at a normal rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a normal rate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the speed or pace of an action, indicating that it is occurring at a typical or expected speed. Example: "The heart is beating at a normal rate, which is a sign of good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's because the body's cells don't produce energy to make biological processes happen at a normal rate, according to research.

The Guardian

Something was wrong with Florio's placenta, and Connor hadn't been receiving enough nutrients to grow at a normal rate.

The Washington Post

The surgery was followed by a good medical recovery, and he reached developmental milestones at a normal rate.

Cortex

She was in a taxicab, travelling at a normal rate of speed, when the pedestrian crossed against the lights and was run down by the taxi.

The New Yorker

Ultrasound images taken over the next 50 weeks showed that the artificial blood vessels grew at a normal rate as the animals aged.

The Guardian

Only the lucky ones facing south, toward a quieter street, away from idling buses, seemed to be growing at a normal rate.

The New York Times

Patients in the control group receive periprocedural general hydration with ≤500 mL normal saline (within 6 hours) at a normal rate (0.5 or 1 mL/kg · h).

American Heart Journal

If "accelerated" has become the new normal, there's no choice but to diagnose the kids developing at a normal rate with a disorder.

The New York Times

What followed from the work of Dr Zoll and his team was the development of the pacemaker, which keeps the heart's rhythm at a normal rate.

The Economist

Or the Arabs might let even the American companies produce at a normal rate but slap restrictions on where the oil can be shipped.

The Economist

She said that if the operation proved successful, Dr. Leonard L. Bailey, the 41-year-old head of the Loma Linda surgical team, expected the baboon's heart to grow at a normal rate as Baby Fae did.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or developments, use "at a normal rate" to indicate that they are progressing as expected or within typical parameters, establishing a baseline for comparison.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "at a normal rate" always implies optimal performance. It simply indicates the expected or average pace, which may not always be the most desirable outcome. Consider the context to determine if a different rate is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a normal rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and describing the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something is happening in an expected or typical way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a normal rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, commonly used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. As the analysis shows, it's a neutral phrase employed to describe actions or processes occurring as expected, establishing a point of reference. While generally positive, its desirability depends on the context. Alternatives such as "at a typical rate" or "as expected" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a typical rate

Replaces "normal" with "typical", suggesting a standard or common occurrence.

at a typical speed

Replaces "normal" with "typical", focusing on common occurrence within an established norm.

at a standard pace

Substitutes "rate" with "pace" and "normal" with "standard", emphasizing the expected rhythm or speed.

at the regular speed

Similar to "at a standard pace", but replaces "standard" with "regular", focusing on consistent and habitual occurrence.

at an average speed

Uses "average speed" instead of "normal rate", focusing on the quantifiable measure of speed.

at a natural pace

Emphasizes the unforced, organic nature of the rate.

as expected

A more concise alternative, implying that something is happening according to expectations.

at a conventional speed

Replaces 'normal' with 'conventional', suggesting adherence to established norms.

at a steady rate

Highlights the consistency and stability of the rate.

in the usual manner

Replaces "at a normal rate" with a more general phrase indicating a customary way of doing things.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a normal rate" to describe the speed or pace of an event or process that is occurring as expected. For example: "The heart is beating at a normal rate" or "The child is growing at a normal rate".

What can I say instead of "at a normal rate"?

You can use alternatives like "at a typical rate", "at a standard pace", or "as expected" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe something as happening "at a normal rate"?

Not necessarily. "At a normal rate" simply indicates that something is happening as expected. Whether this is positive depends on the context. For example, tumor cell growth "at a normal rate" would be undesirable.

Which is more appropriate, "at a normal rate" or "at an accelerated rate"?

The choice depends on the context. "At a normal rate" suggests that something is progressing as expected, while "at an accelerated rate" implies that it's happening faster than usual. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation you're describing.