at a certain pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a certain pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the speed or rate at which something is done or occurs. Example: "The runners completed the marathon at a certain pace, ensuring they had enough energy for the final stretch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"You have to move at a certain pace".

The New York Times

I never plan to run at a certain pace.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They don't come from the movie business where everything moves, shall we say, at a certain pace".

The New York Times

Mr. Lopate once described a "rhythm of walking and thinking": "The legs get the mind going at a certain pace.

The New York Times

"It's a little like a runner going at a certain pace while carrying a heavy load," Mr. Davari said.

The New York Times

Their goal was to assess running economy, a measure of how much oxygen someone uses to run at a certain pace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The body has a certain pace at which it can adapt, change and grow in response to any exercise.

Huffington Post

Adding one or two tempo runs to your workout will increase the body's lactate threshold, the point at which the body fatigues while running a certain pace.

WikiHow

Grandmaster Flash suggests that Herc may not have kept pace with developments in techniques of cueing (lining up a record to play at a certain place on it).

Wikipedia

If you realize you don't have trouble reading at that certain pace, try reading a bit faster.

WikiHow

They don't necessarily understand why a professional editor might cut away from a scene at a certain point, or change the pace of his or her edits, or use a specific transition.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or activity, use "at a certain pace" to specify the intended or observed rate of progress. This adds precision and clarity to your description.

Common error

While "at a certain pace" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at a steady speed" or "at a set rhythm" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a certain pace" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the speed or rate at which an action is performed or a process occurs. Ludwig examples show it describing running, walking, working, or even how quickly something changes. The Ludwig AI analysis deems the phrase grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a certain pace" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies the speed or rate at which something occurs. It is deemed correct by Ludwig AI and is often employed in diverse contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While suitable for both formal and informal use, it is important to consider simpler alternatives for casual conversation. The phrase effectively provides detail about the manner in which an action or process is carried out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a specific rate

Focuses on the rate of progress, similar to pace.

at a particular speed

Emphasizes the velocity of movement or action.

at a defined tempo

Highlights a set rhythm or tempo, often used in music or rhythmic activities.

at a steady rhythm

Suggests a consistent and unwavering cadence.

at a constant velocity

Implies a fixed speed and direction of movement.

at a measured gait

Describes a deliberate and controlled manner of walking or moving.

at a regulated speed

Implies control over the rate.

at a pre-determined tempo

Highlights an explicitly known and agreed upon tempo.

with consistent timing

Stresses the regularity and uniformity of action over time.

with regulated timing

Highlights external contraints put on timing.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a certain pace" to describe the speed or rate at which something moves or progresses. For example, "The project needs to be completed at a certain pace to meet the deadline".

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

Alternatives include "at a specific rate", "at a particular speed", or "at a steady rhythm" depending on the specific context.

Is "at a certain pace" formal or informal?

"At a certain pace" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to lean towards the formal side. In more casual settings, consider using simpler phrases like "at a good speed" or "at a normal rate".

How does "at a certain pace" differ from "at a constant pace"?

"At a certain pace" implies a specific but not necessarily unchanging rate, whereas "at a constant pace" suggests the rate remains the same over time. Therefore, "at a constant pace" focuses on the consistency, while "at a certain pace" indicates a defined speed.