miles per second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miles per second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing speed or velocity, particularly in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The spacecraft was traveling at a speed of 5 miles per second as it approached the asteroid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was, if memory serves, 17 miles per second.

The New York Times

Now it's moving away at about 25 miles per second, he said, and will exit the solar system at about 16 miles per second.

The New York Times - Science

Altair rotates at the fast speed of more than 200 km (120 miles) per second.

Encyclopedia Britannica

3. The initial speed of the Neuschwanstein meteorite was recorded at 13 miles per second.

The New York Times

Reducing the craft's speed from 13.7 miles per second was the key challenge.

The Guardian

It would need to gain a speed of almost 5 miles per second.

The New York Times - Science

It thumped into the atmosphere at 12 miles per second and became a fireball.

The Guardian

It increases to about 11 km (6.8 miles) per second near the centre of the Earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The expansion speed of the gas is typically 30 km (19 miles) per second.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mercury is 48 million miles away and speeding along at 30 miles per second.

The Guardian

As meteors fall through the atmosphere, they tend to be falling at enormous speeds, around 26 miles per second!

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about very high speeds, especially in scientific contexts, use "miles per second" for clarity and precision. Ensure that the context warrants this unit of measurement, as it's typically used for astronomical or aerospace applications.

Common error

Avoid using "miles per second" interchangeably with "miles per hour" or "kilometers per second". "Miles per second" represents significantly higher speeds and is appropriate only when describing objects moving at extreme velocities, such as spacecraft or meteors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miles per second" functions as a unit of measurement expressing velocity, especially for objects moving at very high speeds. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

31%

News & Media

34%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "miles per second" is a grammatically correct and frequently used unit of speed, particularly within scientific, academic, and news media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for describing extremely high velocities, such as those of spacecraft, meteors, or other celestial objects. To avoid confusion, it shouldn't be used interchangeably with "miles per hour" in everyday situations. Alternative phrases, like "mps" or "miles each second", can sometimes be used depending on the desired level of formality and precision. When writing, ensure its usage is appropriate for the context and audience, maintaining clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mps

Abbreviation of "miles per second".

miles each second

Rephrasing using "each" instead of "per".

speed measured in miles per second

Explicitly states that "miles per second" is a unit of measurement.

velocity in miles per second

Using the more scientific term "velocity".

distance in miles covered per second

Elaborates on the distance aspect.

rate of travel in miles per second

Focuses on the rate of travel.

speed of movement in miles per second

Highlights the movement aspect.

miles traveled every second

Using "every second" for emphasis.

distance traversed per second in miles

Changes the order and emphasizes the distance traversed.

speed expressed as miles per second

Focuses on the expression of speed.

FAQs

How do I use "miles per second" in a sentence?

Use "miles per second" to describe the speed of objects moving at very high velocities. For example, "The meteor entered the atmosphere at 20 "miles per second"."

What's the difference between "miles per second" and "miles per hour"?

"Miles per second" measures distance covered in one second, while "miles per hour" measures distance covered in one hour. "Miles per second" is used for extremely fast objects like spacecraft, while "miles per hour" is used for everyday speeds like cars.

What are some alternatives to "miles per second"?

Depending on the context, you could use "mps" (the abbreviation), or rephrase as "miles each second". In scientific contexts, consider using "kilometers per second" if appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "miles per second" instead of "miles per hour"?

Use "miles per second" when describing objects moving at extremely high speeds, such as objects in space or high-speed projectiles. For everyday speeds, "miles per hour" is more appropriate.