at rapid speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at rapid speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is happening quickly or at a fast pace. Example: "The car zoomed past us at rapid speed, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It also works at rapid speed, without the invasive accouterments of many downloadable tools.

The New York Times - Tech

The task now is to ensure that the images shared at rapid speed are giving the appropriate context.

The Washington Post

Instead words vomit out of his mouth incoherently at rapid speed in a random jumble – "England crushed out", "Wimbledon Murray starts today".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It started small in 2008, attacking 250 new computers a day, only to connect from one to another at rapid speed.

The New York Times - Books

The gruff Yorkshireman in his Fifties marches into The Independent's office requests an oversized coffee, helps himself to a sandwich and proceeds to talk at rapid speed (through mouthfuls of egg roll) about art and his ongoing feud with Banksy.

Independent

She has no problem enacting a courtroom scene without the help of other actors, rotating at rapid speed among the roles of court officer, lawyer and two witnesses, to hilarious effect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

They're scrolling through news feeds, photos, and videos at rapid speeds.

Harvard Business Review

Two keyboards are linked to headsets through which the information and figures are read out to him at rapid speeds.

The New York Times

Indeed, the ability to execute intricate passagework at rapid speeds in these performances without betraying a hint of pressure or anxiety is absolutely extraordinary.

The New York Times - Arts

Bats have echolocation capacities allowing them to create the mental equivalent of a sonogram of the night world through which they must navigate at rapid speeds, searching for foods that include rapidly flying insects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In weight loss promotions, extreme weight loss at rapid speeds is the normal promotion.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at rapid speed" when you want to emphasize the quickness or swiftness of an action or process. It's suitable for describing both literal and figurative speed.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "at rapid speed" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "quickly", "rapidly", or "at a fast pace" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at rapid speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is happening swiftly or quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at rapid speed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that describes actions occurring quickly. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage is deemed acceptable and versatile, fitting into news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While synonyms like "quickly" or "rapidly" exist for variety, "at rapid speed" effectively emphasizes the swiftness of an event. Be mindful of potential redundancy and consider the register of your writing when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quickly

A single-word adverb emphasizing the speed of an action.

rapidly

An adverb that directly mirrors the speed aspect of the original phrase.

at a fast pace

Highlights the pace or progression of something.

at a swift rate

Emphasizes the rate at which something happens.

with great haste

Implies urgency and speed in execution.

at high velocity

Focuses on the velocity or speed of movement, often in a more technical context.

at an accelerated rate

Suggests an increasing speed or rate of change.

speedily

An adverb denoting promptness and quickness.

in short order

Indicates something will be done or occur quickly and efficiently.

posthaste

Implies immediate and expedited action.

FAQs

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

You can use "at rapid speed" to describe actions or processes that occur very quickly. For example: "The technology is advancing "at rapid speed"".

What's a more concise way to say "at rapid speed"?

Alternatives to "at rapid speed" include adverbs like "quickly" or "rapidly", which can often replace the phrase for a more streamlined sentence.

Is it ever incorrect to use "at rapid speed"?

While grammatically correct, "at rapid speed" might sound slightly formal in very casual contexts. Consider using more informal synonyms like "fast" or "quickly" depending on your audience.

What's the difference between "at rapid speed" and "at a rapid pace"?

While very similar, "at rapid speed" emphasizes the velocity, whereas "at a rapid pace" emphasizes the progression or rate of something happening. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.