at speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"at speed" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to describe a fast action, as in "The car raced past me at speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was at speed".

The New York Times - Sports

Together, they cross the pavement at speed.

The New Yorker

The continent is moving forward at speed.

The Economist

All three could turn nuclear at speed.

The Economist

I had driven at speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Events were moving at speed.

The Guardian

Things happened at speed after Hendrix landed.

The Guardian - Music

The story is racing on at speed.

The Guardian

We hit a major bump at speed.

The New York Times

I was soon riding at speed.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"That's why there is a get-up-to-speed lane and an at-speed lane.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at speed" to describe motion or processes happening quickly. For example, "The data was processed at speed."

Common error

Avoid using "at speed" to describe something that is inherently fast but not actively moving. For example, instead of saying "The computer has at speed processing capabilities", say "The computer has rapid processing capabilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done or moving quickly. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at speed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial phrase to denote the rapid pace of an action or process. Its register is generally neutral, and it appears most commonly in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki-based content. When employing "at speed", it's important to ensure that it accurately describes something actively moving or progressing quickly, rather than a static attribute. Alternatives such as "rapidly" or "quickly" may be suitable depending on the context. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and correctly incorporate the phrase "at speed" into your writing. The provided examples from Ludwig offer a good understanding of the variety of contexts for using the expression, and can aid you in its correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a rapid pace

More descriptive, emphasizing the rate of movement.

rapidly

Single word adverb that replace the prepositional phrase.

quickly

Single word adverb that replace the prepositional phrase.

swiftly

Suggests a more elegant or efficient kind of speed.

expeditiously

Emphasizes efficiency and promptness in action.

at full tilt

Suggests maximum speed or effort.

apace

Implies keeping up with a certain rate or progress.

in haste

Emphasizes acting with urgency or without due consideration.

at a gallop

Refers specifically to the speed of a horse, but can be used metaphorically.

posthaste

Indicates urgency and immediate action.

FAQs

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

You can use "at speed" to describe movement or actions happening quickly. For example: "The car was traveling "at speed" on the highway" or "The company implemented the changes "at speed" to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to using "at speed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rapidly", "quickly", or "at a rapid pace".

Is it more formal to say "at speed" or "quickly"?

"At speed" and "quickly" are both acceptable in many contexts. "At speed" may sometimes lend a slightly more formal or descriptive tone, but the difference is often negligible. Consider the surrounding text and audience when making your choice.

Can "at speed" be used to describe progress or only physical movement?

Yes, "at speed" can describe both physical movement and progress in a project or process. For example, "The project is moving "at speed"" is perfectly acceptable.