maximum speed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maximum speed of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the highest speed that something can achieve, such as a vehicle, a machine, or a process. Example: "The maximum speed of the train is 300 kilometers per hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has a maximum speed of 17 knots.

Independent

The Segways are in beginner's "turtle mode" and will go at a maximum speed of 4.5mph.

The Guardian - Tech

Wi-Fi networks have a maximum speed of about 11 megabits per second.

The New York Times - Tech

The ride will last 189 seconds, with a maximum speed of 46mph (75km/h).

The Guardian - Travel

Its predecessor, the SV2, could manage a maximum speed of 1.5 knots.

The New York Times

On the long straight, cars reach a maximum speed of about 195 miles per hour.

The New York Times - Sports

"Great car," the general said after the 10-minute drive at a sedate maximum speed of 50 miles an hour.

The New York Times

An extra key realigns the suspension should one care to tip the maximum speed of 253 miles an hour.

The New York Times - Travel

Bombardier specifications say that the trains are designed for a maximum speed of about 60 miles per hour.

The New York Times

Class three types can go on the pavement or on the road, with a maximum speed of 8mph.

The Guardian

After 14 days of age, virtual larvae swam at the constant maximum speed of 0.5 mm s−1.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the design specifications or capabilities of a vehicle or machine, use "maximum speed of" to clearly state its performance limit. For example, "The maximum speed of this electric car is 150 mph."

Common error

Avoid using "maximum speed of" when you intend to describe the typical or average speed. "Maximum speed" refers to the highest possible speed under ideal conditions, while average speed considers real-world factors like traffic and stops.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maximum speed of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, specifying the highest rate at which something can move or operate. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and suitable for describing the upper limit of velocity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maximum speed of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the highest attainable speed of an object, process, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is essential to use this phrase when accuracy and precision are required, differentiating it from terms like "average speed". Key contexts include technical specifications, news reports, and general discussions about performance capabilities. When writing, remember to reserve "maximum speed" to denote the uppermost limit, and avoid confusing it with typical operating speeds. Alternatives such as "top speed of" or "peak speed of" offer stylistic variations while maintaining similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top speed of

Replaces "maximum" with "top", indicating the highest speed achieved.

peak speed of

Uses "peak" instead of "maximum", emphasizing the highest point of speed.

highest velocity of

Substitutes "speed" with "velocity", offering a more technical term.

maximum velocity achieved by

Rephrases to focus on the achievement of maximum velocity.

maximum rate of

Emphasizes the rate aspect of speed, suitable for processes.

speed limit of

Indicates a legal or imposed speed restriction.

terminal velocity of

Refers to the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches.

fastest speed of

Uses "fastest" as a synonym for "maximum", suitable in informal contexts.

maximum attainable speed of

Highlights the capability of reaching the highest speed.

greatest speed of

Uses "greatest" to convey the concept of maximum speed.

FAQs

What's an alternative to "maximum speed of"?

You can use alternatives like "top speed of", "peak speed of", or "highest velocity of" depending on the context.

How do I use "maximum speed of" in a sentence?

Use "maximum speed of" to describe the highest speed something is designed to reach. Example: "The maximum speed of the motorcycle is 200 km/h."

Is it correct to say "maximal speed of" instead of "maximum speed of"?

While "maximal" is a synonym for "maximum", the phrase "maximum speed of" is more common and widely accepted. "Maximal speed of" is less frequently used but not incorrect.

What is the difference between "maximum speed of" and "average speed of"?

"Maximum speed of" refers to the highest speed attainable, while "average speed of" indicates the typical speed achieved over a distance, considering factors like stops and variations in pace.