colossal speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs or moves at an extremely high rate or pace. Example: "The new computer processes data at colossal speed, making it ideal for complex simulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They then raised their M249 squad automatic weapons, a light machine gun that sprays bullets at colossal speed.

The Guardian

From the Cayenne Diesel S then one can only assume that the average Chelsea Tractor owner wants to cross Europe at colossal speed and at great expense, navigating occasional muddy obstacles with their three children in the back complete with a vast amount of supplies and a fleet of Bugaboo buggies in the huge boot.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Thus, if we want to probe the farthest depths of the universe, and understand the cosmos's early formation, we need to study objects moving away from us at colossal speeds – stars and galaxies that generally can only be seen in the infrared part of the spectrum.

The Guardian

The Louvre Abu Dhabi looks set to open in 2016, as work on Jean Nouvel's colossal construction speeds up and his vision of a modern medina starts to crystallise on what was once a desert island.

The Guardian - Arts

A chariot fitted with enormous whirling blades, slicing men in half or cutting off their legs, leaving pieces scattered; guns with multiple barrels arranged like organ pipes to increase the speed and intensity of firing; a colossal missile-launching crossbow.

The New Yorker

Infrastructure spending is also colossal, particularly on a vast network of metro systems and high-speed trains, in an attempt to wean the newly created middle class from their cars in order to alleviate the drastic pollution.

The Guardian - Books

Top speed is unrelated to mass until you get to the most colossal animals.

Science Magazine

Once the behaviour of pedestrians is established in terms of speed and density with respect to the environment, even for the colossal systems, the pedestrian flow characteristics can be modelled by applying extremely efficient simulations.

European Transport Research Review

They are colossal musicians and playing with them was like getting into a big, very fast car and then breaking the speed limit.

The Guardian

But for all Mr Hu's talk of the victory won by China's colossal relief efforts, some survivors are deeply unhappy.China's immediate response to the earthquake won international praise for its speed and openness.

The Economist

CHARLEY: Colossal!

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "colossal speed" to emphasize not just high speed, but also the magnitude or impact of that speed. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of awe or impressiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "colossal speed" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a somewhat formal expression that can sound out of place in less serious contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very fast" or "extremely quick".

Linguistic Context

Adjectival modifier. "Colossal speed" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of something characterized by great speed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "colossal speed" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though relatively uncommon. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is suitable for describing something moving or occurring at an extremely high rate, particularly when the magnitude of that speed is significant. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to emphasize the intensity or impact of the speed. While effective in formal writing, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Consider related phrases such as "immense velocity" or "tremendous pace" to achieve slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense velocity

Replaces "speed" with "velocity" and "colossal" with "immense", altering the specific wording while retaining the core meaning of great speed.

tremendous pace

Substitutes "speed" with "pace" and "colossal" with "tremendous", modifying the expression to focus on the rate of progress.

extraordinary swiftness

Replaces "speed" with "swiftness" and "colossal" with "extraordinary", changing the terminology to highlight the quickness of action.

remarkable rapidity

Changes "speed" to "rapidity" and "colossal" to "remarkable", focusing on the quickness with which something occurs.

blinding speed

Uses "blinding" as an adjective to emphasize the extreme nature of the speed, creating a more figurative expression.

breakneck speed

Employs a more idiomatic expression, "breakneck speed", to denote dangerously high velocity.

warp speed

Borrowing from science fiction, "warp speed" suggests a pace that far exceeds normal limits.

incredibly high speed

A more literal substitution, replacing "colossal" with "incredibly high" to describe the level of speed.

exceptionally rapid rate

Modifies the phrase to focus on "rate" rather than "speed", with "exceptionally rapid" replacing "colossal".

extremely fast tempo

Uses "tempo", often associated with music, to describe the speed and replaces "colossal" with "extremely fast".

FAQs

How can I use "colossal speed" in a sentence?

You can use "colossal speed" to describe processes or movements that occur at a remarkably high rate. For example, "The data was processed at "colossal speed", allowing for rapid analysis."

What are some alternatives to "colossal speed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "immense velocity", "tremendous pace", or "extraordinary swiftness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "colossal speed" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "colossal speed" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the magnitude of the speed. However, consider your audience and choose the most precise and clear wording for your context. Simpler terms like "high speed" might be preferable in some cases.

What kind of imagery does "colossal speed" evoke?

"Colossal speed" evokes imagery of something not only moving fast but also doing so with considerable force or impact. It suggests a speed that is noteworthy or even overwhelming, unlike simple "fast speed".