at full speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at full speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is occurring quickly and vigorously. For example: "The car raced down the street at full speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody's really at full speed".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a game at full speed.

The Guardian - Sport

I hit him at full speed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Williams was at full speed, sprinting.

The New York Times - Sports

We went to work at full speed.

Harvard Business Review

Linemen knock shoulders, although not often at full speed.

The New York Times - Sports

The landmark 1927 Cyclone is running at full speed.

The New York Times

"Six seconds!" Bruyneel shouted out the window at full speed.

The New Yorker

Normally I would run away at full speed.

The New York Times - Travel

This implementation runs at Full Speed (12Mb/s).

Cornell University

Petty crashed into the turn-4 wall at full speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at full speed" to vividly describe actions or processes happening with maximum intensity or velocity. It enhances the impact of your writing by creating a clear image of rapid movement or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "at full speed" in contexts where movement or progression isn't actually involved. For example, saying "thinking at full speed" might be less clear than "thinking intensely" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at full speed" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out with maximum velocity or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. For example, "The car raced down the street at full speed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Forbes

7%

HuffPost

1%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at full speed" is a versatile and common expression used to describe actions or processes occurring with maximum velocity, intensity, or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency in news and media highlights its role in vividly portraying events, while academic usage underscores its suitability for technical descriptions. When using "at full speed", ensure the context genuinely involves movement or progress to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "at top speed" or "at full throttle" for nuanced meanings. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage the power of "at full speed" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at top speed

Synonymous, emphasizing the maximum velocity achieved.

at maximum velocity

More formal and technical, indicating the highest rate of movement.

at full throttle

Suggests maximum power or effort, often used in mechanical contexts.

at a rapid pace

Emphasizes speed and quickness of progress or movement.

at breakneck speed

Highlights the dangerous or reckless nature of the speed.

at warp speed

A more figurative term, implying extremely fast progress or movement.

at full tilt

Suggests maximum effort and energy being exerted.

flat out

Informal term indicating maximum effort or speed.

full bore

Implies doing something with maximum intensity and commitment.

at a blistering pace

Highlights an extremely fast and impressive rate.

FAQs

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

You can use "at full speed" to describe something moving or operating with maximum velocity or intensity. For instance, "The car was traveling "at full speed" on the highway" or "The project is now proceeding "at full speed" after the initial delays".

What are some alternatives to "at full speed"?

Alternatives include "at top speed", "at maximum velocity", or "at full throttle" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at full speed" or "at a fast speed"?

"At full speed" implies the maximum possible speed, whereas "at a fast speed" simply indicates a speed that is above average. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize maximal velocity or simply indicate rapidity.

What does "running at full speed" mean in a business context?

In a business context, "running at full speed" typically means that operations are functioning at their maximum capacity and efficiency. It suggests that the company is leveraging all available resources to achieve its goals rapidly and effectively.