at the rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a specific speed, frequency, or level of something, often in relation to time or quantity. Example: "At the rate we are going, we will finish the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the rate I was going, I give it days.

The New York Times

at the rate of a million dollars a year . . .

The New Yorker

We weren't excluded at the rate you lot are.

The Guardian

At the rate he's going, he'll never make it.

The New York Times

One day soon, at the rate things are going.

The New York Times

East Asia is losing at the rate of 1.6% each year, while mangroves are going at the rate of 1%.

The Guardian

"I'd like to expand at the rate AMC has.

The New York Times

"But not at the rate that we're going".

The New York Times

Our final device is set to sample at the rate of 1 KHz, and output data at the rate of 1 Hz.

Cornell University

Services are billed at the rate posted on the date of service delivery.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The oceans are still warming at the rate we would expect from increasing greenhouse gasses.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the rate" to clearly indicate the speed or frequency at which something is happening, especially when comparing it to a standard or expectation. For example, "The company was expanding at the rate of 20% per year."

Common error

Avoid using "at the rate" when you simply mean "quickly" or "fast". "At the rate" implies a measurable or observable pace, not just general speed. Instead of saying "He finished the project at the rate", specify what rate you're referring to, or use a simpler word.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the rate" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, specifying the speed, frequency, or level at which an action occurs or a process unfolds. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the rate" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the speed, frequency, or level at which something occurs. It is considered grammatically correct and highly usable according to Ludwig, appearing most frequently in news, academic and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "at this pace" and "given the speed", but "at the rate" is generally preferred for its clarity and measurability. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms all those findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this pace

Emphasizes the speed or tempo of progress, similar to "at the rate" but focuses on current movement.

at the current speed

Highlights the present velocity or swiftness, akin to "at the rate" but with a stronger focus on speed.

given the speed

Indicates consideration of the speed involved, similar to "at the rate" but emphasizes acknowledgement of the velocity.

considering the pace

Focuses on the tempo or rhythm of progress, akin to "at the rate" but highlights evaluation of the pace.

in proportion to the speed

Highlights a direct relationship or ratio to the speed or frequency of the action.

in accordance with the tempo

Suggests alignment with a particular tempo or rhythm.

corresponding to the velocity

Implies a direct correspondence or matching relationship to the velocity.

based on the frequency

Emphasizes that something is determined or calculated by the frequency.

dependent on the tempo

Suggests reliance or contingency on the tempo or rhythm.

progressing at this speed

Highlights forward movement at an existing velocity.

FAQs

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

Use "at the rate" to describe the speed or frequency at which something is happening. For example, "The ice caps are melting "at the rate" of X cubic kilometers per year."

What can I say instead of "at the rate"?

You can use alternatives like "at this pace", "given the speed", or "considering the pace" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at the rate that" or just "at the rate"?

The phrase "at the rate" is often sufficient and more concise. Adding "that" is not grammatically incorrect, but it's usually unnecessary. For example, "They were losing money "at the rate" of $1 million per month" is preferred over "at the rate that."

What's the difference between "at the rate" and "in rate"?

"At the rate" indicates a specific pace or frequency. "In rate" is less common and may be used in specialized contexts related to finance or economics. In most general contexts, "at the rate" is the more appropriate choice.