a rapid clip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rapid clip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is happening quickly or at a fast pace. Example: "The project progressed at a rapid clip, allowing us to meet the deadline ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are growing at a rapid clip.

The Economist

Some are growing at a rapid clip.

The New York Times

Remaining greenswards are vanishing at a rapid clip.

The New York Times

It continues to grow at a rapid clip.

The New Yorker

Being passed at a rapid clip by Eamonn Coghlan.

The New York Times - Sports

Analysts estimate it is growing at a rapid clip.

The New York Times

Zynga has been growing at a rapid clip.

The New York Times

This time, new information emerged at a rapid clip.

The New York Times

GM, Ford and Chrysler have been selling cars at a rapid clip, despite the recall scandals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today the U.S. economy is growing at a rapid clip, and so is the global economy.

The New Yorker

Its more aggressive rivals, meanwhile, are growing at a rapid clip and becoming global.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or non-physical activities, "a rapid clip" can add vividness. For example, "The negotiations moved at a rapid clip," conveying a sense of urgency and progress.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "a rapid clip" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "swift pace" or "accelerated rate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rapid clip" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rapid clip" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something happening quickly. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's applicable across diverse contexts, but predominantly found in news and media. While effective, vary your language to prevent repetition. Alternatives such as ""at a swift pace"" or ""at a fast rate"" can offer similar meaning while diversifying your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a swift pace

Emphasizes the speed of the action or process.

at a fast rate

Focuses on the quantity or frequency of something over a period of time.

quickly

A single-word adverb that simply indicates speed.

at an accelerated rate

Highlights the increasing speed or rate of progress.

at full speed

Implies maximum or very high speed.

in rapid succession

Suggests that events are happening one after another very quickly.

with great haste

Emphasizes the urgency and speed of the action.

at a brisk tempo

Refers to the pace or rhythm of an activity.

expeditiously

Implies efficiency and speed in completing a task.

at a cracking pace

An idiomatic expression indicating a fast and impressive speed.

FAQs

How can I use "a rapid clip" in a sentence?

You can use "a rapid clip" to describe something progressing or happening quickly. For example, "The company's growth is occurring at a rapid clip." or "New information emerged at a rapid clip during the investigation."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rapid clip"?

Alternatives include "at a swift pace", "at a fast rate", or "quickly", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "rapid rate" or "rapid clip"?

While both phrases convey speed, "rapid clip" is often used to describe progress or the pace of events, while "rapid rate" is more suited to quantify frequency or amount. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as happening "at a rapid clip"?

It means that the process, action, or event is occurring quickly and efficiently, suggesting notable progress or speed.