at full sprint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at full sprint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something moving at maximum speed or effort, often in a physical context. Example: "The athlete took off at full sprint as soon as the starting gun fired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Granderson rounded the bases at full sprint in the seventh.

The New York Times - Sports

Klose held off Upson with an extended right arm at full sprint and, with a last perfectly timed lunge, poked the ball past the charging England keeper David James with his extended right foot.

The New York Times - Sports

Considering at full sprint I only managed to record a maximum of 155 beats per minute, I think either the sensor is flawed or Fitbit's heart rate bands are a bit optimistic.

The Guardian - Tech

The first four riders took turns pedaling at full sprint for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, meaning each individual rider took only a short break before having to ride again.

The New York Times

Explosions, the moments the Millennium Falcon is on the ground, and a green morphsuit-clad dude pushing BB-8 through the sand at full sprint are just a few of the highlights.

Vice

Swinging a weapon or running causes the gauge to fall to 0% and then quickly recharges, allowing the character to attack at full strength or to run at full sprint once it is full.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Even at a full sprint the watch recorded my heart beat peaking only briefly at 175 beats per minute, meaning that it determined I was predominantly in the "cardio" or "fat burn" zones and spending only seconds in the "peak" zone.

The Guardian - Tech

Off Alex heads at a full sprint.

The New York Times - Books

"He hit the ground at a full sprint".

The New York Times - Sports

"It feels like I've kind of been jogging toward the finish line, the Olympics, and now I'm at a full sprint," White said.

The New York Times

"No, it's not," Monfils said with a smile, when it was suggested that trying to clear the four-foot net at a full sprint could be dangerous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at full sprint" to vividly describe situations where speed and effort are maximized, such as in sports narratives or action-oriented descriptions. Ensure that the context supports the imagery of a burst of speed.

Common error

Avoid using "at full sprint" to describe abstract concepts or situations that do not involve physical movement, like saying a project is "at full sprint". Instead, use phrases like "at full capacity" or "in full swing" for non-physical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at full sprint" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. It specifies the manner of movement, indicating that something is done with maximum speed and effort, consistent with examples shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at full sprint" is a correct and usable prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing maximum speed and effort in a physical movement. While it is more common in news, media, and Wiki articles, its versatility makes it acceptable across various writing styles. According to Ludwig, some effective alternatives include "at top speed" and "at full speed". When using "at full sprint", ensure it’s applied to contexts involving physical motion to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at top speed

Emphasizes the maximum velocity achieved.

at maximum pace

Focuses on the rate of movement or progress.

at full tilt

Implies a complete and energetic commitment of resources or effort.

at a breakneck pace

Highlights the dangerous or risky speed of the action.

at warp speed

Suggests an extremely high, almost unrealistic, velocity.

at a rapid clip

Describes a fast but controlled speed.

at flank speed

Nautical term indicating the highest possible speed.

at full bore

Refers to operating at maximum power or intensity.

flat out

Indicates giving maximum effort or speed without reservation.

with utmost haste

Emphasizes the urgency and speed of the action.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "at full sprint" in a sentence?

Use "at full sprint" to describe scenarios involving rapid movement or maximum physical effort. For example, "The runner took off "at full sprint" as the starting gun fired."

What are some alternatives to using "at full sprint"?

You can use alternatives such as "at top speed", "at full speed", or "at full tilt" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at full sprint" appropriate for formal writing?

While "at full sprint" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "at maximum speed" or "at the highest velocity" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "at full sprint" and "at full speed"?

While both phrases indicate maximum velocity, "at full sprint" often implies a burst of energy and effort, whereas "at full speed" simply denotes the highest possible speed. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the exertion involved.