at a swift pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a swift pace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the speed at which someone is moving or doing something, often in a positive or efficient context. Example: "The runners completed the marathon at a swift pace, impressing the spectators with their speed and endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Minutes into the raids, they say, the police were helplessly pinned down and a night of terror was unfolding at a swift pace.

The New York Times

Mr. Kirchner held the disparate governing coalition intact by inspiring loyalty in lower-level politicians and unions with subsidies and patronage, and by growing the economy at a swift pace, even at the cost of inflation.

The New York Times

"The reason I didn't win was because y'all were on my back; I have to deal with y'all every day," he shouted back to a throng of news media members following at a swift pace.

The New York Times - Sports

Fancy restaurateurs may be dusting empty wine glasses right now, but the makers of the fast and the fattening have been nourishing the nation's neuroses at a swift pace.

The New York Times

The 1939 W.P.A. Guide to New York City praised the "rude vitality" of the district, especially during its usual nighttime operations: "A weird spatter of lights provides illumination, and in the glow truck drivers, farmers, tally keepers and inspectors work at a swift pace.

The New York Times

With emerging battery needs for a vast range of applications, including electric vehicles, research and development of batteries are currently evolving at a swift pace [16, 17].

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In fact, on the highway this Volvo could run all day at 100 mph, should you find a cop-free zone in which to drive at such a swift pace.

Forbes

I'm mesmerized by how any individual can devour jelly beans at such a swift pace.

Huffington Post

"It represented a little assault against Civil Partnerships, gaybies,  ​It Gets Better, Lady Gaga and Glee.You need that tension when social and political change is moving at such a swift pace".

Vice

Follow ClItf Joannou on ​Twitterepresented

Vice

The 28-year-old Searle, who won the last coxed pairs event to be held at the Games with his brother Jonny in 1992, ending the six-year unbeaten record of the great Abbagnale brothers of Italy, was setting a swift pace at 36 strokes a minute.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress or development, use "at a swift pace" to convey efficiency and momentum. For example, "The project is advancing at a swift pace, ensuring timely completion".

Common error

Avoid using "at a swift pace" to describe non-temporal aspects. "Pace" relates to movement or progress over time. Incorrect: "The debate unfolded at a swift pace." Correct: "The debate unfolded rapidly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a swift pace" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the speed or rate of progress. The examples show its use to describe the unfolding of events, economic growth, and technological evolution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a swift pace" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as Ludwig AI indicates. It functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily used to describe the speed or rate at which something progresses. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a neutral to professional tone. When writing, it's advisable to use this phrase to describe temporal aspects and avoid misusing it in non-temporal contexts. While several synonyms exist, such as "rapidly" and "quickly", the choice depends on the desired nuance and level of formality. As demonstrated by the examples, "at a swift pace" is appropriate for describing projects, economic growth, and technological advancements, emphasizing efficiency and momentum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a rapid rate

Replaces "pace" with "rate", maintaining a similar level of formality.

rapidly

Single-word adverb, less verbose than the original phrase.

quickly

Another single-word adverb, similar to 'rapidly' but slightly more informal.

at a fast clip

Uses "clip" instead of "pace", adding a slightly more informal tone.

at an accelerated rate

Highlights the increasing nature of the speed.

with great speed

Emphasizes the speed aspect, altering the structure of the phrase.

at a breakneck speed

Implies a dangerous or risky level of speed.

at full tilt

More idiomatic, suggesting maximum speed or effort.

at a brisk tempo

Substitutes "pace" with "tempo", more appropriate in contexts involving rhythm or timing.

expeditiously

Formal adverb indicating efficiency and speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a swift pace" to describe the speed or rate at which something is happening or progressing. For example, "The company is expanding its operations at a swift pace."

What's a more formal alternative to "at a swift pace"?

A more formal alternative to "at a swift pace" could be "expeditiously" or "at an accelerated rate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at a swift pace" and "at a rapid pace"?

While both phrases are similar, "at a swift pace" emphasizes efficiency and smooth progress, while "at a rapid pace" simply emphasizes speed. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What are some synonyms for "at a swift pace"?

Some synonyms for "at a swift pace" include "rapidly", "quickly", and "at a fast clip". These alternatives offer varying degrees of formality and emphasis.