at whatever rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at whatever rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen regardless of the speed or pace at which it occurs. Example: "We will continue the project at whatever rate is necessary to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

These could choose to ban the business or to tax it at whatever rate they pleased.This burst of activity may yet come to nothing, however.

The Economist

After A-day, as it was known, workers were free to contribute pretty much what they liked to their pension pots each year, subject to a lifetime cap, and write it off against taxable income at whatever rate they were subject to.

The Economist

Those clients may like to view their gold as money, but since Starbucks doesn't share that opinion, BitGold will serve as a facilitator, accepting the client's gold deposits and then, when the client wants to make a purchase, turning it into the local currency – a Brazilian real, or Japanese yen, or Russian ruble – at whatever rate the prevailing price of gold on the global market dictates.

The Guardian - Money

We will grow at whatever rate we can.

TechCrunch

The following requirements are a lower limit; students are encouraged to exceed these requirements at whatever rate suits them.

University of Chicago

The following requirements are a minimal lower limit; students are encouraged to exceed these requirements at whatever rate suits them.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is as lawless as it would be for Congress to say to the IRS: We need $3.5 trillion to run the government next year, so raise it however you wish -- from whomever, at whatever rates you think suitable.

The Washington Post

Just construct a "ladder" of maturities so that in every year a portion of your portfolio comes due and can be reinvested at whatever rates prevail.

Forbes

One, is that if you convert this year (but this year only) you have the option to recognize and pay tax on all the conversion income in 2010, or to spread it over 2011 and 2012, paying taxes at whatever rates are in effect for those years.

Forbes

Those entities argue they are not subject to state lending laws and can offer loans at whatever rates customers will accept.

Los Angeles Times

"It's basically saying that no matter if we're guilty of -- willful misconduct, poisoning soldiers -- taxpayers have to pay to cover us as well as whatever we decide to pay on lawyers at whatever rates and all these fees," Doyle said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at whatever rate" to emphasize that progress will continue regardless of external limitations or variations in speed. This conveys a sense of determination and adaptability.

Common error

Avoid using "at whatever rate" when you specifically need to define or control the pace. This phrase suggests acceptance of any speed, which might be inappropriate in contexts requiring precision or efficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at whatever rate" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating that an action or process will proceed without being constrained by a specific tempo or speed. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at whatever rate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something will proceed without a specific constraint on speed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and formal business. Its main function is to express flexibility and assurance that progress will be made regardless of speed variations. When using this phrase, ensure that its intent aligns with your overall message and consider alternatives like "at any speed" or "regardless of the pace" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at any speed

This alternative focuses on the pace of the action, implying that it will continue regardless of how fast or slow it is.

regardless of the pace

This phrase emphasizes that the action is not limited by the speed at which it occurs.

irrespective of the tempo

Similar to 'regardless of pace', but uses 'tempo', suitable when discussing processes that involve a recurring beat or timing.

at all costs

This alternative implies a sense of urgency and determination, suggesting that something will be done no matter the difficulty or sacrifice.

at any level

This option can be used when the rate is interpreted as degree or standard.

at any frequency

This option is used for an event that happens in a determined span of time.

at any percentage

This option can be used in place of "at whatever rate" when talking about percentages.

no matter the cost

Focuses on ignoring financial or other types of costs to achieve the goal.

without limitation

Indicates a freedom from restrictions regarding speed or intensity.

as quickly as possible

Emphasizes the intention to proceed rapidly, though not necessarily without limits.

FAQs

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

You can use "at whatever rate" to indicate that an action will continue regardless of the speed or pace. For example, "We will continue the project "at whatever rate" is necessary to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "at whatever rate"?

Alternatives include "at any speed", "regardless of the pace", or "irrespective of the tempo", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "at whatever rate" in formal writing?

Yes, "at whatever rate" is suitable for formal writing, as evidenced by its presence in news articles and academic texts. However, ensure that it aligns with the tone and style of your writing.

What is the difference between "at whatever rate" and "at all costs"?

"At whatever rate" focuses on the speed or pace of an action, implying that it will continue regardless of how fast or slow it is. In contrast, "at all costs" suggests a willingness to do something regardless of the sacrifices or difficulties involved. The former focuses on time, while the latter focuses on effort and resources.