at warp speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at warp speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something happening very quickly or at an accelerated pace, often in a science fiction context. Example: "The project was completed at warp speed, exceeding all expectations for the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brown drives her staff at warp speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The economy is changing at warp speed.

The New York Times

And the bounty arrives at warp speed.

The New York Times

Yale's reconstruction proceeds at warp speed.

The New York Times

History is happening at warp speed.

Harvard Business Review

"I like to get things done at warp speed".

The New York Times - Arts

We are running geologic history backward, and at warp speed.

The New Yorker

"We're moving at warp speed," Newmark's Patrick Nalls said, appropriately.

The Washington Post

John Starks clapped his hands at warp speed.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everything is happening at warp speed," Dr. Watson said.

The New York Times

But the inauguration will come at warp speed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at warp speed" when you want to emphasize the extreme rapidity or acceleration of something, often in a context that suggests transformative change or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "at warp speed" in situations that are mundane or lack a sense of significant acceleration or change. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at warp speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at warp speed" is a grammatically sound and very common adverbial phrase used to describe something happening exceptionally fast. As Ludwig AI points out, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media, where it emphasizes rapid change or progress. While originating from science fiction, its usage has broadened into mainstream communication, making it a versatile phrase for conveying speed and acceleration. While Ludwig confirms it's appropriate, overuse or application in mundane contexts should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases include "extremely quickly" and "at a blistering pace", which offer slight variations in intensity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a blistering pace

Highlights the intensity of the speed, suggesting something almost uncontrollably fast.

at breakneck speed

Implies a dangerous or reckless pace.

at lightning speed

Uses a different natural phenomenon to illustrate extreme speed.

extremely quickly

Emphasizes speed but lacks the intensity and imagery of "at warp speed".

in the blink of an eye

Conveys instantaneous action.

very rapidly

A more formal and less evocative alternative.

at an accelerated rate

More technical and less figurative.

with great haste

More formal and emphasizes the urgency of the action.

with all possible speed

Emphasizes effort to be as fast as possible.

in rapid succession

Focuses on the quick sequence of events rather than sheer speed.

FAQs

How to use "at warp speed" in a sentence?

You can use "at warp speed" to describe something happening very quickly or accelerating rapidly. For example, "Technology is advancing "at warp speed"".

What can I say instead of "at warp speed"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely quickly", "very rapidly", or "at a blistering pace" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "at warp speed" or "in warp speed"?

"At warp speed" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "In warp speed" is not commonly used.

What's the difference between "at warp speed" and "at breakneck speed"?

"At warp speed" emphasizes extreme rapidity and often suggests technological or transformative progress, while "at breakneck speed" implies a dangerous or reckless pace.