at the tempo of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the tempo of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the speed or pace of music or an activity in relation to a specific reference point. Example: "The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the piece at the tempo of 120 beats per minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In a marathon, where the first half often feels run at the tempo of a tortoise, this can be dangerous.

The New Yorker

Game of Thrones meets House of Cards, played out at the tempo of a binge-viewed box-set.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Dallas" is a redemptive tale paced at the tempo of Ron Woodroof's impatience, familiar in its shape (there are obvious similarities to "Erin Brockovich"), though it's too honest about cash to be called sentimental.

The New Yorker

McClaren has Derby playing at the tempo of his first spell in charge of the club but barely a finger was laid upon them by the home side: Bent, Johnny Russell and Jacob Butterfield – the latter denied by Andy Lonergan's tip on to the post – came close and it was no shock when Wolves' interim manager, Rob Edwards, replaced midfielder Joao Teixeira with George Saville after just 32 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

You feel manic, your hands vibrating at the tempo of a volatilised political reality; your teeth chatter, your eyes pulse.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

These were taken at twice the tempo of all that had gone before; Ms. Morelenbaum became a happy-go-lucky bar singer, noticeably switching over from the ethereal vocal zone she had just been inhabiting.

The New York Times - Arts

We aimed at determining the tempo of the evolution of queen signals in two ways.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Both Baxter and Nowell reckon it now requires an extremely good side to upset them at home and the tempo of their game is blowing away sides displaying even a hint of weariness.

The Guardian - Sport

I deeply admired the reduced scale and the fastidiousness applied to Debussy's "Children's Corner Suite" after intermission, but again, I think, "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" sends its message better at two-thirds the tempo of Mr. Freire's speed-of-light approach.

The New York Times - Arts

His last 22 innings have produced a single half-century, and in 2014, 20 innings have brought him 523 runs at an average of 27.5 against a career average of 36.4, while his strike rate, 77 runs per hundred balls overall, has dipped to 71 at a time when the tempo of the game, in which 300 and more is becoming no more than par, is demanding considerably better.

The Guardian - Sport

The core problem was that human brains had not had an upgrade since the Pleistocene epoch, yet jets required human decisions at more than triple the tempo of propeller-driven aircraft.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more dynamic verbs like 'paced' or 'synchronized' to add nuance and keep the writing active.

Common error

Avoid using "at the tempo of" in situations where 'speed' or 'rate' would be more appropriate. This phrase is best suited for contexts involving rhythm or musicality, not simply any measurement of speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the tempo of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the pace or rhythm at which an action occurs or a thing moves. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing its use in describing musical performance and movement, thus clarifying its role in adding detail about tempo.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the tempo of" is grammatically correct and serves to specify the pace or rhythm of an action or event, particularly in relation to music or rhythmic standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reference point and considering whether 'speed' or 'rate' might be more appropriate. While similar phrases like "in time with" or "paced at" exist, the specific context will determine the best choice. Therefore, understanding the nuances of its application is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paced at

This version highlights the established pace or rhythm.

in time with

This alternative focuses on synchronization with a rhythm, rather than a specific tempo.

following the rhythm of

It specifies adherence to a particular rhythmic pattern.

synchronized with the pace of

This option stresses the synchronized timing with a certain pace.

at the rate of

This phrase emphasizes the speed or frequency at which something occurs.

in accordance with the beat of

It suggests alignment or agreement with a rhythmic pulse.

matching the cadence of

It reflects a correspondence in the rhythmic flow or pattern.

moving at the speed of

This alternative directly refers to the speed of movement.

keeping step with

This phrase implies maintaining pace or rhythm in coordination with something else.

tuned to the frequency of

It suggests an adjustment or alignment with a specific vibrational rate or tempo.

FAQs

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

Use "at the tempo of" to describe something moving or occurring in accordance with a specific rhythm or pace. For instance, "The dancers moved "at the tempo of" the music" or "The runner trained "at the tempo of" a metronome".

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

Similar phrases include "in time with", "at the rate of", or "paced at". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify a numerical value when using "at the tempo of"?

No, it's not always necessary. You can refer to a general tempo (e.g., "at a slow tempo") or a comparative tempo (e.g., "at a faster tempo than before"). Numerical values (e.g., beats per minute) provide greater precision.

When should I use "at the tempo of" instead of "at the speed of"?

Use "at the tempo of" when the context involves a rhythm, beat, or musical pace. Use "at the speed of" when referring to the rate of movement or progress in a general sense.