at a quick clip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a quick clip" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something happening at a fast pace or speed. Example: "The runners moved at a quick clip, eager to finish the race before the rain started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Internationally, Wal-Mart's sales continued to grow at a quick clip, increasing 6.4 percent to $32 billion.

The New York Times

IN 2004, with the real estate boom in full swing, seasoned developers were closing on deals to build mixed- and low-income buildings at a quick clip.

The New York Times

At nearly 400 pages, it's a long novel, but one that moves at a quick clip, thanks to animated dialogue among characters.

The Guardian - Books

The workout is led, at a quick clip, by Barnes and her longtime sidekick, Anna Bass, who wear their signature sequined cocktail dresses and sneakers.

The New Yorker

As consolidation continues across most major industries at a quick clip, companies like Georgeson and C.I.C. work with the affected companies to communicate with their shareholders about their deals.

The New York Times

"If you think about it, you shake a little bit," admits Mr. Porcelli, 49 and balding at a quick clip (he blames the job; hence his predilection for suede-brimmed Belmont Park ball caps).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In order to produce gear at such a quick clip, Super Micro asks a lot of its workers.

The New York Times - Tech

That's literally what I thought as I glanced up at the TV and caught a quick clip of a woman filling Rick Perry's water glass.

Huffington Post

You can also have your vet/bird groomer always do it if you prefer, but once you feel comfortable clipping, a quick clip at home is far less stressful for the bird.

WikiHow

Groundstrokes are flying across the net at a quicker clip, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

While Sun cut research and development and administrative costs during the quarter, its revenue fell at a quicker clip.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a quick clip" to describe processes, progress, or movement that are happening faster than average. For example, "The company's profits grew at a quick clip after the new marketing campaign."

Common error

Avoid using "at a quick clip" in contexts where a slower, more deliberate pace is desired or expected. This phrase implies speed and efficiency, which may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a quick clip" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the speed or pace at which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it qualifying verbs related to growth, movement, and production.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a quick clip" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase used to describe something happening at a fast pace. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media sources. Alternatives such as "at a rapid pace" or "moving swiftly" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that the connotation of speed and efficiency aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a rapid pace

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

at a fast rate

Substitutes "clip" with "rate", highlighting the speed at which something occurs.

at a brisk speed

Uses "brisk speed" instead of "quick clip", adding a slightly more formal tone.

moving swiftly

Replaces the entire phrase with a verb and adverb, focusing on the action of moving quickly.

proceeding rapidly

Similar to "moving swiftly", but emphasizes the continuation of progress.

progressing quickly

Highlights the forward movement and speed of advancement.

at full tilt

Implies maximum speed or effort, adding a sense of intensity.

in rapid succession

Focuses on the sequence of events occurring quickly one after another.

at warp speed

Borrowing from science fiction, this phrase suggests an extremely fast pace.

in a flash

Implies something happens very quickly or instantaneously.

FAQs

What does "at a quick clip" mean?

The phrase "at a quick clip" means something is happening or progressing at a fast pace or speed. It suggests efficiency and rapid movement.

What can I say instead of "at a quick clip"?

You can use alternatives like "at a rapid pace", "at a fast rate", or "moving swiftly" depending on the context.

Is "at a quick clip" formal or informal?

The phrase "at a quick clip" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for most writing contexts, but might be considered less formal than expressions like "expeditiously" or "rapidly".

How can I use "at a quick clip" in a sentence?

You can use "at a quick clip" to describe the speed of an activity or process. For example: "The project is moving "at a rapid pace", so we expect to finish ahead of schedule."