burst of speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burst of speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden or unexpected increase in speed or energy. For example: She ran with a burst of speed to chase after the thief.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was an astonishing burst of speed.

The Guardian - Sport

She's got an incredible burst of speed.

The Guardian - Sport

It was his biggest burst of speed all day.

The New York Times - Sports

Enough to make Romanians put on a burst of speed?

The Economist

Racers can even pull mid-air tricks to gain a burst of speed upon landing.

The Guardian - Tech

Putting on a burst of speed, Ms. Hamilton leaves her assailant far behind.

The New York Times

A late burst of speed helped her to a win in the 100-metre freestyle race.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Russia's burst of speed was propelled by a surge in energy prices driven by Chinese growth.

The Economist

But when they get a whiff of fresh meat, they can turn on a serious burst of speed.

The Guardian - Film

Or could human error, a medical issue, or some other factor like clumsiness explain the sudden burst of speed?

The Guardian - Business

"Now I have a second chance, and I know I do not have to ask for a burst of speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sudden increase in momentum or progress, consider using "burst of speed" to vividly convey the quick and energetic nature of the change. This phrase is particularly effective in sports writing, narrative storytelling, and technical reports.

Common error

Avoid using "burst of speed" in contexts where a gradual or sustained increase in speed is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, so ensure it accurately reflects a sudden, noticeable acceleration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burst of speed" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how it describes a sudden increase in velocity or momentum. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is indeed correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burst of speed" is a common and correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden increase in velocity or momentum. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English and frequently appears in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility, spanning from sports to economics. While semantically similar alternatives like "sudden acceleration" or "rapid surge" exist, "burst of speed" specifically emphasizes the abrupt and energetic nature of the increase. Use it judiciously to vividly convey dynamism and momentum in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden acceleration

Focuses on the change in velocity over time.

rapid surge

Emphasizes the swiftness and intensity of the increase.

quick burst

Highlights the brevity and abruptness of the increase in velocity.

sudden spurt

Implies a short, energetic burst forward.

swift acceleration

Combines speed and the rate of change in velocity.

rapid tempo increase

Used when speed is associated with tempo for example when refering to music, or progress.

accelerated pace

Highlights the faster rate of movement or progress.

flight of speed

A metaphorical phrase highlighting an impressive speed, that could fit in narrative context.

outbreak of velocity

Emphasizes sudden and uncontrolled manner of gaining speed, suitable for technical context.

quantum leap in velocity

Highlights an impressive sudden burst of speed.

FAQs

How can I use "burst of speed" in a sentence?

You can use "burst of speed" to describe a sudden increase in velocity. For example: "The runner unleashed a "burst of speed" in the final stretch."

What are some alternatives to "burst of speed"?

Some alternatives include "sudden acceleration", "rapid surge", or "quick burst". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a burst of speed" or should I use another article?

"A burst of speed" is the correct and most common usage. The article "a" indicates a single, sudden instance of increased speed.

What's the difference between "burst of speed" and "increase in speed"?

"Burst of speed" implies a sudden, energetic increase, while "increase in speed" is a more general term that can refer to a gradual or sustained change.