at breakneck pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at breakneck pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something happening very quickly or at a dangerously fast speed. Example: "The project was completed at breakneck pace, leaving little room for error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eyre directs Eugene O'Neill's enormous 1942 play at breakneck pace.

The Guardian

It was able to link itself into "Factory Asia" and catch up at breakneck pace.

The Economist

Dogs slipped and slid their way across barren tundra and iced-up trails at breakneck pace.

The Guardian - Sport

Thirteen ended up being made on a tiny budget and at breakneck pace.

The Guardian - Film

Belgium began at breakneck pace, with Kevin De Bruyne calling the tune from the No10 position.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, probably we should have done - that is why I have accelerated these reforms at breakneck pace this week".

Independent

He's also always been a visual stylist, and his films have an amazing energy; they rattle along at breakneck pace.

Independent

Everyone inside Ibrox gathered their breath at the interval but the cup tie resumed at breakneck pace.

The Guardian - Sport

To meet the demands of the spring and summer, they must now do so at breakneck pace.

The Economist

And Gavin Richards's production, played at breakneck pace, boasts a wonderful performance from Alfred Molina as the disguised inquisitor.

The Guardian

This contemporary Japanese, spoken at breakneck pace and filled with English-sounding words, is incomprehensible to her grandparents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at breakneck pace" when you want to emphasize not just speed, but also a sense of potential danger or recklessness due to the speed.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "at breakneck pace" excessively in highly formal documents. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "rapidly" or "quickly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at breakneck pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it describing speed of processes or actions. The phrase provides information about how something is happening, emphasizing its rapid and potentially reckless nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at breakneck pace" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes something happening very quickly, potentially with an element of risk. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's commonly found in news and media, academic, and business contexts. While versatile, consider the tone and formality of your writing; in highly formal settings, alternatives like "rapidly" or "quickly" might be more appropriate. Remember to emphasize not only speed but also the potential danger or recklessness implied by the term. Consider these alternatives if you are looking for more options: ""rapidly"", ""quickly"", ""at a rapid rate"", ""at an accelerated rate"" or ""at full tilt"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a breakneck speed

Similar meaning but uses "speed" instead of "pace".

at an accelerated rate

Highlights the increasing speed of an event or process.

at a blistering pace

Emphasizes the intensity and speed of the action.

at a rapid tempo

Focuses on the speed of execution or progression.

at a lightning pace

Suggests a speed comparable to that of lightning.

at warp speed

Conveys a sense of extremely high velocity or quick progress.

at high velocity

Focuses on the high speed achieved.

at full tilt

Implies maximum effort and speed.

at a frenetic pace

Highlights the energy and frantic nature of the rapid speed.

at a cracking pace

A more informal way to describe rapid progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "at breakneck pace" to describe the speed or rate at which something is happening. For example, "The company was expanding "at breakneck pace"" or "The project was completed "at breakneck pace"".

What are some alternatives to "at breakneck pace"?

Some alternatives to "at breakneck pace" include "rapidly", "quickly", "at a rapid rate", "at an accelerated rate", or "at full tilt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at breakneck speed" instead of "at breakneck pace"?

Yes, "at breakneck speed" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "at breakneck pace". They have virtually the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

What is the difference between "at breakneck pace" and "at a leisurely pace"?

"At breakneck pace" implies a very fast, perhaps dangerously fast, speed. In contrast, "at a leisurely pace" means something is happening slowly and comfortably, without rushing.