at lightning pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at lightning pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is happening very quickly or at a rapid speed. Example: "The technology is evolving at lightning pace, making it difficult for companies to keep up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The translation is excellent; it moves at lightning pace.

The Guardian - Film

Fukunaga's keen attention to his craft is reflective of a career that has begun at lightning pace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The ball pinged about the DW at lightning pace, threatening all kinds of doom, yet it was the home side who had the ball in the net next.

Independent

She had doggedly run 26 miles at lightning pace – but still managed to sprint the distance in an incredible 2mins 2minss.

The Guardian - Sport

Sánchez aside, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been Arsenal's most impressive player, driving at full-backs at lightning pace and displaying impressive close control to boot.

The Guardian - Sport

If you can get the ball away from the breakdown at lightning pace, then you just about have a hope of escaping the suffocating blanket defences which blight the modern game, especially around the fringes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the modern era, reporters use stenotype machines, which allow them to press several keys at a time, like a piano chord, to take down words at a lightning pace.

The New York Times

As literary writers tend to have more time between books than genre writers, there is usually less pressure on them to produce books at a lightning pace.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. O'Keefe described the number this way: "Bat Boy progresses from Dr. Seuss to 'Masterpiece Theater,' evolving at a lightning pace.

The New York Times

Everything moves at a lightning pace in the mobile world – everything, that is, except network rollouts.

TechCrunch

Xiao had helped reel in the 2007 KKR investment, a coup for Tianrui Cement that let it expand at a lightning pace in Henan, where it is the biggest cement maker, and into Dalian city in Liaoning Province as well.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at lightning pace" to emphasize the speed and intensity of an action or process. It's especially effective when describing progress, development, or movement.

Common error

While effective, "at lightning pace" is an idiom. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of speed by using synonyms like "rapidly", "swiftly", or "quickly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at lightning pace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the speed or rate at which something occurs. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and usable. For example, "The translation is excellent; it moves at lightning pace."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at lightning pace" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe something happening very quickly. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in written English to add emphasis and vividness. While its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, alternatives like ""at breakneck speed"" or ""very quickly"" can offer variety. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to avoid repetition. The phrase is suitable for neutral registers where the writer wants to highlight impressive speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a blistering rate

Replaces "lightning" with "blistering", maintaining the sense of intense speed.

at a breakneck speed

Uses a different idiom to describe dangerous or reckless speed.

with great speed

Uses a more literal description of speed; lacks the imagery of "lightning".

at warp speed

Borrowing from science fiction, implies extremely high velocity.

at full tilt

Implies moving or progressing with maximum effort and speed.

extremely rapidly

Changes the wording to an adverbial phrase emphasizing speed; less idiomatic.

in rapid succession

Emphasizes the sequence of events happening quickly one after another.

very quickly

A simpler, more direct way to express fast movement or progress.

at a swift tempo

Emphasizes a fast tempo or rhythm, often used metaphorically.

on the fast track

More often used to describe career advancement or project development.

FAQs

How can I use "at lightning pace" in a sentence?

You can use "at lightning pace" to describe something happening very quickly, such as "The company is growing "at lightning pace"." or "Technology evolves "at lightning pace"."

What are some alternatives to "at lightning pace"?

Alternatives include "at breakneck speed", "very quickly", or "at a blistering rate", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more correct to say "at lightning speed" or "at lightning pace"?

Both "at lightning speed" and "at lightning pace" are acceptable, but "at lightning pace" might be preferred when referring to progress or development, while "at lightning speed" focuses on literal velocity.

How does "at lightning pace" compare to "at a snail's pace"?

"At lightning pace" describes something happening very fast, while "at a snail's pace" describes something happening very slowly. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the speed spectrum.