at what speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at what speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the rate of motion or the velocity of an object or action. Example: "At what speed should I drive to reach the destination on time?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Transparency Conference: At What Speed and Cost?

Columbia University

Initiating conference: Transparency: At What Speed and Cost?

Columbia University

How, and at what speed, we cannot know with certainty.

The Guardian

"It is clear that we need to cut, but at what speed?" he asked.

The New York Times

At what speed is the train believed to have approach the curve it ultimately jumped?

The New York Times

"They have a different reading on how this should be done and at what speed".

The New York Times

Mr. Gross was vague when asked at what speed drivers would be sent warning letters.

The New York Times

"I'm not going to disclose at what speed we will send out notices.

The New York Times

The witnesses were then asked at what speed they thought the cars were travelling when the cars "contacted" each other.

The New Yorker

Then we have a shaky guess as to what dinosaur was moving at what speed at that instant.

University of California, Berkeley

But just how he expects to do it, and at what speed, is a topic of furious debate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking about speed, consider the context. Use "at what speed" for formal inquiries or when precision is needed. For casual conversations, "how fast" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "at what speed" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "how fast" are more natural. Overly formal language can sound stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at what speed" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase, typically used to inquire about the velocity or rate of an action or object. It is used to seek specific information about the pace at which something is happening, similar to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at what speed" is a grammatically sound and versatile interrogative phrase used to inquire about velocity or rate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it maintains a neutral to formal tone, suitable for contexts demanding precision. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "how fast". Remember to choose the phrasing that best fits the context and your intended audience for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how quickly

Replaces "at what speed" with a more concise adverbial phrase.

how fast

A simpler and more direct way to ask about speed.

with what velocity

Uses the more formal term "velocity" instead of "speed".

how rapidly

Emphasizes the quickness or swiftness of the action.

at which rate

Substitutes "speed" with "rate", focusing on the measure of change.

at what pace

Similar to rate, pace emphasizes the rhythm or tempo of movement.

what is the rate of

Rephrases the question to emphasize the "rate" as a subject.

what is the tempo of

Substitutes the term "speed" with "tempo", commonly used in musical or rhythmic contexts.

to what degree of rapidity

A more elaborate and formal way to inquire about speed.

at what frequency

Focuses on the frequency of an event rather than its speed, suitable for cyclical processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "at what speed" when asking about the rate of motion or velocity of an object or action. For example: "At what speed should the train approach the curve?" or "At what speed is the data transmitted?

What are some alternatives to "at what speed"?

Alternatives include "how fast", "how quickly", or "with what velocity", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "at what speed" formal or informal?

"At what speed" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "how fast". The best choice depends on the context and audience.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "at what speed"?

It is appropriate in technical, scientific, or formal contexts where precision and clarity are important. News reports, academic papers, and professional communications are all fitting scenarios.