at a highest rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a highest rate" is not correct in English.
It should be "at the highest rate." You can use the corrected phrase when discussing the maximum level or speed of something, such as interest rates, production rates, or performance metrics. Example: "The company is currently operating at the highest rate of production to meet demand."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

GATA6 methylation occurred at a highest rate.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

"So they open it at a higher rate".

The New York Times

Yet fishing has continued at a high rate.

The New York Times - Science

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

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

"They had a long tradition of having students separated at a higher rate.

The New York Times

Mr. Saakashvili thinks, talks and moves at a high rate of speed.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to denote the greatest level or speed of something, utilize "at the highest rate" instead of "at a highest rate" for grammatical accuracy. For example, "The company is producing goods at the highest rate this quarter."

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" with superlative adjectives like "highest". Always use the definite article "the" in such cases. A correct example: "The plant is operating at the highest efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a highest rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, intending to modify a verb by describing the rate or speed at which an action occurs. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "at the highest rate".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a highest rate" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "at the highest rate". While it aims to express a maximum level or speed, the improper grammar undermines its effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical issue. Usage is rare, but when corrected, it is suitable for neutral contexts like news or scientific reporting. Remember to use "the" instead of "a" before superlative adjectives. Consider using alternatives like "at the peak rate" or "at a maximum rate" for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the highest rate

This is the grammatically correct form of the original phrase, replacing the indefinite article "a" with the definite article "the".

at a peak rate

Substitutes "highest" with "peak", conveying the same idea of reaching a maximum level or point.

at a maximum rate

Replaces "highest" with "maximum", providing a synonym that emphasizes the upper limit.

at the maximum level

Changes "rate" to "level", offering a different noun to describe the point of culmination.

at the peak level

Combines "peak" and "level", stressing the idea of reaching the uppermost extent.

at an unparalleled rate

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the rate, suggesting it's the best or greatest ever seen.

at a record rate

Implies the rate is the best ever achieved, similar to setting a new record.

at the uppermost limit

Uses "uppermost limit" to highlight the idea of being at the maximum boundary.

at the top of the scale

Implies being at the highest point on a measurable range.

at full capacity

Highlights that whatever is measured is performing or producing at its greatest possible extent.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "at a highest rate"?

The grammatically correct form is "at the highest rate". Use this when you want to indicate that something is happening at its maximum level or speed.

What's a good alternative to saying "at a highest rate"?

Alternatives include "at the peak rate" or "at a maximum rate", both of which convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is it ever correct to say "at a highest rate"?

No, the correct phrasing is "at the highest rate". The use of the definite article "the" is required before superlative adjectives like "highest".

How does "at a highest rate" differ from "at a high rate"?

"At a high rate" indicates a generally fast or significant pace, while "at the highest rate" specifically denotes the absolute maximum pace or level achievable.