at some rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at some rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a general or unspecified rate of progress, change, or cost. Example: "The project will take longer than expected, but at some rate, we will eventually complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He is plunging through the levels of purgatory at some rate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is happening in all of us at some rate, but the rate can change.

The Guardian

This involves discounting the future liabilities at some rate to give them a present value.Inevitably, this creates the scope for fudging.

The Economist

The relationship to the heat equation (describing the diffusion of heat using the idea that heat spreads randomly in all directions at some rate) was raised by RS #16.

The New York Times

It does seem intuitive that lower taxes and thus potentially greater rewards would encourage risk-taking and investment, and surely at some rate high taxes can discourage any endeavor.

The New York Times

But it is also plausible that at some rate, a higher tax take starts to damage economic activity; certainly, Sweden has been trying to cut back the state's take from the even higher levels that pertained in the early 1990s.When one turns to spending, the fiscal problems become clear.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The differences in rates of change of variance components translated to systematic alterations of heritability, at least at some rates of environmental change.

Plosone

"We're looking at some mill rate increase, but it won't be 111 mills," Mr. Markowski said.

The New York Times

Once an organism cools to that temperature, he explained, it would dissipate energy at some fixed rate.

The New York Times - Science

There are also shorter term (transient) sensitivities which relate to temperature changes as heat trapping gases increase at some specified rate.

The Guardian

According to this survey of over 5,000 students, there are big differences between universities and courses – at some the rate rises to as much as 85%.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at some rate", ensure the context makes clear what is progressing or changing. For example, specify that "growth occurs at some rate" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at some rate" without specifying what is increasing or decreasing. The phrase is most effective when it's clear what the rate applies to. For example, avoid saying 'Things are changing at some rate' without mentioning what things are changing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at some rate" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner or speed at which an action or process occurs. As Ludwig highlights, it expresses that something is happening at an unspecified speed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at some rate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates a general or unspecified pace. As Ludwig underlines, it is best applied when the exact speed is not critical or known. While suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and business, precision is key. Using related phrases like "at a certain rate" might be better when greater specificity is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a certain rate

Specifies a particular, but perhaps unspecified, rate, implying more definiteness than "some rate".

at a specific rate

Indicates a precisely defined rate, contrasting with the vagueness of "some rate".

at an unspecified rate

Directly conveys the lack of specific detail about the rate, whereas "at some rate" implies it.

at a given rate

Suggests the rate has been pre-determined or set, unlike the more general "some rate".

at a gradual pace

Emphasizes the slowness or steadiness of the rate, adding a descriptive element.

at an increasing rate

Highlights the accelerating nature of the rate, indicating change over time.

at a fixed tempo

Implies a constant and unchanging rate, used especially in rhythmic contexts.

at a proportional level

Shifts the focus from speed to proportion, indicating a relative quantity.

at a comparable velocity

Emphasizes speed and motion, suggesting similarity to another rate.

at a comparable pace

Synonym of comparable velocity, but replaces velocity with pace in a motion context.

FAQs

How can I use "at some rate" in a sentence?

You can use "at some rate" to describe a process or action that occurs with an unspecified speed or frequency. For example: "The company is expanding "at some rate", but it's difficult to predict exactly how quickly."

What's the difference between "at some rate" and "at a certain rate"?

"At some rate" implies an unspecified or general rate, while "at a certain rate" suggests a specific but perhaps unknown rate.

What are some alternatives to using "at some rate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at a certain pace", "gradually", or "steadily" instead of "at some rate".

Is it appropriate to use "at some rate" in formal writing?

Yes, "at some rate" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to indicate that something is happening with an unspecified or estimated pace. However, in situations where greater precision is needed, it is best to use a more specific alternative.