at breakneck speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at breakneck speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is happening or being done very quickly or at an incredibly fast rate. Example: The race cars zoomed around the track at breakneck speed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These cards are exchanged at breakneck speed.

The Economist

Society is evolving at breakneck speed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The food is served at breakneck speed.

The New York Times - Food

The plots streak along at breakneck speed.

The New York Times

Played at breakneck speed, it works.

The New York Times - Sports

Its merchandise and services imports are expanding at breakneck speed.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the economy kept growing, at breakneck speed.

The New Yorker

Life outside the ring was also moving at breakneck speed.

The New York Times - Sports

It's tempting to gorge on this collection at breakneck speed.

The Guardian - Books

For now, however, it is presented at breakneck speed.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead all assets were privatised at breakneck speed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at breakneck speed" to vividly describe actions or processes happening with exceptional rapidity. It adds impact, particularly when emphasizing potential risks or excitement associated with the speed.

Common error

Avoid using "at breakneck speed" repeatedly within a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptive language to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at breakneck speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is happening very quickly and often implies a sense of urgency or potential danger. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at breakneck speed" is a common and useful adverbial phrase for describing actions that occur very rapidly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While generally appropriate for various contexts, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "rapidly" in academic or professional writing. Remember that the phrase often carries connotations of risk or urgency, adding impact to your descriptions. Vary your language and avoid overuse to maintain the quality and engagement of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at top speed

Indicates the highest possible velocity or rate.

at a blistering pace

Emphasizes the intensity and demanding nature of the speed.

extremely rapidly

Focuses on the high degree of rapidity, emphasizing the speed.

with lightning swiftness

Implies a speed comparable to lightning, highlighting the suddenness and quickness.

with great haste

Highlights the urgency and quickness of the action.

at full tilt

Suggests maximum effort and speed, often in a chaotic or uncontrolled manner.

with all possible speed

Emphasizes the effort to be as fast as possible.

at a rapid rate

A more general term emphasizing the quickness of the rate at which something is happening.

in a flash

Conveys the idea of something happening almost instantaneously.

at warp speed

A hyperbole that refers to the science fiction concept of traveling faster than the speed of light, indicating extreme rapidity.

FAQs

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

You can use "at breakneck speed" to describe anything moving or progressing very quickly. For example, "The car was traveling "at breakneck speed" down the highway" or "Technology is advancing "at breakneck speed"."

What are some alternatives to "at breakneck speed"?

Alternatives include "extremely rapidly", "with great haste", or "at a blistering pace". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "at breakneck speed" in formal writing?

While "at breakneck speed" is widely understood, it leans towards informal usage. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "rapidly" or "at an accelerated rate" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "at breakneck speed" imply beyond just speed?

"At breakneck speed" often suggests a sense of risk or potential danger associated with the rapid pace. It can also imply a lack of control or recklessness, depending on the context.