fair speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reasonable or acceptable pace of movement or progress in various contexts, such as transportation or project completion. Example: "The train was traveling at a fair speed, allowing passengers to reach their destination on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It still zips at a fair speed to the right, leaving a tricky four footer for bogey.

The Guardian - Sport

We were going a fair speed and the bus aquaplaned onto the opposite side of the road, then back on to the correct side, then hit the kerb/grass verge.

The Guardian

"The ball's travelled at a fair speed but it's travelled five or six yards and it's a clear handball.

BBC

Normally, you would only have to slightly flick the Wii remote at a fair speed.

WikiHow

Start to move it side to side at a fair speed that encourages your cat to play with it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A street fair of speed was on.

The New York Times - Sports

The genius of our stem-cell genie bids fair to speed longevity's day.

The New York Times

We were trucking along at a fair old speed, easily more than 20mph, and soon we were winding among foothills of dry, scrubby land framed by craggy peaks, sun-washed ochre against an azure sky.

The Guardian - Travel

His car immediately spun towards the inside of the corner and hit the Armco barrier nose-on, although Perez was able to scrub a fair amount of speed off after the initial impact.

Independent

I hit it with a fair bit of speed and it's really disappointing because the guys were good all day looking after me and then for this to happen, it hurts".

The Guardian - Sport

That is in sharp contrast to the tough message delivered by Radek Sikorski and Guido Westerwelle during their visit to Minsk, when they told the regime that election-rigging would bring continued isolation, but a fair poll would speed integration with Europe.Incidentally, I hear that the two ministers asked Mr Lukashenka about the treatment of sexual minorities in Belarus.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing motion, consider the audience and context. "Fair speed" is generally understood but can be replaced with more precise terms like "moderate pace" or "reasonable velocity" in technical writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming "fair speed" is universally understood. What constitutes a "fair speed" varies greatly depending on the context (e.g., driving, data transfer, project completion). Always provide additional context to clarify your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair speed" functions as a noun phrase where "fair" modifies the noun "speed". It acts as a descriptor indicating an acceptable or moderate velocity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and readily understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

21%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fair speed" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe an acceptable or moderate pace. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively uncommon, its meaning is clear across a variety of contexts, primarily in news, media, and online wiki-based articles. When writing, consider more precise language or more context to ensure clarity, especially in technical documentation. Although its meaning is straightforward and versatile, understanding context and audience is key to make it efficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderate pace

Emphasizes the tempo or rate of progress rather than the velocity, applicable to activities beyond just movement.

reasonable speed

Highlights the justification or appropriateness of the speed, suggesting it's neither too fast nor too slow for the circumstances.

decent speed

Indicates a satisfactory level of quickness, implying it meets expectations or standards.

respectable speed

Suggests the speed is worthy of admiration or notice, often used in competitive contexts.

moderate velocity

A more formal alternative, replacing "speed" with its scientific equivalent, "velocity".

average speed

Implies the speed is typical or normal for a given situation or object.

suitable speed

Focuses on the appropriateness of the speed for a specific purpose or condition.

tolerable speed

Suggests the speed might not be ideal but is acceptable under the circumstances.

comfortable speed

Highlights the ease or convenience associated with the speed, especially for the user or observer.

steady speed

Emphasizes the consistency or lack of variation in the speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "fair speed" to describe an acceptable or moderate pace of movement. For example: "The train was traveling at a fair speed."

What can I say instead of "fair speed"?

Consider alternatives like "moderate pace", "reasonable speed", or "decent speed" depending on the context.

Is "fair speed" formal or informal?

"Fair speed" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in technical writing, more precise terms like "moderate velocity" might be preferable.

What factors determine what a "fair speed" is?

The definition of "fair speed" varies greatly depending on the situation. Factors include safety considerations, legal limits, and the specific requirements of the task at hand.