at a higher rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a higher rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing comparisons of speed, frequency, or intensity in various contexts, such as finance, health, or productivity. Example: "The new marketing strategy is expected to generate leads at a higher rate than the previous approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smaller regional airlines misplace bags at a higher rate.

The New York Times

Why do they think boomers divorce at a higher rate?

The New York Times

Estates are taxed at a higher rate than some businesses.

The Washington Post

"So they open it at a higher rate".

The New York Times

EndoSequence files separated at a higher rate than ProFile instruments.

Journal of Endodontics

We saw crime rising, families breaking up at a higher rate.

The New York Times

LGBT people, too, drink, smoke and take drugs at a higher rate than our straight counterparts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Swatch said it expected profit to grow at a higher rate than sales would.

The New York Times

"He believes he can compound the money at a higher rate than an institution can.

The New Yorker

"The cubs appear to be dying at a higher rate than we're used to," he said.

The New York Times

A major reason is that black women vote at a higher rate than black men.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing rates, clearly specify the entities or categories being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "sales increased at a higher rate", specify "sales increased at a higher rate in Q2 compared to Q1".

Common error

Avoid using "at a higher rate" without providing context or a reference point. Saying "divorces are happening at a higher rate" is vague. Instead, specify "divorces are happening at a higher rate compared to the 1950s" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a higher rate" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically describing the degree or speed at which an action or process occurs. It adds comparative information, indicating an increase relative to a previous state or another subject. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is both grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a higher rate" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to express comparative increases in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its neutral register and frequent use in news, academic, and scientific domains make it suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the entities being compared and avoiding overgeneralization without context. Consider using alternatives such as "at an increased frequency" or "more rapidly" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an elevated pace

Replaces 'rate' with 'pace' and 'higher' with 'elevated', emphasizing speed or tempo.

at an increased frequency

Substitutes 'rate' with 'frequency', highlighting how often something occurs.

at a greater velocity

Uses 'velocity' instead of 'rate', focusing on speed and direction.

at an accelerated tempo

Replaces 'rate' with 'tempo', suggesting a faster rhythm or pace.

at a magnified scale

Changes 'higher rate' to 'magnified scale', indicating a larger extent or degree.

at a heightened level

Replaces 'rate' with 'level', suggesting a greater intensity or degree.

at a steep incline

Emphasizes a sharp increase, implying a rapid upward change.

more rapidly

A shorter, more direct way of saying something happens faster.

with greater intensity

Focuses on the strength or force with which something occurs.

at a quicker clip

Uses 'clip' instead of 'rate', providing a more informal expression for speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a higher rate" to compare increases in speed, frequency, or intensity. For example, "The population is growing "at a higher rate" than it was a decade ago."

What are some alternatives to saying "at a higher rate"?

Alternatives include "at an elevated pace", "at an increased frequency", or "more rapidly", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being compared when using "at a higher rate"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the comparison enhances clarity. For example, "Profits increased "at a higher rate" this year" is improved by adding "...than last year."

What's the difference between "at a higher rate" and "at a faster rate"?

While similar, "at a faster rate" typically refers to speed, whereas "at a higher rate" can refer to speed, frequency, or intensity. You might use "at a faster rate" for describing the speed of a car, but "at a higher rate" when discussing the prevalence of a disease.