at full rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at full rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is operating or being charged at its maximum capacity or speed. Example: "The machine is now functioning at full rate, ensuring maximum productivity for the factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Of these, 198,601 were at full rate.

The Guardian

In subscriptions, 84,725 at full rate, 10,031 at lesser rate.

The Guardian

Circulation 210,218, all 104,226 newsstand sales at full rate.

The Guardian

A substantial number – 367,936 – of OK!'s sales were not at full rate.

The Guardian

The state provides some pilot money in lieu of taxes, she said, but "nowhere near what we'd get if the land were taxed at full rate".

The New York Times

Condé Nast's own Wired reported a debut circulation of 48,275, but that included 10,000 monitored free distribution and just 58 subscriptions at full rate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And since they would be barred from subsidies, they would have to pay for coverage at full rates, regardless of their income level.

The New York Times - Health

It's absolutely perverse that in [our area] 20% of the homes built especially for those on the lowest incomes are now owned by private landlords letting them at full rates".

The Guardian

The paper also presents the performance of HVPS at full rated capacity of 2800 kW continuous duty to support 1.5 MW IC RF system.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Hybrid DC DC converters for space applications should be designed for operation at full rated power within the military specification for temperature range of −55 to +125 °C.

Microelectronics Reliability

In practice, the voltage of a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell is around 1 V at open circuit and from 0.6 V to 0.7 V at full rated load and it can be considered as a low-voltage energy source.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing production or recruitment processes, use "at full rate" to indicate that the process is operating at its intended or maximum speed. For instance, "Recruitment will proceed at full rate until the trial is completed."

Common error

Ensure you're using "rate", referring to a measure or quantity, and not "rait", which is an archaic word and will be grammatically incorrect in almost every context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at full rate" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that something is happening at its maximum or intended speed or capacity. The Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at full rate" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates something is operating at its maximum capacity or intended speed. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively uncommon, appearing mainly in news, media, and scientific contexts. Alternative phrases like "at maximum capacity" or "at peak performance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "at full rate", ensure you're referring to a measure or quantity and not confusing it with similar-sounding words. Remember, using "at full rate" in your writing can effectively communicate the intensity, speed, or cost associated with a process or activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at maximum rate

Very close meaning, focuses only on the rate at which something is happening without other connotations.

at maximum capacity

Emphasizes the completeness of the utilization or operational capability. Focus is on volume/how much can be accommodated.

at full capacity

Similar to "at maximum capacity" but can also refer to a state of being completely filled or utilized. Is on a binary status (full/not full)

at top speed

Specifically relates to speed or velocity, focusing on the highest attainable speed.

at peak performance

Implies optimal functionality and output, often used in technical or athletic contexts. In a broader perspective and indicates a level of quality

at its fastest

A more general way to express maximum speed, suitable for less formal situations.

at full strength

Refers to maximum power or intensity, often used metaphorically. It is focused on potency or power.

at full blast

Indicates maximum intensity, often used for sounds or visual displays.

at full tilt

Suggests operating with maximum effort and enthusiasm, often in a dynamic context. Indicates the extent of effort.

at the highest level

Indicates that something is happening at the maximum point of its possible scale. Broader perspective than the other alternatives.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at full rate" to describe maximum capacity?

You can use alternatives like "at maximum capacity" or "at full capacity" to emphasize completeness of utilization.

When is it appropriate to use "at full rate" versus "at top speed"?

"At full rate" is generally used for processes or operations, while "at top speed" specifically relates to velocity or motion. Choose the phrase that best reflects the context.

Is there a more formal alternative to "at full rate"?

While "at full rate" is acceptable in most contexts, consider using "at maximum capacity" or "at peak performance" in highly formal or technical settings.

Can I use "at full rate" to describe something operating with maximum effort?

While possible, phrases like "at full tilt" or "at full strength" might be more appropriate if you want to emphasize effort or intensity rather than just the speed or capacity of a process.