at approximately the same rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at approximately the same rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the speed or frequency of two or more processes or events that occur in a similar manner. Example: "The two machines operate at approximately the same rate, ensuring consistent production output."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In fact, it has increased at approximately the same rate as it had for the prior five decades.

The Guardian

One grain deformed by a single twin variant, while in the other grain, two intersecting twin variants grew at approximately the same rate.

Acta Materialia

This property can be critical for therapeutic applications because nanoparticles can be expected to dissolve clots at approximately the same rate as free tPA while simultaneously cleaving much less plasminogen in the circulation, lowering the risk of hemorrhage.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

It's been a year since Zac last saw Fred, the friend he calls his "brother from another mother", but he has changed rather less than freshly painted post-Olympics London and – never a given – the boys have grown at approximately the same rate.

The Guardian - Travel

Under the neutral model, dN and dS are expected to occur at approximately the same rate (ω ≈ 1), whereas sites constrained by purifying (negative) selection are expected to evolve with ω < 1, and those under diversifying (positive) selection with ω > 1.

Nature

But in 2009, as the housing market crash drove down tax revenues for schools and state education financing was cut, California lifted its requirement that long-term bonds be paid off at approximately the same rate each year, opening the door for bonds that delay payments for 20 years.

The New York Times

The Continental sold at approximately the same rate last year.

Forbes

For most of the program's history, the government reimbursed doctors and hospitals at (approximately) the same rate as commercial insurers.

Forbes

Though they may still experience incarceration or arrests at approximately the same rate across education statuses, educational attainment may protect this population from imprisonment.

Health & Justice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The oldest generation (the "Silent" generation) exhibited the least interest in and comfort with advanced technology, although they owned and used advanced in-vehicle technology at approximately the same rates as the two middle generations.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

Of those, 90% are male, and with a statewide population of 7%, African Americans comprised 22% and 18% of those arrested for felonies and misdemeanors respectively, despite the fact that black Americans use and sell drugs at approximately the same rates as white Americans.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing rates, ensure that the units of measurement are consistent to avoid misleading comparisons. For example, compare growth rates per year, not per month in one case and per year in another.

Common error

Avoid using "at approximately the same rate" when the rates are only superficially similar but have significantly different underlying factors or long-term implications. A seemingly similar growth rate in two different markets might hide vastly different sustainability prospects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at approximately the same rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the speed or frequency with which something occurs relative to something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a comparative aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at approximately the same rate" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to compare the speed or frequency of different processes or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. While similar in meaning to phrases like "at roughly the same pace" or "at nearly the same speed", choosing the most appropriate alternative depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to ensure consistency in measurement units when making comparisons, and be wary of oversimplifying complex scenarios where underlying factors might differ significantly despite similar observed rates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at roughly the same pace

Replaces "approximately" with "roughly" and "rate" with "pace", slightly altering the nuance of speed or progress.

at nearly the same speed

Substitutes "approximately" with "nearly" and "rate" with "speed", emphasizing velocity.

at about the same frequency

Replaces "approximately" with "about" and "rate" with "frequency", focusing on how often something occurs.

at a similar rate

Removes "approximately the same", making the comparison more general.

at a comparable speed

Uses "comparable" instead of "approximately the same", suggesting similarity without requiring near-exactness.

in like manner

Emphasizes the similarity in the way things are done or happen, rather than specific numerical rates.

at equivalent levels

Shifts the focus to levels or degrees instead of rates of change.

proceeding in parallel

Focuses on the simultaneous nature of the events, rather than their specific rates.

progressing side by side

Highlights the concurrent advancement of the activities in question, without specific rate references.

developing commensurately

Indicates a proportional or corresponding development, linking the changes in relation to one another.

FAQs

How can I use "at approximately the same rate" in a sentence?

You can use "at approximately the same rate" to compare the speed or frequency of two or more actions or processes. For instance, "Both plants grew "at approximately the same rate" after the fertilizer was applied".

What phrases are similar to "at approximately the same rate"?

Alternatives include "at roughly the same pace", "at nearly the same speed", or "at about the same frequency", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at about the same rate" instead of "at approximately the same rate"?

Yes, "at about the same rate" is a correct and more informal alternative. The word "approximately" adds a degree of formality, while "about" is more casual. Both are grammatically sound.

What is the difference between "at the same rate" and "at approximately the same rate"?

"At the same rate" implies identical speeds or frequencies. "At approximately the same rate" acknowledges slight variations, suggesting the rates are very close but not necessarily exactly equal.