match the speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "match the speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a situation where someone is asking another person to move or make progress at the same rate or pace. For example, "Let's both match the speed as we go up the hill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A few can even match the speed of his fastball.

The New York Times - Sports

Can't we match the speed of the 1930s?

The New York Times

But few countries can match the speed with which the United States has embraced fiscal austerity.

The New York Times

Humans and horses could not match the speed of electrical signals.

The New York Times - Tech

Essentially it must accelerate to match the speed of the culture in which it exists.

The Guardian - Sport

Participants had to match the speed of a leading vehicle when the FCW was triggered.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

Essentially, set the GolfBall sprite's speed and heading to match the speed and heading of the player's fling gesture.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

For the gears to mesh, the driver had to match the speeds of the engine and the selected gear, certainly an acquired skill.

The New York Times

Computer-controlled clutch packs allow a precise amount of slip between the transmission and each front wheel to match the speeds of the front and rear axles.

The New York Times

The Wi-Fi-type standards take several leaps further and now match the speeds of many wired networks.

Forbes

In this way, we were able to match the speeds of different types of complex motion stimuli precisely ([30] for more details).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to synchronize their speed with another, use "match the speed" for clarity and directness, particularly in scenarios like driving or athletic training.

Common error

Avoid using "match the speed" when the intention is to accelerate or go faster. "Match the speed" implies synchronization, not necessarily acceleration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "match the speed" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it's used to indicate the action of synchronizing or equaling one object's velocity with another. It often appears in contexts related to movement, technology, and competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "match the speed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of synchronizing or equaling velocities. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. While its register remains mostly neutral, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from simply increasing velocity. Remember that this expression means synchronizing and not accelerating. By understanding these nuances, you can use "match the speed" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep pace with

Means to maintain the same rate of movement or progress as someone or something else. More concise and conversational.

align the velocity

Highlights bringing speeds into a state of agreement or correspondence. A subtle shift in focus.

keep up with the velocity

Emphasizes the effort required to maintain the same speed. Adds a nuance of challenge or difficulty.

equalize the velocity

Focuses on achieving equal speeds between two entities. Shift in emphasis from matching to equalization.

synchronize the pace

Emphasizes coordinating the rhythm or rate of movement. Introduces the concept of synchronization.

coordinate the tempo

Implies aligning the timing or beat of an activity. More suitable for rhythmic or musical contexts.

correspond to the rate

Stresses the act of conforming to a specific rate of progress. More formal and less direct.

attain the equivalent speed

Focuses on reaching the same level of velocity. Adds a sense of achievement or effort.

harmonize the rhythm

Suggests creating a pleasing or coherent flow by adjusting speed. Implies a more artistic or aesthetic context.

simulate the rate

Implies imitating or replicating a particular speed. Useful in scenarios where exact matching isn't possible.

FAQs

How can I use "match the speed" in a sentence?

You can use "match the speed" when you want something or someone to move at the same velocity as another. For example, "The autopilot system will automatically "match the speed" of the car in front of you".

What is a similar phrase to "match the speed"?

A similar phrase to "match the speed" is "keep pace with", which also means to move at the same rate as something else.

When is it appropriate to use "align the velocity" instead of "match the speed"?

"Align the velocity" can be used instead of "match the speed" when you're describing bringing speeds into a state of agreement or correspondence. It's a subtle nuance, but both are acceptable. "Align the velocity" is more formal and emphasizes precision.

Is it correct to say "matches the speed" instead of "match the speed"?

Yes, "matches the speed" is correct when the subject is singular or third-person singular. For example, "The car's cruise control automatically "matches the speed" of the vehicle ahead".