at top speed

USAGE SUMMARY

'at top speed' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action or situation in which something is occurring or happening at the fastest possible rate. For example: The bobsled raced down the track at top speed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Eddie ran at top speed for some distance until the buck was completely out of sight.

University of Chicago

At top speed?

The New Yorker

Vessels made toward him at top speed.

The New Yorker

At top speed, it reaches 87mph.

The Guardian

It's like arctic air coming through, blowing at top speed.

The New York Times

Even at top speed, she seems at leisure.

The New York Times - Arts

Mains arrived at top speed, as though sent by courier.

Independent

We were soon tearing about the water at top speed.

The Guardian - Travel

The architects attacked the interiors at top speed.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Motherwell came out the traps at top speed after the restart.

BBC

He preferred to let everyone fly at top speed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a synonym if "at top speed" feels too literal or lacks the desired nuance. For example, "at breakneck speed" might be more appropriate when describing a dangerous situation.

Common error

Avoid using "at top speed" when a more descriptive term would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "the negotiations proceeded at top speed", consider "the negotiations were fast-tracked" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at top speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner of action. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English and its usage across various contexts, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at top speed" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the idea of maximum velocity or rate of action. While versatile, its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and less so in highly formal or scientific contexts. For alternative expressions, consider options like "at full throttle" or "as fast as possible" to fine-tune the nuance. Remember to consider the context carefully to ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at full throttle

Emphasizes maximum power or effort, like a car accelerating.

at maximum velocity

A more formal and scientific alternative emphasizing precise measurement.

at breakneck speed

Highlights the danger or recklessness associated with extreme speed.

at full tilt

Suggests an unrestrained or energetic pace.

as fast as possible

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the limit of speed.

at warp speed

Evokes a sense of futuristic, extremely rapid motion.

at a rapid rate

Highlights the quickness of progress or change.

with utmost haste

Implies urgency and quickness of action.

flat out

An informal expression indicating maximum effort and speed.

in overdrive

Conveys a sense of increased activity or intensity beyond the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "at top speed" in a sentence?

You can use "at top speed" to describe something moving or happening as quickly as possible. For instance, "The car raced down the highway at top speed" or "The factory was producing goods at top speed to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to saying "at top speed"?

You can use alternatives such as "at full throttle", "at maximum velocity", or "as fast as possible" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at top speed"?

Yes, "at top speed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed.

What is the difference between "at top speed" and "at a high speed"?

"At top speed" implies the absolute fastest possible rate, whereas "at a high speed" simply means moving or happening quickly, but not necessarily at the limit. For example a car moving "at a high speed" might be going 70 mph, while its top speed could be 150 mph.