at what rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at what rate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to ask about the speed, frequency, or quantity of something. For example: - At what rate is the population growing? - Can you tell me at what rate the machine operates? - I'm curious about at what rate the project is progressing. - The teacher asked the students to calculate at what rate the bacteria were multiplying. - At what rate does your company typically hire new employees?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The doctor can determine at what rate that they should come off the antidepressants.

The New York Times

Where is the money paid to N&N taxed and at what rate?

The Guardian - Sport

The BBSW determines at what rate banks lend to each other.

The Guardian

"Our job is to analyze at what rate each of these trusts is running down".

The New York Times

How quickly will Scotland repay its debts, and at what rate of interest?

The Economist

If the exposure route is air, how and at what rate do seat belts degrade?

The New York Times - Books

We let the system determine at what rate revenue is maximized at a given occupancy level".

The New York Times

However, without flow testing Cuadrilla cannot be sure at what rate the oil may flow to the surface.

The Guardian

Conti is accused of frequently asking the banks' traders at what rate they would like Libor set.

The Guardian - Business

In Britain, however, the issue of when, how and at what rate we might join the euro goes undiscussed.

The Guardian

Coaches can see what players have learned and patterns in how they learn: through which methods, at what rate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at what rate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured (e.g., growth, decline, change).

Common error

Avoid using "at what rate" when a simple "how fast" or "how often" would be clearer and more direct. Overusing formal phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at what rate" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase, typically used to inquire about the speed, frequency, or proportion at which something occurs or changes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at what rate" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to inquire about the speed, frequency, or proportion of a given process. Ludwig AI affirms its accuracy and widespread usage. Its prevalence across various domains, as highlighted in Ludwig's examples, underscores its importance in both formal and informal communication. While phrases like "how fast" and "how often" can convey a similar meaning, "at what rate" introduces a degree of precision often required in professional and scientific contexts. From finance to environmental science, "at what rate" enables clear and concise communication about the dynamics of change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at what speed

Replaces "rate" with "speed", focusing on velocity or quickness.

at what pace

Substitutes "rate" with "pace", emphasizing rhythm or tempo.

at what frequency

Replaces "rate" with "frequency", highlighting how often something occurs.

at what velocity

Substitutes "rate" with "velocity", which indicates speed in a specific direction.

at what level

Replaces "rate" with "level", focusing on the intensity or degree of something.

at what proportion

Substitutes "rate" with "proportion", focusing on the ratio or fraction of something.

at what percentage

Replaces "rate" with "percentage", specifying a proportional rate out of 100.

at what tempo

Substitutes "rate" with "tempo", highlighting rhythm or beat.

at what ratio

Replaces "rate" with "ratio", highlighting the relative size of two or more values.

at what index

Substitutes "rate" with "index", which is a measure of change in a variable or set of variables.

FAQs

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

Use "at what rate" to inquire about the speed or frequency of an action or change. For example, "At what rate is the company expanding?" or "At what rate does the interest accrue"?

What phrases are similar to "at what rate"?

Alternatives include "at what speed", "at what pace", or "at what frequency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "at what rate" instead of "how fast"?

"At what rate" is more formal and suitable for technical or professional contexts where precision is important. "How fast" is generally more appropriate for informal settings.

Is there a difference between "at what rate" and "at what level"?

Yes, "at what rate" refers to the speed or frequency of change, while "at what level" refers to the intensity or degree of something. For example, "At what rate is the water rising?" versus "At what level is the water currently?"