at a fast rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"at a fast rate" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is happening quickly or with a high level of speed. Example: The company's profits grew at a fast rate, doubling in just one year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Within the HK cross, full sib, cousin or random mating were practised for two generations in order to create new inbreeding (IBF) at a fast rate.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

"He's not fussed about whacking it and going at a fast rate".

The Guardian - Sport

"We are losing our forests at a fast rate," he said.

The New York Times

What's more, the number of students taking these subjects beyond GCSE is also declining at a fast rate.

The Guardian

The United States has been growing at a fast rate, attracting a steady inflow of European capital.

The New York Times

After that, Carmichael had him draft at a fast rate behind a motorcycle for two hours without a break.

The New Yorker

"I looked to my right and I seen a plane approaching me at a fast rate of speed, but it was flying very low.

The Guardian

Soutar said that the four-year-old magazine was still growing revenues at a fast rate and was "very sustainably profitable".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

On the contrary, the stability and repeatability of the frequency scanning in many systems are always compromised, particularly when the light source scans at a fast rate.

Biomedical Optics Express

It showed that Schmeichel's popularity is growing – and at a fast rate.

The Guardian - Sport

Segregation can be minimized by keeping segregating elements at low levels or by solidifying at a fast rate i.e., by not providing the time for separation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing numerical increases, specify the units of measurement to enhance clarity. For instance, instead of "population grew "at a fast rate"", write "population grew at a fast rate of 5% per year".

Common error

While "at a fast rate" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Substitute with stronger verbs like "accelerated", "skyrocketed", or more precise adverbs like "rapidly" or "quickly" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a fast rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the speed or tempo at which an action occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use across various contexts. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

43%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a fast rate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes the speed of an action or process. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct phrase for written English. While it appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, it can be used across different registers. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "rapidly" or "quickly". The phrase is effective for emphasizing speed, but writers should be mindful of overuse and aim for precision when describing quantitative changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapidly

Single-word adverb replacing the multi-word phrase.

quickly

Synonym for 'rapidly', offering a simpler alternative.

at high speed

Replaces "rate" with "speed", emphasizing velocity.

at a rapid pace

Substitutes "pace" for "rate", suggesting a steady, quick movement.

at an accelerated rate

Adds emphasis on the acceleration of the rate.

at a brisk pace

Implies a lively and energetic speed.

with great haste

Emphasizes urgency and speed.

at full tilt

Idiomatic expression indicating maximum speed or effort.

expeditiously

Formal term suggesting efficient and speedy progress.

in short order

Indicates that something is done quickly and efficiently.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a fast rate" to describe any process or activity that is occurring quickly. For example, "The company's revenue increased "at a fast rate" due to the new marketing campaign."

What can I say instead of "at a fast rate"?

You can use alternatives like "rapidly", "quickly", or "at high speed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at a fast rate" or "rapidly"?

Both "at a fast rate" and "rapidly" are correct. "At a fast rate" is a phrase, while "rapidly" is an adverb. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

What's the difference between "at a fast rate" and "at an increasing rate"?

"At a fast rate" describes something happening quickly, while "at an increasing rate" indicates that the speed is not only fast but also getting faster over time. The phrase "at an increasing rate" implies acceleration, whereas "at a fast rate" simply implies speed.