a question of speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or decisions that are primarily related to the speed of a process or action. Example: "In this project, it's not just about quality; it's also a question of speed, as we have tight deadlines to meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It was a question of speed".

The New York Times

Partly, Schmidt-Chanasit says, it is a question of speed.

Science Magazine

In India, it's not a question of speed, where one app or a movie might load a little slower than another (which raises its own massive ethical issues in the U.S ., but it's a question of access altogether.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a question of the speed of the passage".

The New York Times

"Our direction will be the same, but it will be a question of the speed and scope of reforms".

The New York Times

Whether a physically unconstrained bird hops or strides is not just a question of anatomy; speed also affects choice of locomotion -- a hopper in a hurry tends to break into a run.

Stanford University

"But we also want to make the right decision, so it's a question of balancing speed with getting it right".

BBC

It's simply a question of ease and speed.

The New York Times

It's a question of heft and speed, perhaps, rather than something new in itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obama got us moving in the right direction, but when you are fleeing a forest fire, it is not just a question of direction but also of speed.

HuffPost

In raising the matter, Mr Acland said that the question of speed on the lakes should be treated in a much more urgent way and on a more radical and fundamental basis than had been done in the past.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of speed", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the speed is the primary factor under consideration, not other related aspects such as quality or cost.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on speed when other factors like accuracy or safety are equally important. For example, in medical diagnoses, it's not just "a question of speed", but also of precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of speed" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It introduces the concept of speed as the central issue under consideration, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of speed" is a noun phrase used to underscore that speed is the primary concern or determining factor in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceptionally frequent, it appears across reputable sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and academic texts. Related phrases offer variations that emphasize different aspects of speed, such as pace, rapidity, or swiftness. When using this phrase, ensure that speed is indeed the most relevant factor under consideration. Common missteps include neglecting other important variables such as quality or accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of velocity

Replaces "question" with "matter" and "speed" with the synonym "velocity".

an issue of pace

Substitutes "question" with "issue" and "speed" with "pace", focusing on the rate at which something happens.

a concern regarding rapidity

Replaces "question" with "concern" and "speed" with "rapidity", emphasizing a worry about how quickly something occurs.

the point of swiftness

Changes the structure to highlight "swiftness" as the key point.

the dilemma of celerity

Uses "dilemma" instead of "question" and employs the more formal term "celerity" for speed.

a problem of alacrity

Replaces "question" with "problem" and substitutes "speed" with "alacrity", implying eagerness and quickness.

a query on quickness

Uses "query" as a synonym for "question" and focuses on the attribute of "quickness".

the consideration of rate

Shifts the focus to "rate" as the element being considered.

a thought about velocity

More conversational, using "thought" instead of "question" and "velocity" for speed.

a debate over tempo

Replaces question with "debate" and velocity with "tempo" implying a discussion about the speed or rate of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of speed" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of speed" to emphasize that the pace or velocity of something is the most important consideration. For example: "The project's success is now "a question of" speed in deployment."

What's the difference between "a question of speed" and "a matter of speed"?

While both phrases are similar, "a question of speed" implies more of an inquiry or debate about speed, whereas "a matter of speed" suggests it's a straightforward issue concerning speed.

What can I say instead of "a question of speed"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue of pace", "a concern regarding rapidity", or "the point of swiftness" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a question of speed"?

It's appropriate when the speed or rate at which something is done is the critical factor determining success, failure, or overall evaluation. For instance, in emergency response, it's often "the point of" speed.