at a lightning pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a lightning pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is happening very quickly or rapidly. Example: "The project was completed at a lightning pace, exceeding all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As literary writers tend to have more time between books than genre writers, there is usually less pressure on them to produce books at a lightning pace.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. O'Keefe described the number this way: "Bat Boy progresses from Dr. Seuss to 'Masterpiece Theater,' evolving at a lightning pace.

The New York Times

In the modern era, reporters use stenotype machines, which allow them to press several keys at a time, like a piano chord, to take down words at a lightning pace.

The New York Times

Everything moves at a lightning pace in the mobile world – everything, that is, except network rollouts.

TechCrunch

Xiao had helped reel in the 2007 KKR investment, a coup for Tianrui Cement that let it expand at a lightning pace in Henan, where it is the biggest cement maker, and into Dalian city in Liaoning Province as well.

Forbes

Technology continues to develop and change at a lightning pace.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Basketball takes place at such a lightning pace that it's easy to make mistakes and get obsessed with what just happened or what might happen next, which distracts you from the only thing that really matters--this very moment".

Huffington Post

It gives users a constant stream of data on what their friends are up to, and help spread new memes through Facebook at a lightning quick pace.

TechCrunch

She described the storylines involving the cancer patient's intoxication and Ellis' lucidity as achieving a balance, and moving the show "at a lightning quick pace".

Wikipedia

Sopan deepened his work with a multitude of digital skills – including shooting and editing broadcast-ready video while writing at a lightning quick pace.

Huffington Post

Violent criminals are arrested, prosecuted, and are back out on the streets to commit more crime at a lightning fast pace.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress or development, consider using "at a lightning pace" to convey a sense of urgency and rapid advancement. For instance, "The company expanded at a lightning pace, quickly dominating the market."

Common error

Avoid using "at a lightning pace" to describe processes that are inherently slow or gradual. This phrase is best suited for situations where speed and quickness are evident and noteworthy. For example, it would be incorrect to say, "The legal system moved at a lightning pace."

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "at a lightning pace" functions to modify verbs or clauses, indicating the speed or rate at which an action is performed. It emphasizes the quickness and rapidity of the action, adding vividness and intensity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a lightning pace" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe something happening very quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While uncommon, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. For situations needing more formal language, alternatives such as "with great rapidity" may be suitable. When writing, be mindful of avoiding its misuse with inherently slow processes and focus on emphasizing events where swiftness is a key attribute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at breakneck speed

This alternative emphasizes the high risk and potential danger associated with the speed.

at a rapid rate

This alternative focuses on the speed of progress or change.

at a blistering pace

This alternative suggests a very fast and intense speed, often used in competitive contexts.

with great rapidity

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing quickness.

at full tilt

This alternative implies maximum effort and speed.

at a swift tempo

This alternative emphasizes the constant speed of something.

expeditiously

This alternative focuses on efficiency and promptness in completing a task.

with haste

This alternative stresses urgency and quick action, often implying potential carelessness.

at a cracking rate

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes a fast and impressive speed.

at warp speed

This alternative uses a science fiction reference to convey extreme speed.

FAQs

What does "at a lightning pace" mean?

The phrase "at a lightning pace" means something is happening very quickly or rapidly, similar to the speed of lightning.

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

You can use "at a lightning pace" to describe processes, developments, or activities that are occurring very fast. For example: "The project was completed "at a lightning pace", exceeding all expectations".

Which is a more formal alternative to "at a lightning pace"?

A more formal alternative could be "with great rapidity", which conveys the same meaning but with a more sophisticated tone.

What are some other ways to say "at a lightning pace"?

Some alternatives to "at a lightning pace" include "at breakneck speed", "at a rapid rate", or "at a blistering pace", depending on the specific context.