at a different rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a different rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something occurs or is measured at a varying speed or frequency compared to something else. Example: "The two machines operate at a different rate, which affects the overall production efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their brains fire at a different rate.

The Guardian - Film

Each one of them prints at a different rate.

The Washington Post

The cement expands at a different rate than the sand and gravel, causing cracks.

The New York Times - Science

They will be doing it at a different rate to today.

The Guardian

Each fertilizer is applied at a different rate, measured in pounds or tons per acre.

Cornell University

Could antimatter fall upward – that is, exhibit anti-gravity – or fall downward at a different rate?

University of California, Berkeley

This makes the lattice vibrate at a different rate and changes the critical temperature accordingly.

MIT Technology Review

He works at a different rate than most of us, and it's really joyous".

The New York Times - Arts

As the Yankees score runs at a whopping pace, Jeter is grading himself at a different rate.

The New York Times - Sports

"Words of different lengths," he observed, "like cat, table and hippopotamus, are processed in my head at a different rate.

The New Yorker

Instead, he waited, that pause that sets him apart, like a man whose second hand moves at a different rate to everyone else's.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the progress of two or more subjects or processes, use "at a different rate" to clearly express that they are not advancing at the same speed or pace. This can be particularly useful in scientific reports, project management, or personal development contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "at a different rate" when simply stating that something is fast or slow. Ensure there is a clear point of comparison. Saying "He learns quickly" is different from saying "He learns "at a different rate" compared to his peers."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a different rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something is done or how a process occurs. It provides information about the speed or pace of an action in relation to something else, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

45%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a different rate" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase used to compare the speeds or paces of two or more processes or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, ranging from formal scientific reports to informal discussions. While it is frequently used across news, science, and academic domains, remember to use it specifically when comparing different rates, not just to describe speed in isolation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a dissimilar rate

Emphasizes the lack of resemblance in the rate, highlighting the dissimilarity.

at a varying pace

Focuses on the changing nature of the rate, suggesting inconsistency over time.

at an alternate speed

Highlights that speed is not identical with the usual or expected one.

at a distinct speed

This alternative stresses that the rate is easily distinguishable.

at a disparate tempo

Highlights the distinction and lack of connection between two tempos.

at a shifted pace

Highlights that the pace has been subject to an alteration.

with varying rapidity

Uses a more formal term "rapidity" to indicate speed and change.

at a modified tempo

Implies an adjustment or alteration to the original tempo.

at a deviating progression

Suggests a departure from a standard or expected progression.

with differential velocity

Uses the scientific term "velocity" to emphasize rate of change, more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "at a different rate" in a sentence?

Use "at a different rate" to compare the speed or pace of two or more things, for example: "The plants grew "at a different rate" depending on the amount of sunlight they received."

What are some alternatives to "at a different rate"?

You can use phrases such as "at a dissimilar rate", "at a varying pace", or "at an alternate speed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at different rates" instead of "at a different rate"?

Yes, "at different rates" is correct and used when referring to multiple varying speeds or paces, while "at a different rate" is used when comparing two specific things. For example, "The chemicals reacted at different rates."

What's the difference between "at a different rate" and "at a different level"?

"At a different rate" refers to the speed or pace of change, while "at a different level" refers to the degree or stage of something. For example, "They progressed "at a different rate", while their understanding was "at a different level"."