good tempo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good tempo" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a favorable pace or rhythm in music, sports, or any activity that involves timing. For example, "The band maintained a good tempo throughout the performance." Alternative expressions include "steady pace," "favorable rhythm," and "appropriate speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That's right — I have good tempo.

The New Yorker

"Training is at a good tempo, at a high pace.

Independent

"We found a good rhythm and a good tempo".

The New York Times - Sports

Aggressively and with a good tempo to the game.

The Guardian - Sport

United started strongly and set a good tempo in the opening half-hour.

Independent

"We got through the lines really well and had good tempo in our passing.

The Guardian - Sport

I felt the first team had good tempo and we moved the ball quite a bit.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Frans Josef's local grandson, a thick-lipped, unhappy youth, clicks his heels & kisses hands in good Viennese tempo.

The New Yorker

"I was happy because we won, but we didn't have a good, high tempo," Chelsea Manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

The New York Times - Sports

We had to come out in the second half and show some fight to get back into it, though I felt we just really didn't have good enough tempo to our game today.

BBC

Radcliffe, who viewed the race as an important part of her preparation ahead of the Olympic marathon on 5 August, set a good early tempo and passed the 5km point in 16:16.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports reporting, use it to praise a team's energy and quick transition play.

Common error

Avoid using "good tempo" when you actually mean a complex pattern of movement. Tempo refers strictly to the speed of the beat or the pace of the action, while rhythm refers to the specific arrangement of those beats or movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good tempo" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "good" modifies the noun "tempo". In sentences, it typically serves as the direct object of a verb (e.g. "set a good tempo") or follows a preposition (e.g. "with a good tempo"). According to Ludwig, it is used to evaluate the speed of an ongoing process or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Sports Reporting

10%

Wiki & General Instruction

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal Business

1%

Academic Research

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good tempo" is a versatile and correct English expression used to denote a favorable or appropriate pace of activity. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in sports and music contexts, where it highlights a balance between speed and control. Whether describing a football team's passing game or a golfer's swing, "good tempo" implies a rhythm that feels 'just right' for the situation. While it is synonymous with phrases like "steady pace" or "solid timing", it specifically emphasizes the temporal aspect of the performance. Writers should feel confident using this phrase in any neutral or professional setting to convey a sense of successful momentum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steady pace

Emphasizes consistency and lack of fluctuation over mere speed.

favorable rhythm

Shifts the focus from speed to the pattern or flow of the activity.

brisk tempo

Specifies that the good speed is specifically on the faster side.

consistent timing

Focuses on the accuracy of when actions occur rather than the overall rate.

optimal speed

Suggests the most effective rate for achieving a specific goal.

fluid movement

Describes the grace and continuity of the action rather than its speed.

high pace

Explicitly denotes a fast rate of activity.

solid cadence

A more technical or poetic way to describe a reliable beat or stride.

smooth flow

Focuses on the lack of interruptions in the activity.

effective timing

Highlights the strategic value of the pace chosen.

FAQs

How do I use "good tempo" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an activity's pace, such as "The band maintained a "good tempo" throughout the set" or "The team played with a "good tempo" in the first half".

What can I say instead of "good tempo"?

Depending on your context, you might use "steady pace", "brisk rhythm", or "favorable cadence".

What is the difference between "good tempo" and "high tempo"?

"high tempo" specifically means fast, whereas "good tempo" simply means the speed is appropriate or pleasing, regardless of whether it is fast or slow.

Is "good tempo" formal enough for academic writing?

While correct, it is more common in journalism and sports. In a strictly academic or scientific context, you might prefer "consistent rate" or "optimal frequency".