at a speedy clip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a speedy clip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something happening quickly or at a fast pace. Example: "The runners completed the marathon at a speedy clip, finishing well ahead of the expected time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Smith's real people -- middle-class consumers -- will do more than enough to keep the economy growing at a speedy clip, he predicted.

The New York Times

Yes, he now walks on and off the stage with a wheeled walker (which lets him move at a speedy clip); he uses a cane during his bows; and he leads his players from a swivel chair.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It certainly helps while picking aides at such a speedy clip to have a strong understanding of the big boss.

The New York Times

Flowers by Marisa CompeThough

Vice

He surmised that Nyad was traveling at an increasingly speedy clip on the swim's second day — from 2 m.p.h. to more than 6 m.p.h.

The New York Times - Sports

Additionally, worker productivity rose at a speedy annual clip of 4.9% in the summer, and wage pressure eased, according to the Labor Department.

Forbes

Both are growing at a rapid clip.

The Economist

Some are growing at a rapid clip.

The New York Times

Dassault is growing at a rapid clip.

Forbes

Mr Bo's wife was found guilty of murder at a speedy trial.

The Economist

Comet 67P is hurtling through space at a speedy 55,000km/h (over 15km per second).

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a speedy clip" when you want to emphasize that something is happening not just quickly, but also in a consistent and efficient manner. It's especially suitable when describing progress or growth.

Common error

Avoid using "at a speedy clip" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it might sound slightly informal compared to alternatives like "at a rapid pace" or "expeditiously".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a speedy clip" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is happening quickly and efficiently. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to describe the pace of growth, movement, or progress.

Expression frequency: Rare

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 speedy clip" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe something happening quickly and efficiently. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as modifying verbs to emphasize rapid and consistent progress. While considered relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various writing scenarios. For more formal writing, alternatives like "at a rapid pace" may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a good clip

Similar meaning, replacing "speedy" with "good" to indicate a satisfactory rate.

at a swift pace

Replacing "speedy" with "swift", emphasizing a smooth and rapid movement.

at a fast pace

Replaces "clip" with "pace", emphasizing speed in a more general sense.

at a rapid rate

Similar to "at a fast pace", but emphasizes the quantity or frequency of progress.

quickly

A simple adverb that directly denotes speed.

rapidly

Similar to "quickly", but implies a more significant degree of speed.

at full speed

Emphasizes maximum velocity or progress.

in rapid succession

Describes events occurring quickly one after another.

expeditiously

A formal term indicating efficient and speedy action.

at a brisk tempo

Uses a musical term to describe the speed, particularly suitable for rhythmic activities.

FAQs

What does "at a speedy clip" mean?

It means something is happening quickly or progressing at a fast rate. It implies efficiency and consistency in the speed of the action.

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

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

Is "at a speedy clip" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "at a speedy clip" might be perceived as slightly informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "expeditiously" or "at a rapid pace".

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

Example: "The company's profits are growing at a speedy clip due to increased demand." This indicates rapid and consistent growth in profits.