bursts of speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bursts of speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe sudden increases in speed, often in the context of sports or physical activities. Example: "The athlete demonstrated impressive bursts of speed during the final lap of the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

Sports

Animal behavior

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rumours circulated about his uncanny bursts of speed.

The Economist

interval training on an exercise bike, alternating a steady pace with quick bursts of speed.

Harvard University

"When it all gets bottled up, we just try for short bursts of speed, like Kerouac".

The New York Times

Because they burn liquid fuels, they can be turned on and off for bursts of speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Supple melodies were quickly overlaid with brittle dissonances and agitated bursts of speed.

The New York Times - Arts

On the clay surface, she has compact steps, bursts of speed and the ability to slide.

The New York Times - Sports

His boat is a proven design that has shown great bursts of speed at 30 knots.

The New York Times - Sports

He was sacked six times, but avoided others with quick footwork and bursts of speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Some did strides — short bursts of speed — or ran briefly at close to their race pace.

The New York Times - Health

Canines have exceptional stamina but are not capable of great bursts of speed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sirenians in general are slow-moving but capable of short bursts of speed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bursts of speed" when describing short, intense periods of rapid movement or acceleration. For example, in sports, it accurately portrays a player's ability to quickly increase their speed to gain an advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "bursts of speed" when describing a consistently high speed over a long duration. Instead, use phrases like "high speed" or "rapid pace" to better reflect continuous motion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bursts of speed" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes instances of rapid acceleration or increased velocity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bursts of speed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes instances of rapid acceleration or increased velocity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, including sports, animal behavior, and music. While its register is generally neutral, it is most commonly found in news and media sources. Remember to use "bursts of speed" when describing short, intense periods of rapid movement and avoid using it for sustained high speeds. Alternatives include phrases like "sudden accelerations" or "quick sprints".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden accelerations

Focuses more on the rate of change of speed rather than the speed itself.

rapid accelerations

Emphasizes both speed and the quick increase in speed.

quick sprints

Implies short, rapid runs or movements.

spurts of velocity

Uses a more formal term for speed, 'velocity'.

explosive speed

Conveys an idea of power and force behind the acceleration.

flashes of quickness

Highlights the momentary nature of the speed.

brief surges

Suggests a temporary increase in power or force.

increased momentum

Focuses on the buildup of force and speed.

momentary bursts of pace

Emphasizes a temporary change in rhythm or tempo.

sudden increases in tempo

Focuses on the change in the rate of activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "bursts of speed" to describe sudden accelerations, such as "The cheetah is known for its impressive "bursts of speed" when hunting prey."

What are some alternatives to "bursts of speed"?

Alternatives to "bursts of speed" include "sudden accelerations", "quick sprints", or "rapid accelerations", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "bursts of speed" versus "high speed"?

"Bursts of speed" refers to short, intense accelerations, while "high speed" implies a sustained, rapid pace. Choose the phrase that best reflects the duration and intensity of the motion being described.

Can "bursts of speed" be used in non-physical contexts?

While commonly used in physical contexts like sports, "bursts of speed" can also be metaphorically applied to describe rapid increases in activity or intensity in other areas, such as "bursts of creativity" or "bursts of activity".