at a fast pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at a fast pace' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is a phrase used to denote speed or urgency, so you could use it to describe anything from someone running to someone speaking quickly. For example, "He was talking at a fast pace, as if he was racing against the clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The nature of careers is changing at a fast pace.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

China has been expanding its navy at a fast pace.

The New York Times

"Alzheimer's research is moving at a fast pace," Meuser said.

The New York Times - Sports

So far, development has been proceeding at a fast pace.

The New York Times

"I'm not looking to go at a fast pace.

The New York Times - Sports

They've pushed through judges at a fast pace.

The Washington Post

The world of communication is evolving at a fast pace.

Harvard Business Review

At a fast pace, changes in gait parameters were less systematic.

Gait & Posture

Finally, minimally invasive surgery of the spine is evolving at a fast pace.

Revue du Rhumatisme

Protein databases used in research are huge and still grow at a fast pace.

Parallel Computing

As a result, research in epigenetic grew at a fast pace in the last decade.

Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress or development, ensure the context clearly indicates what is moving "at a fast pace". Be specific about the subject to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at a fast pace" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying "Technology is evolving at a fast pace", specify which aspect of technology, such as "AI development is evolving at a fast pace".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a fast pace" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the speed or rate at which an action is performed or a process unfolds. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverbial phrase "at a fast pace" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the speed or rate of an action or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. With a high frequency of occurrence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, it conveys a sense of urgency or rapid change. When using "at a fast pace", ensure the context clearly defines what is progressing quickly to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "rapidly" or "at a rapid rate". While idiomatic and widely accepted, tailoring the phrase to fit the specific context enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a rapid rate

Replaces "pace" with "rate", maintaining similar meaning.

at a swift rate

Synonymous with "at a rapid rate", using "swift" instead.

rapidly

Single word adverb focusing solely on speed.

quickly

Simple adverb denoting speed, less formal than 'rapidly'.

at full speed

A literal and straightforward way to describe maximum velocity.

at speed

Slightly more concise way of indicating quick movement or progress.

expeditiously

Emphasizes efficiency and speed in achieving a goal.

in leaps and bounds

Idiomatic expression emphasizing significant and rapid progress.

at full tilt

Suggests maximum speed or effort, conveying intensity.

at a cracking pace

British idiom to indicate something happening very quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a fast pace" to describe anything that is moving or progressing quickly. For example, "The company's profits are increasing "at a fast pace"." or "He was speaking "at a fast pace" because he was nervous."

What's a more formal alternative to "at a fast pace"?

More formal alternatives include "rapidly", "expeditiously", or "at a rapid rate", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at a fast pace" or "at a rapid pace"?

"At a rapid pace" is a slightly more formal alternative to ""at a fast pace"", but both are grammatically correct and widely understood. The choice depends on the desired tone.

Which is correct, "growing at a fast pace" or "growing in a fast pace"?

"Growing "at a fast pace"" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Growing in a fast pace" is not standard usage.