cadence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cadence' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a rhythm or to refer to the rise and fall of sound in language (such as the rhythm of a poem). For example, you could say, "The poem had a gentle cadence that made it easy to read aloud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On spin-ups we increase the cadence to maybe 130-140 rpm - a purely neural, not muscular move.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a base line question: who am I in solidarity with?" One of the pleasures writers festivals offer is hearing the particular cadence of the voice of those authors you almost only read in prose, the author pic you're familiar with suddenly animated.

The Guardian - Books

But the run-up to the return series, even though it has not even started yet, already promises to have a Nasser Hussain-era cadence to it, with reedy, schoolboy protestations of manifest improvement and bullish intent on the part of Australia giving way to the inevitable first-morning batting collapse and long, frustrating days in the field fetching balls for Alastair Cook double hundreds.

The Guardian - Sport

I tried all the tricks which had served me so well all week – trying to keep a high cadence and leaning forward to let gravity take hold – but it just wouldn't happen for me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His legs working at a phenomenally high cadence, he reached a velocity that seemed to challenge the laws of centrifugal force and clocked a time of 9.0sec.

The Guardian - Sport

"After World War II, contemporary art was seen as a way of regenerating German society," says the sculptor, who speaks English with the cadence of a native German speaker.

The Economist

Wilson had a golden ear for the cadence and humour of everyday speech, and the way his characters reveal themselves through language provides a pleasure unmatched on the American stage".Radio Golf" is the cycle's final chapter in two senses: it is set in the century's last decade, and Wilson died soon after completing it.

The Economist

Here the lyrics star, and you are free to set them to the jilted awkward cadence in your head, unravelling beats such as "Full of black rats trapped, plus the Island is packed/ From what I hear in all the stories when my peoples come back, black/ I'm living where the nights is jet black, the fiends fight to get crack .I have too many favourite lines and lyrics to count.

The Economist

Always on guard against "a longueur or a limping cadence", she often writes as if she were telling her strange story out loud.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The last note of the tune, the point of resolution and final repose, usually falls on the fundamental tone (i.e., keynote) of the scale; the mid-cadence falling normally a perfect fifth above the tonic or a perfect fourth below it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Set in the US, it draws its inspiration from American speech cadences and the movies of the Coen brothers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a speaker's voice, use "cadence" to capture the rise and fall of their speech, highlighting its musicality and rhythm.

Common error

While "cadence" can relate to rhythm and pace, avoid using it interchangeably with "speed". "Cadence" implies a structured rhythm or flow, not just how fast something is happening. For example, the term applies to steps per minute, but not to speed of steps in miles per hour.

Linguistic Context

The word "cadence" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds, movements, or events. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing speech patterns, musical progressions, and even athletic activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cadence" is a versatile noun that describes a rhythmic flow or sequence, applicable in music, speech, movement, and other domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. The word appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "cadence", ensure you're conveying the structured rhythm or flow, not simply speed. Alternatives include "rhythm", "tempo", and "beat", depending on the specific context. The word "cadence" can often add a touch of formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cadency

Denotes the quality of having a rhythmic flow or beat, similar to cadence.

rhythm

Focuses specifically on the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables or beats.

tempo

Emphasizes the speed or pace at which something occurs.

beat

Highlights the underlying pulse or unit of time.

meter

Refers to the arrangement of syllables in poetry by a pattern of stressed and unstressed beats.

measure

Implies a standard or unit of rhythmic time.

flow

Focuses on the continuous and smooth movement or progression.

swing

Highlights a lilting or rhythmic movement.

lilt

Suggests a gentle, rising and falling rhythm.

modulation

Emphasizes the change or variation in pitch or tone.

FAQs

How to use "cadence" in a sentence?

You can use "cadence" to describe the rhythmic flow of music, speech, or movement. For example, "The poem had a soothing cadence" or "The runner maintained a steady cadence".

What does "cadence" mean in music?

In music, "cadence" refers to a sequence of chords that brings a phrase, section, or piece to a conclusion. It acts as a musical punctuation mark.

What can I say instead of "cadence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rhythm", "tempo", or "beat". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "cadence" and "rhythm"?

"Cadence" often implies a more melodic or flowing rhythm, especially in speech or music, while "rhythm" is a more general term for a pattern of stressed and unstressed beats or sounds.