at full throttle

USAGE SUMMARY

'at full throttle' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the speed of something, for example, "The racecar driver shot down the track at full throttle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Business

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We moved out at full throttle.

The New York Times - Sports

Those campaigns are now at full throttle.

The Guardian

Nearly every song started at full throttle and stayed there.

The New York Times - Arts

This "Project Fear" is now at full throttle.

The Guardian - Opinion

The breakaway group kept going at full throttle, of course.

The New York Times - Sports

My film-maker gaydar was at full throttle.

The Guardian - Film

But the neoliberal engine is at full throttle.

The Guardian

Or did they want him "at full throttle".

The Guardian - Books

When the orchestra performed at full throttle, the guitar writing was mostly accompanimental.

The New York Times - Arts

The war in Iraq was at full throttle, and Fort Hood was its gas tank.

The New York Times

"It's taken at full throttle for over eight seconds, with forces of up to 5G.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at full throttle" to vividly describe situations where maximum effort, speed, or intensity is applied, creating a sense of urgency or dynamism.

Common error

Avoid using "at full throttle" in contexts that require a more nuanced or subtle description of effort. It's best suited for scenarios involving clear, maximal exertion.

Linguistic Context

At full throttle functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs to indicate that an action is being performed with maximum intensity or speed. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage across varied contexts. It adds emphasis and vividness to descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at full throttle" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys maximum effort, speed, or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across a range of contexts, primarily in news, sports, and the arts. While it may not always be suitable for formal academic writing, its impact and clarity make it a valuable tool for descriptive writing. Examples show that it enhances the sense of action and urgency in sentences, making it useful for vividly portraying situations where maximal exertion is involved. Remember to ensure that the situation warrants such a strong description, avoiding overuse in more subtle contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at full speed

Focuses more directly on the velocity aspect, emphasizing maximum speed rather than overall effort.

at top speed

Specifically highlights the achievement of the highest possible velocity, focusing on speed alone.

at maximum capacity

Highlights the operational aspect, indicating the highest possible level of performance or output.

at peak performance

Emphasizes the optimal level of functioning, suitable when referring to systems or individuals performing at their best.

flat out

A more informal phrase suggesting maximum effort or speed, often used in racing or competitive contexts.

at full tilt

Implies a state of energetic activity or operation, suggesting that something is happening with great intensity.

full bore

Suggests an unrestrained and energetic approach, emphasizing the intensity of the effort.

with everything one's got

Focuses on expending all available resources and effort, highlighting the commitment to achieving a goal.

with all guns blazing

Suggests an aggressive and unrestrained approach, implying that all resources are being used forcefully.

hell-bent for leather

An idiomatic expression suggesting reckless abandon in pursuit of a goal, emphasizing speed and determination.

FAQs

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

You can use "at full throttle" to describe actions performed with maximum effort or speed. For example, "The engine roared as the race car accelerated "at full throttle"."

What are some alternatives to saying "at full throttle"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at full speed", "at maximum capacity", or "flat out" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "at full throttle" in formal writing?

While "at full throttle" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or journalistic writing. In formal academic or business contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "at peak performance".

What does it mean when something is described as being "at full throttle"?

When something is described as being "at full throttle", it means it's operating at its maximum level of power, speed, or intensity. This can apply to physical objects, processes, or even someone's effort in a particular task.