at paces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at paces" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in contexts related to measuring distance or speed, particularly in a military or athletic setting. Example: "The soldiers marched at paces of 120 steps per minute during the drill."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Natural trumpets blazed gloriously in perfect pitch; strings held fast at paces verging on the chaotic.

The New York Times - Arts

But for a less solitary ride, a variety of groups do the loop at paces from high octane to moderate to downright leisurely.

The New York Times

Industrial production, retail sales and fixed asset investment all rose last month at paces that would be enviable and even breathtaking in the West, but that were below expectations for China.

The New York Times

It has been a struggle for preservationists since the turn of the last century, when Congress rejected repeated requests to appropriate money to preserve the battlefield as a national military park, as was done at paces like Gettysburg and Antietam.

The New York Times - Travel

Marks at first attempt were available for 18 532 UK graduates at Part 1, 14 094 UK graduates at Part 2, and 14 376 UK graduates at PACES, and for 7829 PLAB graduates at Part 1, 5135 PLAB graduates at Part 2, and 4387 PLAB graduates at PACES.

British Medical Journal

The drift duplication has been producing duplicate copies at paces comparable with tandem duplications since the common ancestor of vertebrates, and it may have already operated in the common ancestor of bilateral animals.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Recycle at pace.

The Guardian - Sport

It must now proceed at pace.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're just not attacking at pace.

The Guardian - Sport

"There's two coming together at pace.

BBC

On Saturday she began at pace and just kept going.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience; for general audiences, simpler alternatives like "at a rate" or "at intervals" may be more readily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "at paces" when you intend to describe personal speed. Instead, use "at my pace" or "at your pace" to express individual speed or comfort levels. "At paces" implies a set of measured distances or steps.

Linguistic Context

At paces primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs to specify the manner or rate at which an action occurs. It indicates a measurable step or progression, as shown in Ludwig's examples where industrial production rose at paces that were enviable in the West. However, Ludwig AI suggests that simpler alternatives can be preferred.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at paces" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically indicating the rate or intervals at which something progresses. Ludwig AI notes that while grammatically acceptable, it is less common than alternatives like "at a rate" or "at intervals". Its use is generally observed in news and scientific publications, lending itself to a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure the context supports the implication of measurable steps or intervals, and be mindful of audience as simpler phrasings can have better clarity. While it can be useful in adding a quantitative or qualitative dimension to descriptions, it should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and precision. As Ludwig's examples showcase, it serves to add detail regarding the speed or rhythm of an action, process, or movement, providing context for the manner of progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a certain rate

Replaces "paces" with the more general term "rate", indicating a speed or frequency.

at specific intervals

Focuses on the distance or time between actions, rather than the speed of the action itself.

at set speeds

Emphasizes different velocities or speeds.

at regulated steps

Suggests a controlled or measured progression.

at measured distances

Highlights the spatial aspect of the intervals.

at defined stages

Implies a series of steps or phases.

at established rhythms

Suggests a repeating pattern or tempo.

at determined frequencies

Focuses on how often something occurs.

at incremental stages

Highlights a gradual progression.

at progressive levels

Emphasizes an increasing scale or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "at paces" in a sentence?

Use "at paces" to describe movement or progress occurring in measurable steps or intervals, like "The manufacturing sector grew "at paces" that exceeded analysts' expectations."

What does "at paces" mean?

"At paces" suggests movement or progress occurring with specific intervals or steps. It is not as common as saying "at a rate" or "at intervals".

Is "at paces" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "at paces" is less common than alternatives like "at a rate" or "at intervals". Its correctness depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

When should I avoid using "at paces"?

Avoid using "at paces" in informal contexts or when describing personal speed or comfort levels. Instead, opt for phrases like "at my pace" or "at your pace" for clarity.