at a startling pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a startling pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is happening very quickly or unexpectedly. Example: "The technology is advancing at a startling pace, leaving many industries struggling to keep up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Science can move at a startling pace.

The Guardian - Opinion

The nation's fiscal condition is improving at a startling pace.

The New York Times

In Finland, the numbers started to climb at a startling pace in August.

The New York Times

At the same time, however, the number of people in prison for life has more than quadrupled since 1984 and continues to grow at a startling pace.

The New York Times

Struggling to ratchet up market share, the nation's medical-device makers are out to snap up their weaker brethren at a startling pace.

The New York Times

Every day we are given more and better tools to realize our dreams, to visually create, and it is happening at a startling pace".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He highlighted the quickening pace of the epidemic, which is taking lives at a startling rate.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, the destruction continues at a startling rate.

The New York Times

That project has developed at a startling rate.

The Guardian

Saltwater fly fishing is attracting devotees at a startling rate.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's the real situation: watch sales are falling month over month at a startling rate.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a startling pace", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing or progressing rapidly. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "at a startling pace" when a slower or more moderate speed is more accurate. Overstating the speed can diminish the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a startling pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the speed or rate at which an action is performed or a change occurs. Ludwig AI affirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a startling pace" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that effectively conveys the idea of rapid and often unexpected progress. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from credible sources. While primarily found in News & Media, it is versatile enough for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is rapidly progressing to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "at an alarming rate" or "with surprising swiftness" can be used to add nuance, but remember to choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an astonishing rate

Emphasizes the degree of surprise or disbelief at the rate of the process or progress.

at an alarming rate

Changes "startling pace" to "alarming rate", emphasizing concern about the speed of the change.

at a lightning speed

Uses "lightning speed" to emphasize the extreme quickness of something.

at a rapid tempo

Replaces "pace" with "tempo", implying a quick rhythm or beat to the progression.

at an accelerated clip

Replaces "pace" with "clip", indicating a relatively fast rate of progress or movement.

at a breakneck speed

Substitutes "startling pace" with "breakneck speed", highlighting the risk associated with the quickness.

with unexpected rapidity

Similar to swiftness, but highlights the suddenness and quickness of the action or change.

with surprising swiftness

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the speed, shifting from pace to swiftness.

with incredible celerity

Uses the term "celerity", which means swiftness of movement, to convey the pace.

at a dizzying velocity

Uses "dizzying velocity" to suggest an overwhelming sense of speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a startling pace" to describe how quickly something is developing or changing. For example: "Technology is evolving at a startling pace."

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

Alternatives include "at an alarming rate", "at a rapid tempo", or "with surprising swiftness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "at a startling pace" imply?

It implies that something is happening much faster than expected and can sometimes suggest a sense of urgency or surprise.

Is it appropriate to use "at a startling pace" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially in contexts where you need to emphasize the rapid speed of development or change. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more effective, depending on the context.