mad pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mad pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very fast or frantic speed, often in the context of work, activities, or events. Example: "The team worked at a mad pace to meet the project deadline, pushing through long hours and tight schedules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There's nothing like a good snowstorm to halt the mad pace of Manhattan.

The New York Times

But Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's executive committee, said Israel is moving at "a mad pace" to "impose its own solution" to the conflict.

The New York Times

The mad pace of the last weekend before the New Jersey primary was an expression of the importance the candidates attach to reaching individual voters, particularly if, as some analysts have predicted, the turnout on Tuesday is small.

The New York Times

THE ill winds of the current stock market have one benefit: prices for hotel rooms in New York are not rising at their previous mad pace, although virtually no hotel room in the city meets any reasonable definition of bargain.

The New York Times - Travel

With its mad pace and surrealistic, Looney Tunes gags, "Son of Paleface" propelled Hope into the violent, aggressively iconoclastic comic spirit of the 1950s, drawing on the same wild energy that fueled Martin and Lewis (Tashlin would go on to direct some of their best films), Lenny Bruce and Mad magazine.

The New York Times

Ventriloquising for the mad, or rather for those who are mad in this way, is a risky business for novelists; for the mad, pace RD Laing, do not have greater insights than the sane, and do not necessarily express themselves any more memorably.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He "rushed hither and thither, dripping with sweat, laughed, caught up tools, cut, sawed, drilled and could not keep pace with the mad tempo of his heart".

Huffington Post

"It's a mad, fast paced, high octane, visually arresting feast on the senses combining video animation and typography too – borrowing the language and grammar of a generation weaned on Snapchat then dialling it up even more".

The Guardian

I remember a particularly difficult break up when I was raving mad and pacing across the room, arguing that we should stay together.

HuffPost

Evolutionarily, dashing around at a mad and madder pace was something we did when the neighboring village of cavemen invaded with clubs, or when the tiger was chasing us or the river overflowed its banks and threatened to drown us.

Huffington Post

Outside, Shouket's mad uncle was pacing, holding a glass in his hand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mad pace" to describe situations where speed is not only fast but also somewhat uncontrolled or chaotic. It's suitable when the rapid speed is a notable or concerning aspect of the situation.

Common error

While "mad pace" is acceptable, it's less formal. In business reports or academic papers, opt for more neutral terms like "rapid rate" or "accelerated pace" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Mad pace" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate speed or tempo. It emphasizes not just the quickness, but also the frenzied or chaotic nature of the activity. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples supports this interpretation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mad pace" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a fast and often chaotic speed. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in general writing, it may be less suitable for formal or academic contexts, where alternatives like "rapid rate" or "accelerated pace" might be preferred. Remember that it is useful to convey a sense of urgency or intensity, and less useful to convey an ordered or controlled increase of speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frenetic speed

Emphasizes the chaotic and energetic nature of the speed.

breakneck speed

Highlights the danger and risk associated with the high speed.

frantic rhythm

Shifts focus to a recurring pattern of hurried activity.

rapid tempo

Implies a fast beat or rate of activity.

accelerated rate

Focuses on the increase in speed or progress.

swift momentum

Highlights the quickness and force behind the movement.

whirlwind fashion

Suggests a chaotic and rapid sequence of events.

high velocity

Emphasizes the speed in a more technical or scientific context.

hectic clip

Describes the pace as busy and disorganized.

feverish activity

Conveys a sense of excitement and urgency driving the speed.

FAQs

What does "mad pace" mean?

The phrase "mad pace" describes something that is happening very quickly, often in a frantic or chaotic manner. It suggests a speed that is almost out of control.

How can I use "mad pace" in a sentence?

You can use "mad pace" to describe different situations, such as: "The project advanced at a "mad pace" due to the urgent deadline." or "The city moves at a "mad pace", especially during rush hour".

What are some alternatives to "mad pace"?

Alternatives to "mad pace" include "frenetic speed", "breakneck speed", or "rapid tempo". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "mad pace" appropriate for formal writing?

While "mad pace" is generally understood, it might be considered too informal for academic or formal business writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "accelerated rate".