at different speeds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at different speeds' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two or more people, things, or processes are moving or happening at different paces. For example: "The cars on the highway sped past us at different speeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At different speeds.

The Guardian - Music

UEMOA economies move at different speeds.

The Economist

"People vibrate at different speeds," Doktor said.

The New Yorker

Different countries would converge at different speeds.

The Economist

We work at different speeds".

The New York Times

Time could go at different speeds.

The Guardian - Music

"We just throw at different speeds.

The New York Times - Sports

"We all play at different speeds.

The Guardian - Books

But we get there, maybe at different speeds".

The Guardian

They move in varying directions and at different speeds.

The New Yorker

Both were the same weight, but fell at different speeds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes with multiple components, use "at different speeds" to clearly indicate that the components are not synchronized. For instance, "The gears in the machine rotated at different speeds, causing the device to function erratically."

Common error

Avoid using "at different speeds" when referring to a single object or process. The phrase implies a comparison between multiple entities or aspects. Instead, describe the single entity's speed directly. For example, instead of saying "The program ran at different speeds", say "The program's speed varied."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at different speeds" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe how something is done or how something happens. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and readily used. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate this function, showing varying contexts where processes occur at varying rates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

20%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at different speeds" is a versatile and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe varying rates of movement or progression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent application across diverse contexts. From News & Media to Academia, it effectively conveys non-uniformity in processes and actions. When using this phrase, ensure that it refers to multiple entities or aspects to accurately reflect its intended meaning. Remember, while phrases like "at varied paces" or "at varying rates" can serve as alternatives, context is key to choosing the most appropriate substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at varied paces

Replaces "speeds" with "paces", emphasizing rhythm and tempo rather than strict velocity.

at varying rates

Substitutes "speeds" with "rates", highlighting the measurement or frequency of occurrence.

at unequal velocities

Uses a more formal and scientific term, "velocities", and "unequal" to denote difference.

with differing tempos

Employs "tempos", which relates more closely to rhythm and timing, especially in musical or artistic contexts.

moving at diverse rates

Rephrases the structure to emphasize movement and uses "diverse" to specify variety in rates.

progressing at disparate rates

Focuses on the idea of progress and employs "disparate" to convey a stronger sense of separation in rates.

advancing at individual speeds

Highlights individual progress while retaining the concept of speed.

operating at different frequencies

Shifts the context to systems or processes that function at varying frequencies.

unfolding at staggered intervals

Emphasizes a sequential, step-by-step process that happens at different times.

evolving at asynchronous rates

Describes development or evolution occurring out of sync with one another.

FAQs

How can I use "at different speeds" in a sentence?

Use "at different speeds" to describe situations where multiple entities or processes are moving or progressing at varying rates. For example: "The runners completed the race "at different speeds"." or "The economic sectors recovered "at different speeds" after the recession".

What are some alternatives to saying "at different speeds"?

You can use phrases like "at varied paces", "at varying rates", or "at unequal velocities" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at different speed" (singular)?

No, it's generally incorrect to say "at different speed". The phrase "at different speeds" is used when referring to multiple entities or aspects that are moving or progressing at varying rates. The use of "speeds" (plural) indicates this distinction.

What is the difference between "at different speeds" and "evolving at different speeds"?

"At different speeds" generally describes current motion or progression, while "evolving at different speeds" specifically refers to the rate of development or change over time. The latter implies a process of gradual transformation occurring at varying rates.