at a firm pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a firm pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the speed or manner in which someone is moving, often implying a steady and determined rhythm. Example: "She walked at a firm pace, determined to reach her destination before sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Chris Williamson, of data provider Markit, said: "Summer weather helped drive a strong upturn in retail sales in July, adding to the likelihood that the economic recovery will have continued at a firm pace into the third quarter.

The Guardian - Business

Summer weather helped drive a strong upturn in retail sales in July, adding to the likelihood that the economic recovery will have continued at a firm pace into the third quarter.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Push the sheet into saw at a firm but steady pace.

WikiHow

Well, if you believe the Web-content delivery firm will continue to grow at a fast pace, maybe.

Forbes

Work at a steady pace.

WikiHow

Do this at a fast pace.

WikiHow

Breathe in at a steady pace.

WikiHow

Things change at a fast pace.

WikiHow

Try to run at a steady pace.

WikiHow

Start off at a steady pace.

WikiHow

The Woman in the Picture by Katharine McMahon - W&N, £8.99 *** McMahon's tale of the 1920s lawyer Evie Gifford packs in a great deal about battered wives, corrupt upper-class husbands, thwarted love affairs and the aftermath of the Great War, an event still impinging on people's lives, and it moves at a firm but speedy pace.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a firm pace" when you want to emphasize a steady and determined progress, especially in situations where consistency is key to achieving a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "at a firm pace" to describe actions that are erratic or unpredictable. The phrase implies a level of steadiness that should align with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a firm pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates the manner of the action, specifically suggesting a steady and consistent speed or rate. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a firm pace" is an adverbial phrase that describes a steady and consistent rate of progress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing, indicating a deliberate and controlled manner. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, highlighting stability and consistency rather than sheer speed. While several alternatives exist, such as "at a steady rate" or "at a consistent speed", "at a firm pace" uniquely emphasizes the resolute nature of the progress. It's crucial to use this phrase in contexts where consistency aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a steady rate

Replaces "pace" with "rate", emphasizing the consistency of progress.

at a consistent speed

Substitutes both "firm" and "pace" with "consistent" and "speed", highlighting uniformity in velocity.

at a solid tempo

Uses "tempo" to emphasize rhythm and "solid" to convey stability.

at an even keel

Employs a nautical metaphor, suggesting stability and balance in progress.

at a regular clip

Replaces "pace" with "clip", indicating a moderate and consistent speed.

at a stable velocity

Uses "velocity" to denote speed and "stable" to emphasize steadiness.

at a constant rhythm

Focuses on the rhythmic aspect of the movement, implying predictability.

at a measured gait

Employs "gait" to refer specifically to walking speed, suggesting deliberation.

at an unhurried pace

Highlights the absence of haste, suggesting a relaxed yet steady progression.

at a deliberate speed

Emphasizes intentionality and careful consideration in maintaining the speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a firm pace" to describe a consistent and steady rate of progress, such as: "The company expanded "at a firm pace" throughout the year."

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

Alternatives include "at a steady rate", "at a consistent speed", or "at a solid tempo", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"At a firm pace" emphasizes steadiness and consistency, while "at a fast pace" focuses on speed. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight stability or velocity. Consider that "at a fast pace" implies moving rapidly.

What does "at a firm pace" imply about the action being described?

It implies that the action is progressing steadily and reliably, without significant acceleration or deceleration. It suggests a deliberate and controlled manner of advancement.