full speed ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"full speed ahead" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express enthusiasm or urgency, such as when someone wants to start a project or continue working on it quickly. Example sentence: "Let's go full speed ahead on this project to get it done by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Full speed ahead!" fame.

The New Yorker

"It really seems full speed ahead".

The New York Times

Here, it signals full speed ahead.

The New York Times - Food

Her reaction: Full speed ahead.

The Guardian - Business

"I continued steaming full speed ahead".

The New York Times - Style

"Now damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead".

The New Yorker

"I think it's just full speed ahead.

The New York Times

Damn civic pride, full speed ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Still they proceeded full speed ahead.

The New York Times - Magazine

Full speed ahead on health bill.

The New York Times

Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead / Howard Munson.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full speed ahead" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and commitment to a project or goal. It's particularly effective in motivational contexts or when giving instructions to a team.

Common error

Avoid using "full speed ahead" in situations that require caution or careful planning. The phrase implies a lack of hesitation, which may be inappropriate in delicate or risky scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full speed ahead" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig examples showcase its use to emphasize enthusiastic and unreserved commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full speed ahead" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate maximum effort and commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it serves to convey enthusiasm and a sense of urgency. While its origins lie in naval commands, its versatility makes it suitable for both professional and general communication. When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with its implied lack of hesitation, as caution might be necessary in certain scenarios. For situations needing slightly altered emphasis, consider alternatives like "go all out" or "forge ahead".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go all out

Emphasizes maximum effort and commitment.

forge ahead

Highlights continued progress despite potential obstacles.

press on

Focuses on continuing forward with determination.

move forward rapidly

Stresses the speed and progression of advancement.

proceed without hesitation

Indicates a clear and confident path forward.

spare no effort

Highlights the dedication and resources being applied.

jump right in

Suggests immediate and enthusiastic engagement.

give it your all

Emphasizes complete dedication and effort.

get cracking

Informal way to suggest starting quickly and energetically.

hit the ground running

Suggests starting a task with immediate energy and efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "full speed ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "full speed ahead" to indicate that a project or plan should be pursued with maximum effort and without delay. For example, "Now that we have the funding, it's "full speed ahead" on the new marketing campaign."

What does "full speed ahead" mean?

"Full speed ahead" means to proceed with maximum effort and without hesitation. It often implies a strong commitment to achieving a goal, even in the face of potential obstacles.

What can I say instead of "full speed ahead"?

You can use alternatives like "go all out", "forge ahead", or "press on" depending on the specific context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance while maintaining the core meaning of rapid progress and determination.

Is "full speed ahead" formal or informal?

"Full speed ahead" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards being less formal due to its origins as a naval command. In business and news contexts, it's generally acceptable, but in highly formal settings, alternatives like "proceed expeditiously" might be more appropriate.