at a fierce pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a fierce pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something happening quickly or with great intensity. Example: "The team worked at a fierce pace to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He scored at a fierce pace, as he always does, but without undue risk until he was dismissed.

The Guardian - Sport

So they started at a fierce pace, with Felipe Melo and Semih Kaya jumping into tackles which they were fortunate to stay on the pitch for.

Independent

Technology for graphics in mobile also continues to advance at a fierce pace, with retina screens and technologies like Metal leading the push.

TechCrunch

Whatever the cause, nobody disputes that food production is intensifying at a fierce pace.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He and his team-mates in Britain's coxless four – Matthew Pinsent, Tim Foster and James Cracknell – went out hard and fast, establishing a lead of half a length over Australia and the US by the 500metre mark, setting a fierce pace at around 40 strokes per minute.

The Guardian - Sport

At the other end, Mellouli is setting a fierce pace, with Lurz and Giannotis looking strong just behind him.

The Guardian - Sport

Osana tried to do a Make A Stand and lead all the way - he set up a fierce pace only to give way at the top of the hill.

The Guardian - Sport

With Scintillula having set a fierce pace, William Buick appeared keen to play his cards late on the market-leader, but she ranged up menacingly in the straight.

Independent

Andalusians speak at a furious pace.

The New York Times - Travel

That will not be easy to achieve, for too often in the past at summer tournaments England have shown the effects of a hard domestic season played at fierce pace.

Independent

Still not been a good showing though, as James Wilson shows what he's got in his game, namely fierce pace.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a fierce pace" when describing processes, developments, or activities that are happening with significant speed and intensity. Consider whether the intensity aspect is truly relevant; if not, a simpler phrase like "rapidly" might suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "at a fierce pace" when the context doesn't warrant a strong sense of intensity. Overusing "fierce" can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. For example, if describing a gradual improvement, consider using "at a steady pace" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a fierce pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes the speed and intensity of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Technology

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a fierce pace" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe actions occurring with both speed and intensity. Ludwig AI confirms it to be usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, it appears most frequently in news and sports contexts. Consider related phrases like "at a rapid rate" or "at a blistering speed" depending on the desired nuance. When using "at a fierce pace", ensure the context genuinely warrants the emphasis on both speed and intensity to avoid hyperbole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a rapid rate

Emphasizes the quickness of the pace, focusing on the rate of progress.

at a blistering speed

Highlights the extreme speed, implying a very fast and intense rate.

at an accelerated tempo

Focuses on the increasing speed or tempo, suggesting a gradual increase in pace.

at a breakneck velocity

Implies a dangerously fast pace, potentially risky or unsustainable.

at full tilt

Suggests maximum effort and speed, often used in situations where someone is giving their all.

at a cracking pace

British English, this phrase describes speed and excitement. Slightly informal.

at speed

Simple version that just states the obvious, something is happening at speed.

expeditiously

Indicates efficiency and speed, with a formal tone.

swiftly

Highlights the quickness and efficiency of the action.

posthaste

Indicates urgency and immediate action, often with a sense of importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a fierce pace" to describe anything happening very quickly and intensely. For instance, "The company was innovating "at a fierce pace" to stay ahead of the competition."

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

Alternatives include "at a rapid rate", "at a blistering speed", or "swiftly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While generally acceptable, "at a fierce pace" can sometimes sound dramatic. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "expeditiously" or "at a rapid rate" for a more neutral tone.

What is the difference between "at a fierce pace" and "at a rapid pace"?

"At a fierce pace" emphasizes both speed and intensity, suggesting a powerful or forceful rate of progress. "At a rapid pace" simply highlights speed, without necessarily implying intensity. Use "at a fierce pace" when both aspects are relevant.