at the pace of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the pace of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe how something is being done, how quickly something is happening, or to compare two different speeds. For example, "The company is growing at the pace of 3% every year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You may be frustrated at the pace of change.

The New York Times

Wine moves at the pace of agriculture, slowly and cyclically.

The New York Times - Food

Why can't life move at the pace of movies?

The Guardian

Mario Carpo vaults from Renaissance aspirations to current conditions at the pace of a breathless fable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Real wages can grow in the long run only at the pace of productivity.

The Economist

Just look at the pace of change in the unfettered technology industry.

Independent

The owner supervised his workers, compelling them to work at the pace of the machine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New breweries opened last year at the pace of one a day.

The New York Times

"We've been going at the pace of the slowest regulator," the official said.

The New York Times

The result is a film that screeches along at the pace of a music video.

The Economist

It courageously assails tiny firms, and at the pace of a three-toed sloth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the pace of" to compare the speed or progress of something to a known entity or process. For example, "The project is developing at the pace of a start-up."

Common error

Don't limit the usage of "at the pace of" to physical movement. Remember that "pace" can refer to the rate of any process, change, or development. Avoid saying "The economy is growing at the pace of a cheetah", instead say "The economy is growing at the pace of the early 2000s tech boom."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the pace of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the speed, rate, or tempo at which an action or process occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the pace of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the speed or rate at which something occurs, often in comparison to a known standard. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is relevant and clear. Consider alternatives like "at the speed of" or "at the rate of" for subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "at the pace of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the speed of

Focuses on velocity rather than the broader concept of progress or manner implied by "pace".

at the rate of

Emphasizes a numerical measure or frequency of occurrence, differing from the more qualitative sense of "pace".

in accordance with the rhythm of

Highlights a natural or cyclical pattern, whereas "pace" can refer to artificial or forced speeds.

following the tempo of

Specifically relates to musical or rhythmic timing, which is more restrictive than the general application of "pace".

moving in sync with

Implies coordination or alignment, suggesting a relationship between multiple entities' speeds.

at the cadence of

Refers to a rhythmic sequence or flow, especially in language or movement, differing from the broader sense of "pace".

at the velocity of

Stresses the directional speed of an object or process, unlike the more general concept of "pace".

geared to the measure of

Emphasizes adjustment or adaptation to a specific standard or quantity.

harmonizing with the progress of

Implies agreement or synchronization with development, changing the focus from speed to advancement.

corresponding to the swiftness of

Highlights a direct relationship between different speeds, adding a comparative element not always present in "pace".

FAQs

How can I use "at the pace of" in a sentence?

You can use "at the pace of" to describe the speed or rate at which something is happening, comparing it to something else. For instance, "The company expanded "at the pace of" a rapidly growing startup".

What phrases are similar to "at the pace of"?

Alternatives include "at the speed of", "at the rate of", or "in accordance with the rhythm of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at the rhythm of" instead of "at the pace of"?

While "at the rhythm of" can sometimes be used as a substitute, it typically refers to a more regular or cyclical pattern, whereas "at the pace of" can refer to any rate of progress.

What is the difference between "at the pace of" and "at the speed of"?

"At the pace of" often implies a more holistic sense of progress or development, while "at the speed of" focuses more specifically on the rate of movement or change.