a respectably fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a respectably fast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fast in a way that is considered acceptable or commendable. Example: "The new car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds, which is a respectably fast time for its class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until a week or so ago, Capriles seemed likely to lose by a respectably tight margin to Chavez.

The New Yorker

The Honda has been running de-tuned, but even so Alonso was respectably fast on Friday, and McLaren believe the car is fundamentally good.

BBC

Work out in a respectably loud manner.

The New Yorker

The volunteers who took 10 milligrams (mg) of Lipitor a day achieved a respectably low average LDL level of 101.

Harvard University

She was at the window before two o'clock, watching a respectably sized group of people go in.

The New Yorker

Predictions that a respectably sized city would be left without a single newspaper have so far proven false.

The Economist

Its stock of books is pleasingly broad, from the latest novels to modern classics, and a respectably contemporary poetry collection.

The Guardian - Books

A respectably effective, decorously English addition to the current ghost story wave – Frightfully Insidious, as it were.

The Guardian - Film

I can't tell the difference in the finished dishes, and given the relative prices, I suspect a respectably thrifty Italian would stick with the plain stuff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the eve of his return to Germany for a respectably tenured career as a big-city concertmaster, a job opened at Sarah Lawrence College.

The New York Times - Books

Even James Morris, who has sometimes sung Scarpia as a growling caricature, picked up on the excitement and turned in a respectably dark villain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a respectably fast" to describe a speed or pace that is more than adequate but not exceptional. It is suitable when setting expectations or making comparisons.

Common error

Avoid using "a respectably fast" when describing something exceptionally fast, as it could diminish the impact. Instead, reserve it for situations where the speed is moderately impressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a respectably fast" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its speed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. The adjective "respectably" serves to qualify the degree of speed, suggesting it is more than just adequate but not exceptional.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a respectably fast" is grammatically correct and functions as an adjective phrase to describe something that is adequately or commendably fast, but not exceptionally so. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most often found in News & Media and Science contexts and carries a neutral tone, suitable for professional communications. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the described speed is indeed more than adequate but not overstated. Alternatives such as "reasonably quick" or "fairly speedy" may be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonably quick

Emphasizes the adequacy of the speed.

fairly speedy

Suggests a notable degree of speed.

moderately fast

Indicates a speed that is neither slow nor exceptionally quick.

acceptably rapid

Highlights that the speed meets a certain requirement or expectation.

adequately swift

Stresses the sufficiency of the speed for a given purpose.

suitably fast

Implies the speed is appropriate for a particular situation.

comparatively quick

Positions the speed as faster than a point of comparison.

passably fast

Indicates the speed is just good enough.

tolerably fast

Suggests the speed is acceptable, though not ideal.

serviceably fast

Highlights the functionality of the speed to meet a basic need.

FAQs

How can I use "a respectably fast" in a sentence?

You can use "a respectably fast" to describe the speed of something that is adequately quick but not exceptionally so. For example, "The new processor has "a respectably fast" processing speed".

What are some alternatives to "a respectably fast"?

Alternatives include "reasonably quick", "fairly speedy", or "moderately fast", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a respectably fast" or "a reasonably fast"?

Both "a respectably fast" and "a reasonably fast" are correct, but "a respectably fast" carries a slightly more formal tone and suggests that the speed is not just adequate but also worthy of some admiration. "A reasonably fast" is more neutral.

When should I use "a respectably fast" instead of "very fast"?

Use "a respectably fast" when you want to indicate that something is acceptably or adequately fast, without suggesting it's the fastest possible. "Very fast" implies a higher degree of speed and is more emphatic.