at a brisk pace.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a brisk pace." is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the speed at which someone is moving or doing something, often implying energy and efficiency. Example: "She walked at a brisk pace to ensure she arrived on time for her meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(By contrast, receipts grew at a brisk pace averaging 11percentt a year from 2004 to 2007).

The New York Times

We started out at a brisk pace.

The New Yorker

He decided to clip the deficit at a brisk pace.

The Economist

The Government advises you walk at a brisk pace.

Independent

Since then, the field has expanded at a brisk pace.

The New York Times

He was swinging freely and moving at a brisk pace.

The New York Times - Sports

He was silent and moved at a brisk pace.

The New York Times - Travel

"At any rate, we were climbing at a brisk pace, saying and doing foolish things.

The New Yorker

Things began to change at a brisk pace after India liberalized its economy after 1990.

The New York Times

Investors still expect businesses to increase profits at a brisk pace.

The New Yorker

They cut across the park at a brisk pace, avoiding the unlit edges.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement or progress, use "at a brisk pace" to convey both speed and efficiency. It suggests more than just fast movement; it implies energy and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "at a brisk pace" when the situation implies haste or urgency that could lead to errors. "Brisk" suggests efficiency and control, whereas "rush" implies a lack of care.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a brisk pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates speed and efficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a brisk pace" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed with both speed and efficiency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common expression found across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. When writing, use "at a brisk pace" to add detail to the way something is progressing, suggesting lively and purposeful movement. While it is suitable for most situations, consider alternative phrasing if you want to convey a sense of urgency. Some examples include "at a rapid tempo", "at a swift speed", or "expeditiously".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a rapid tempo

Replaces "pace" with "tempo", emphasizing rhythm and speed.

at a swift speed

Substitutes both "brisk" with "swift" and "pace" with "speed", focusing on quickness of movement.

at a quick rate

Changes "brisk" to "quick" and "pace" to "rate", highlighting the speed of an action.

at an accelerated rate

Uses "accelerated" to intensify the speed and replaces "pace" with "rate".

at a lively clip

Replaces "pace" with "clip", adding a sense of energy and enthusiasm to the speed.

expeditiously

A single-word adverb meaning quickly and efficiently, replacing the entire phrase.

at a cracking pace

Uses "cracking" to describe the pace, suggesting enthusiasm and speed.

at full tilt

Implies moving or operating at maximum speed or effort.

with considerable speed

Emphasizes the notable speed of the action.

in a prompt manner

Highlights efficiency and timeliness rather than just speed.

FAQs

How can I use "at a brisk pace." in a sentence?

You can use "at a brisk pace." to describe someone walking, working, or something progressing quickly and efficiently. For example, "She walked "at a brisk pace" to catch the train" or "The project moved "at a brisk pace" due to the team's dedication".

What are some alternatives to saying "at a brisk pace."?

Alternatives include "rapidly", "quickly", "swiftly", or "expeditiously". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "at a brisk pace." is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is a clear and widely understood phrase. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider more sophisticated synonyms like "expeditiously" or "with celerity".

What's the difference between "at a brisk pace." and "at a fast pace."?

While similar, "at a brisk pace." implies not just speed but also energy and efficiency, suggesting a purposeful and lively movement. "At a fast pace.", on the other hand, focuses primarily on the speed of the action without necessarily implying the same level of energy or efficiency. You could say, for example, the company was working "at a fast pace", but not necessarily "at a brisk pace" if they weren't being efficient.