at the proper speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the proper speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the appropriate pace or rate at which something should be done or experienced. Example: "To ensure safety during the race, all participants must maintain their vehicles at the proper speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The safety board said that the plane was at the proper speed, descending at the proper rate and on the proper course "down to about 200-400 feet".

The New York Times

If the blades aren't rotating at the proper speed or you get a burning smell, disconnect the fan immediately.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He already knows the story — who does not know about William Wallace? — but she reads smoothly and at just the proper speed and makes some things solemn and others terrifying and others comical, so that soon he is as much in thrall to the book as she is.

The New Yorker

There's a lot of companies that you can work with that have the technology to send at the proper speeds and use the correct throttling.

Forbes

Johnny's performing style is that of someone who, many years ago, once met someone who once heard an Elvis Presley record playing at about half the proper speed, and in forty years of fame he has neither altered nor improved this manner.

The New Yorker

If he didn't read it just right, with the proper speed, it wasn't going to fall".

The New York Times - Sports

Use the proper speed.

WikiHow

Was this at the right speed?

Vice

One feels a mask on his playing, like the experience of listening to a 33 r.p.m. record cranked up to 78; it's hard to know, really, what it would be like at its proper speed and whether it would be any good.

The New York Times - Arts

The slow diffusion of the TBOS species at the interface balanced with proper speed of condensation and restructuring causes their immediate consumption in the water phase at the interfacial region and yields seeds that grow linearly into fiber shapes [37].

Nanoscale Research Letters

In the US, the state of Montana only started enforcing speed limits in 1999 – after the state Supreme Court decided that the previous law counting on citizens to drive at a "reasonable and proper" speed was too vague.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the proper speed", ensure that the context clearly defines what 'proper' means. Specify the factors determining the correct speed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the proper speed" without specifying what constitutes the 'proper' speed. Provide details or reference points to avoid ambiguity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the proper speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the correct or appropriate pace or velocity of an action or process. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, showcasing its role in describing actions like descending (plane), rotating (fan), or reading (a story).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the proper speed" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the correct or appropriate rate or pace for an action or process. Ludwig identifies its usage across various contexts, including news, how-to guides, and scientific articles. While its frequency is uncommon, as confirmed by Ludwig, understanding its purpose and applying it with contextual awareness can significantly enhance clarity in writing. Remember to consider what makes the "speed" proper in order to improve readability. This phrase has a neutral register and can be used in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the correct pace

Replaces "speed" with "pace", emphasizing the rhythm or tempo rather than velocity.

at the right velocity

Substitutes "speed" with "velocity", providing a more technical or scientific tone.

at the appropriate rate

Uses "rate" instead of "speed", focusing on the measure or quantity over time.

at the designated speed

Specifies that the speed is predetermined or officially set.

at the prescribed rate

Similar to "designated speed", indicating a recommended or required pace.

at the optimum speed

Emphasizes that the speed is ideal for maximum effectiveness or performance.

at the suitable tempo

Replaces "speed" with "tempo", often used in musical or rhythmic contexts.

at the intended pace

Highlights that the speed aligns with a specific plan or goal.

at the designed velocity

Indicates the speed is determined by engineering or design specifications.

at the standardized rate

Refers to a speed established by industry standards or regulations.

FAQs

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

Use "at the proper speed" to indicate that something is moving or occurring at the correct pace or velocity, such as, "The plane was descending "at the proper speed" for landing".

What are some alternatives to saying "at the proper speed"?

You can use alternatives like "at the correct pace", "at the right velocity", or "at the appropriate rate" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. These alternatives are semantically similar to "at the proper speed".

What does it mean to do something "at the proper speed"?

Doing something "at the proper speed" means performing an action or task at the rate or velocity that is most suitable or effective for the intended outcome, ensuring safety, efficiency, or optimal results.

Is there a difference between "at the proper speed" and "at the right speed"?

While both phrases are similar, "at the proper speed" often implies a more precise or prescribed speed, whereas "at the right speed" can be more generally applicable. They are largely interchangeable, but context might favor one over the other. For example: the pilot approached the airport "at the right speed" but was not descending "at the proper speed".