a yard of pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a yard of pace" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation or a mix-up of common expressions, and it is not usable in standard contexts. Example: "He ran a yard of pace, but it was unclear what that meant in terms of speed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He injected a yard of pace and no little vision into the centre of the park.

Independent

Fellow players, including Djokovic, suggested that he had lost a yard of pace.

The Guardian - Sport

"Showed a yard of pace this year, didn't I?" he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Lost a yard of pace but still a world-class bowler.

The Guardian - Sport

When you lose half a yard of pace you have to refine your game".

The Guardian - Sport

But I certainly lost a half a yard of pace after the injuries and I became more of a target man.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

*Sophomore Ty Johnson, who averaged better than seven yards a carry as a change-of-pace running back last season, has apparently won the starting job ahead Virginia Tech graduate transfer Trey Edmunds and senior Kenneth Goins (Gilman).

Los Angeles Times

Better as a change-of-pace back, Bell averaged 4.6 yards per carry as Johnson's backup, 3.4 as the starter.

The New York Times

As a change-of-pace back to Michael Turner, Rodgers has 24 catches for 190 yards, with an amazing 167 of those (87.9 percent) coming after the catch.

The New York Times

As he lacks genuine pace, when he played out wide against Plymouth it was incumbent on him to seek a yard of space and whip the ball in.

The Guardian - Sport

Goalscorers find a yard of space.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in speed, consider using more conventional terms like "acceleration" or "velocity" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a yard of pace" in formal writing or contexts where clarity is paramount, as it is often misunderstood and lacks a precise definition. Use "a burst of speed" or "increased velocity" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a yard of pace" functions as a noun phrase, typically used in sports commentary to describe a slight increase or decrease in speed or momentum. Ludwig AI marks this phrase as incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a yard of pace" is a somewhat ambiguous expression, often used in sports commentary to describe a small change in speed or momentum. Ludwig AI considers this phrase grammatically incorrect and it isn't typically used in formal writing but commonly appears in news and media sources. While its meaning is generally understood in context, more precise language, such as "a burst of speed" or "increased velocity", is preferable for clarity. When discussing an athlete's decline in speed, phrases like "lost some speed" or "slowed down a bit" are useful alternatives. Overall, while "a yard of pace" may be acceptable in informal settings, it's best to opt for more specific and accurate language in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burst of speed

Focuses on a sudden increase in velocity, rather than a general measure of pace.

a touch of acceleration

Emphasizes a slight increase in speed, often implying an advantage.

a measure of quickness

Highlights the ability to move rapidly, a more general concept than pace.

an increment of velocity

Uses more technical language to describe a change in speed.

a fraction faster

Indicates a marginal improvement in speed, a subtle difference.

a degree of swiftness

Highlights the quality of being fast, rather than a specific amount.

a level of rapidity

Similar to swiftness, but emphasizes the rate at which something moves.

an added spring

Conveys a sense of energy and agility, implying increased speed.

enhanced mobility

Focuses on the ability to move easily and quickly, a broader concept.

improved agility

Highlights the nimbleness and coordination that contribute to speed.

FAQs

How can I describe a small increase in speed?

Instead of "a yard of pace", consider phrases like "a slight increase in speed", "a touch of acceleration", or "a fraction faster" depending on the context.

Is "a yard of pace" considered grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal sports commentary, "a yard of pace" is not considered grammatically standard. More precise language is preferable in formal contexts.

What does "lost a yard of pace" mean?

It generally means that an athlete has become slightly slower, perhaps due to age or injury. Alternative ways to phrase this include "lost some speed" or "slowed down a bit".

What are some synonyms for "pace" in a sports context?

Synonyms for "pace" include "speed", "velocity", "momentum", "tempo", and "rhythm". The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.