high speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"high speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to movement or progress that is occurring at a faster than average rate. For example: "The high speed train from Barcelona to Madrid is the fastest way to travel between the two cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

He talks at high speed.

The New York Times - Sports

High speed does the rest".

The New Yorker

Collision at high speed is inevitable.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course, high speed is relative.

The New York Times

Blend at high speed for 2 minutes.

The New York Times

High speed rail.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Very high-speed snapshots.

The Economist

high-speed networks.

The New York Times - Tech

High-speed data transmission.

The New York Times

High-speed digital design.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

High-speed handling.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve technical terms like "high velocity" for scientific or engineering contexts to maintain precise register.

Common error

Avoid using redundant modifiers like "very high speed fast". Since "high speed" already implies a significant rate, adding "fast" at the end creates a tautology that weakens the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high speed" primarily functions as a compound noun or a modifier. In Ludwig AI examples, it is frequently seen following the preposition 'at' to describe the manner of movement. When hyphenated, it serves as an attributive adjective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high speed" is a versatile and correct phrase in English, widely supported by high-quality sources in Ludwig. It is most effectively used to describe rapid physical motion or high-performance technology. A key takeaway from Ludwig AI is the importance of the hyphen: use "high speed" as a noun phrase and "high-speed" as an adjective. Whether you are writing for a newspaper, a scientific report or a technical manual, this phrase provides a clear and professional way to indicate a fast rate of progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high-speed

Hyphenated form specifically used as an attributive adjective before a noun.

high velocity

Provides a more technical or scientific connotation often used in physics.

rapid pace

Focuses on the rate of progress or activity rather than physical movement.

breakneck speed

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a dangerous or extreme level of quickness.

top speed

Refers to the maximum possible rate of movement an object can achieve.

lightning speed

A metaphorical term used to describe something occurring almost instantaneously.

brisk tempo

Typically used in the context of music, walking or business operations.

full throttle

A mechanical metaphor for maximum power or effort.

high acceleration

Emphasizes the rate of increase in speed rather than the speed itself.

fast-track

Describes a process or career path designed for rapid advancement.

FAQs

What is the difference between "high speed" and "high-speed"?

The open form "high speed" is typically a noun phrase used after prepositions, while the hyphenated "high-speed" is a compound adjective used before a noun.

Can I use "rapid pace" instead of "high speed"?

Yes, you can use "rapid pace" when referring to the speed of a process or work, whereas "high speed" is more common for physical travel or technology.

Is it better to use "high velocity" in scientific writing?

In physics or engineering, "high velocity" is often preferred because it refers to speed in a specific direction.

What is a more idiomatic way to say "high speed"?

Depending on the context, you could use "breakneck speed" for dramatic effect or "top speed" to denote maximum capability.