothing displays a need for speed.

The New York Times

A need for speed captivated Pistorius off the track as well as on.

The New York Times - Sports

Participants in the Olympics have a need for speed; those behind the Olympics have a need to succeed.

The New Yorker

I have a need for speed, but even I recognize that there is always a faster driver.

The New York Times

Brown was a Tesla enthusiast with a "need for speed", according to reports by the Associated Press.

The Guardian - Tech

"I guess you'd say I've always had a need for speed," he said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The Mannequin Challenge isn't the only indicator of a need for less speed in an always-on, always-moving world.

The Guardian - Opinion

In that way, its use is interesting when needed hardware is available and there is a need for execution speed and privacy and security of the data involved.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

There is still a need for improved speed, ease of use, accuracy and longer read lengths.

Genome Medicine

I call him Mr. Need-For-Speed.

Huffington Post

Gamers had become used to seeing a new Need for Speed game every year, without fail, all the time, forever.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about technology or motorsports, using "a need for speed" can effectively convey the desire for faster processing or quicker vehicles. This phrase often resonates with audiences familiar with these fields.

Common error

Avoid using "a need for speed" in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term would be more suitable. Overusing idioms can detract from the overall clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a need for speed" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the desire or requirement for rapid action or movement. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it is widely used to describe a craving for velocity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Tech

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a need for speed" is a common noun phrase expressing a strong desire for quickness and efficiency, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is widely used in news, tech, and general contexts. While grammatically correct, it may be less suitable for highly formal writing, where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives such as "craving for velocity" or "passion for swiftness" can offer varying shades of meaning. Ludwig AI underlines the phrase's widespread use and acceptance, making it a valuable part of one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thirst for acceleration

Employs "thirst" instead of "need" and "acceleration" instead of "speed", conveying an intense desire for increasing velocity.

a craving for velocity

Substitutes "need" with "craving" and "speed" with "velocity", emphasizing a strong desire for rapid movement.

a demand for haste

Substitutes "need" with "demand" and "speed" with "haste", focusing on the insistence of rapid action.

a passion for swiftness

Replaces "need" with "passion" and "speed" with "swiftness", highlighting enthusiasm for quick action.

an inclination towards quickness

Uses "inclination" instead of "need" and "quickness" instead of "speed", suggesting a natural preference for rapid action.

an eagerness for rapidity

Uses "eagerness" instead of "need" and "rapidity" instead of "speed", indicating enthusiastic anticipation of quickness.

a predilection for fast pace

Replaces "need" with "predilection" and reframes "speed" as "fast pace", indicating a fondness for high-speed activity.

a yen for expeditiousness

Replaces the common terms with more formal vocabulary, suggesting a strong desire for efficiency.

a requirement for alacrity

Employs "requirement" instead of "need" and "alacrity" instead of "speed", emphasizing the necessity of promptness.

an appetite for celerity

Uses "appetite" instead of "need" and "celerity" instead of "speed", conveying a keen desire for swiftness.

FAQs

How can I use "a need for speed" in a sentence?

You can use "a need for speed" to describe a strong desire for quickness or efficiency in an activity. For example: "The company recognized "a need for speed" in their data processing to stay competitive."

What are some alternatives to "a need for speed"?

You can use alternatives like "craving for velocity", "passion for swiftness", or "eagerness for rapidity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a need for speed" in formal writing?

While "a need for speed" is widely understood, it's often more suitable for informal or creative contexts. In formal or technical writing, consider using more precise terms like "the necessity for rapid processing" or "the demand for increased efficiency".

What's the origin of the phrase "a need for speed"?

The phrase gained popularity from the movie Top Gun, where it encapsulated the pilots' desire for pushing boundaries and achieving high performance in flight. It has since become a common idiom for expressing a desire for quickness or efficiency.