at the same rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the same rate" is a perfectly grammatical phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things are moving or changing at the same speed. For example, "The two runners maintained the same pace, running at the same rate the whole way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not all at the same rate.

The New Yorker

Both are decreasing at the same rate, Dr. Hardy said.

The New York Times

Um, at the same rate as our sugar consumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

She wasn't growing at the same rate as her sister.

The New York Times - Health

"The reserve chute fails at the same rate.

The New York Times - Travel

The Asian population grew at the same rate, to 15m.

The Economist

All objects within view are enlarged at the same rate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

United's income at the same rate equated to 324.8m euros.

Independent

Children do not all develop at the same rate".

Independent

Ardent environmentalists and hardened sceptics recycle at the same rate.

The Economist

Until 1992 they all issued bonds at the same rate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the units of measure or the context when using "at the same rate", especially if it's not immediately obvious. For example, "The economy is not growing at the same rate as it was five years ago, affecting job creation."

Common error

Avoid using "at the same rate" when you actually mean "at the same time" or "in the same location." While all three phrases involve simultaneity, "at the same rate" focuses specifically on the comparative speed or progression of separate processes, not simply the concurrence of events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the same rate" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the manner in which an action is performed or a process unfolds. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, supporting this function as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the same rate" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that two or more processes are progressing with equal speed or frequency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from news media to scientific publications. While it is generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid using it when you actually mean "at the same time." Alternatives like "equally" or "in equal measure" can be used depending on context. This analysis provides practical writing guidance and addresses common usage questions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally

This term conveys the concept of things being identical in amount, number, or extent, which closely aligns with the idea of performing "at the same rate".

in equal measure

This phrase emphasizes the comparability of the actions or processes, suggesting they are proceeding in a balanced manner, similar to "at the same rate".

at an equivalent pace

The term 'pace' is more specific, focusing on the speed of the activity. It highlights the synchronicity of movement or development.

proportionally

This term suggests that changes or increases maintain a steady relationship to one another, reflecting a comparable advancement as "at the same rate".

uniformly

This term indicates a lack of variation. It means that actions or progressions occur without deviation or inconsistency, similar to "at the same rate".

at a comparable speed

The term 'speed' explicitly refers to velocity. It makes the pace clear and direct, closely mirroring the sense of "at the same rate".

with similar frequency

This alternative shifts the focus to how often something happens, rather than how fast. It works when discussing recurring events.

in parallel

This suggests that things are happening simultaneously and progressing side by side, emphasizing the simultaneous nature of performing "at the same rate".

at a like tempo

The term 'tempo' emphasizes timing and rhythm. It maintains consistent timing and congruent progression with the original phrase.

commensurately

This term suggests that things are being measured and advanced to an equal or corresponding extent, similar to actions being performed "at the same rate".

FAQs

What does it mean to say something is happening "at the same rate"?

Saying something is happening "at the same rate" means that two or more processes, actions, or changes are occurring with equal speed or frequency. It emphasizes a synchronous or comparable progression.

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

You can use "at the same rate" to compare the speed or frequency of different things. For example, "Although the siblings had different diets, they gained weight "at the same rate"."

What are some alternatives to "at the same rate"?

Alternatives to "at the same rate" include phrases like "equally", "in equal measure", or "at an equivalent pace" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at the same rate" interchangeable with "at the same time"?

No, "at the same rate" is not fully interchangeable with "at the same time". "At the same time" simply means concurrently. While "at the same rate" implies two or more things progressing with equal speed.