at a rapid pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a rapid pace" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is happening quickly. Example sentence: The students worked together to finish their project at a rapid pace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fidrych worked at a rapid pace.

The New York Times - Sports

CHINA is urbanising at a rapid pace.

The Economist

Discoveries continue at a rapid pace.

Harvard University

Speculation is unfolding at a rapid pace.

The Guardian

Molecular testing technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace.

Harvard University

New plant genes are being discovered at a rapid pace.

Trends in Plant Science

Oil palm plantation expansion is occurring at a rapid pace.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Construction, meanwhile, is expected to continue at a rapid pace.

The New York Times

Syria is building up sophisticated weaponry at a rapid pace.

The New York Times

"China is changing and developing at a rapid pace.

The New York Times - Sports

After World War II, industry expanded at a rapid pace.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a rapid pace" to emphasize the speed and intensity of a process or change. It's particularly effective when describing developments in technology, scientific research, or economic growth.

Common error

Avoid using "at a rapid pace" when describing something static or unchanging. The phrase implies movement or progression, so it's inappropriate for describing stable conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a rapid pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and describing the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig provides many examples where it modifies verbs like 'evolving', 'expanding', and 'developing'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a rapid pace" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates speed and intensity. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing quickly evolving processes across various domains. It is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "quickly" or "swiftly" exist, "at a rapid pace" provides a more descriptive and emphatic tone, particularly useful when highlighting significant developments or changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a fast pace

Uses "fast" instead of "rapid", indicating a slightly less formal tone.

quickly

A single-word adverb, more concise but less descriptive.

swiftly

Similar to "quickly" but implies a smooth and effortless speed.

expeditiously

More formal and emphasizes efficiency and speed.

at full speed

Suggests maximum velocity or intensity.

at a brisk rate

Implies an energetic and active pace.

at an accelerated rate

Highlights the increasing speed of something.

at a cracking pace

British slang, indicating a very fast pace.

at warp speed

Informal; references the speed of light.

in leaps and bounds

Emphasizes significant progress made quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a rapid pace" to describe processes that are happening quickly. For example, "Technology is evolving "at a rapid pace"" or "The company expanded "at a rapid pace" after the investment".

What are some alternatives to "at a rapid pace"?

Some alternatives include "quickly", "swiftly", "expeditiously", or "at a fast pace" depending on the context.

Is "at a rapid pace" formal or informal?

"At a rapid pace" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While it's suitable for professional and academic writing, more informal contexts might benefit from using simpler alternatives like "fast" or "quickly".

What's the difference between "at a rapid pace" and "at a fast rate"?

While both phrases convey speed, "at a rapid pace" often describes progress or development, while "at a fast rate" can apply to any quantity increasing quickly. They are largely interchangeable, but "pace" is more suited for describing dynamic processes.