at that rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a consequence or outcome based on a certain pace or level of progress. Example: "If you keep working at that rate, you'll finish the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At that rate, he is relatively speedy.

The New York Times

At that rate, it was obviously undervalued.

The Economist

At that rate, how does a writer stay interesting?

The New York Times - Books

"At that rate, any population doubles every five years.

The Guardian

At that rate, everybody might as well be compromised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At that rate, 1308 would be abducted in one year.

The Guardian

Even at that rate, most have no available cars.

The New York Times

"More mature companies can't possibly grow at that rate".

The New York Times

Though at that rate, it would seem a peculiar choice.

The Guardian - Money

"When you're reproducing at that rate, it's kind of unsustainable".

The New Yorker

At that rate, be sure you get what you want.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at that rate" to clearly indicate the expected outcome or consequence if the current trend continues.

Common error

Avoid assuming the rate will remain constant indefinitely; acknowledge potential changes that could affect the outcome. For instance, instead of stating definitively "At that rate, the project will be done in a week", consider adding a caveat like "At that rate, the project should be done in a week, assuming resources remain consistent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating a condition or consequence based on a certain pace or level. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is typically used to show what will happen if something continues at the current speed or intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at that rate" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to project future outcomes based on current trends. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, it serves to highlight the potential consequences of continuing a specific behavior or process. Consider alternatives like "at that pace" or "given those circumstances" for nuanced expression. When using "at that rate", ensure clarity by acknowledging potential variables that could influence the projected outcome. It is important to note that while the phrase is common, it's crucial to use it precisely to avoid misinterpretations about the implied timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that pace

Focuses on the speed or tempo of the activity.

at that speed

Emphasizes the velocity or quickness of the progress.

at that level

Highlights the degree or intensity of something.

at that proportion

Indicates a relationship between quantities or amounts.

at that tempo

Similar to pace, but often used in musical or rhythmic contexts.

given those circumstances

Broadens the scope to include a wider range of conditions.

following that trend

Implies a continuation of an observed pattern.

projecting forward

Focuses on predicting the future based on current data.

if things continue this way

Highlights uncertainty and potential negative outcomes.

on this trajectory

Emphasizes a specific path or course of development.

FAQs

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

The phrase "at that rate" is used to project outcomes based on a current pace or trend. For example, "If you save $100 a month, "at that rate", you'll have $1200 by the end of the year."

What are some alternatives to "at that rate"?

Alternatives to "at that rate" include "at that pace", "at that speed", or "given those circumstances" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at this rate" instead of "at that rate"?

Both "at this rate" and "at that rate" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different implications. "At this rate" typically refers to the current or immediate pace, while "at that rate" refers to a previously mentioned or understood pace.

What does "at that rate" imply about the future?

The phrase "at that rate" suggests a projection or prediction about what will happen if the current trend or speed continues unchanged. It highlights the likely consequence of maintaining the existing trajectory.