at a breakneck pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a breakneck pace" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is happening very quickly or at a frenzied speed. Example: The construction of the new skyscraper is progressing at a breakneck pace, with workers working around the clock to meet the deadline. Another example: She drove through the winding roads at a breakneck pace, her heart racing with adrenaline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others were added at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

India is developing at a breakneck pace.

The Guardian

But Facebook is growing at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

And that overhaul isn't exactly proceeding at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

In Timothy Draper's world, change occurs at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

Eighteen holes of golf at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

Snyder walks at a breakneck pace, while Morgenthau has a painfully slow shuffle.

The New Yorker

The Warriors scored in bunches and ran the floor at a breakneck pace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Domestic and foreign hotel companies are adding rooms at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

Other Chinese cities are also building amusement parks (albeit less ambitious ones) at a breakneck pace.

The New York Times

"But when you have to do it at a breakneck pace, it's something altogether different".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a breakneck pace" when you want to emphasize not only speed but also a sense of potential danger or recklessness due to that speed.

Common error

Avoid using "at a breakneck pace" in contexts where speed is positive and controlled. It's more appropriate when the rapidity implies a lack of caution or potential instability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a breakneck pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI shows it's used to emphasize the speed and often the potential recklessness of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a breakneck pace" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that vividly describes actions occurring with great speed, often implying a sense of risk or potential unsustainability. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely used in news and media, as well as academic writing, making it a versatile expression for conveying rapid progress or change. While generally acceptable, careful consideration of its connotations is crucial, especially in formal contexts where a more neutral tone may be preferred. Remember to use it when you want to highlight not just speed, but also the potential for things to go wrong due to that speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at lightning speed

Emphasizes the extreme quickness, comparing the speed to that of lightning.

at a rapid rate

Focuses on the swiftness of the rate at which something is happening.

at an accelerated tempo

Uses 'tempo' to highlight the increased speed or rhythm of an activity or process.

at full tilt

Implies that something is happening with maximum effort and speed.

at a blistering pace

Suggests a very fast pace, almost to the point of being unsustainable.

at a frantic speed

Highlights the chaotic and hurried nature of the speed.

with great haste

Emphasizes the urgency and speed with which something is done.

at a breathtaking velocity

Uses 'velocity' to indicate high speed, while 'breathtaking' emphasizes the impressiveness of the speed.

at a swift clip

Uses 'clip' to describe a quick and efficient pace.

in rapid strides

Suggests progress is being made quickly and in large steps.

FAQs

How can I use "at a breakneck pace" in a sentence?

Use "at a breakneck pace" to describe actions or processes happening extremely quickly, often implying risk or potential instability. For example, "The company expanded "at a breakneck pace", opening new stores every month."

What are some alternatives to "at a breakneck pace"?

You can use alternatives like "at lightning speed", "at a rapid rate", or "at full tilt" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "at a breakneck pace" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "at a breakneck pace" carries a slightly informal tone due to its strong imagery. Consider using alternatives like "rapidly" or "expeditiously" for more formal contexts if you want to focus on pure speed without implying recklessness.

What's the difference between "at a breakneck pace" and "quickly"?

"Quickly" simply denotes speed. "At a breakneck pace" implies a very high speed that might be dangerous or unsustainable. It suggests more than just fast movement; it includes an element of potential risk.